Monday, March 7, 2011

Growth


On a similar note, Mike Clemens has started an interesting blog that will eventually become a directory of the Typosphere. The page is located at: http://typosphere.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Phoenix Type-In Remembered

The Phoenix Typewriter Round-Up was a success. All told, 6 typewriter lovers ventured into the heart of Phoenix and enjoyed each other's company. I was excited to see so many typewriters from so many time periods at the event. Everyone had a chance to see and use a typewriter or two that were completely novel.

Particularly, I was taken by the mechanism of the Blickensderfer. Playing with it I was able to see how the designers were able to use a single type element. Looking at pictures does not compare to looking at it closely. The mechanism is simply magical. If you ever have the chance to see one in person you will spend hours being mesmerized by that rotating element. To think that it was designed and made without the aide of computers! It's simply amazing.

Everyone shared how they became interested in typewriters. There was a common thread in all the stories; everyone started with just one special machine that grabbed their imagination.

We had a lively discussion centered around my post-war QDL and the Aristocrat that came with Jim. And Bill shared a story with me on how he came by several machines that have connections to local history. We both shared an interest in tracking down Don Boles' typewriter.

I hadn't the heart to do a door prize drawing, so everyone who came to the event went home with either some carbon paper or a typewriter eraser.

We had no members of the press there. I had gone and invited every reporter, editor, Lit. Professor, coffee house barista, and hipster I could find, but not a nibble. Not the result I had wanted, but press overage was not the reason for this event. We wanted to celebrate the typewriter.

The food at Hula's was very tasty. I had the Spicy Tofu Tacos. Delicious! I do have to say that Hula's staff was very accommodating. They allowed us to have two very long tables which worked perfectly for our needs.

Will there be another Type-In in Phoenix? There seemed to be interest. While I think about how I could make that happen, take a look at some more pictures.







Bill, Marshall, Jim, and Ted's arm.
P.S. Ted Munk was kind enough to bring an Olympia SM-9 for the CTP. His name will be added to our roll of illustrious benefactors.

P.P.S. I should have taken a few more pics. Maybe I'll sneak a few from Ted's blog. He's too interested in typewriters to notice.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Typewriter Round-Up Pics

I will post a narrative soon, but in the meantime enjoy some of these great machines...





I have more pics that I'll share later this evening. It was a really great event.

Today is the Day!

I look forward to meeting everyone at the Typewriter Round-Up (Type-In). I've gone ahead and embedded a map of the location of the event in this blog post. As things develop over the day I'll  continue to post. But, in case you need the address of Hula's here it is:

Hula's Modern Tiki
4700 North Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Remember that Central is now home to the Metro light rail and the road is now divided by tracks. Hula's is on the west side of the street, so it is easiest co come from the north.


View Larger Map

I will also make sure to bring my camera to capture the historic event.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Countdown!



well, with that in mind, I thought it would be smart of me to think about the typewriters I plan on bringing. Obviously, my pride an joy, the Royal Quiet Deluxe should be allowed an outing. Normally it sits on the shelf looking pretty, but tomorrow it'll be hitting the town. The blue Olympia SM3 will be tagging along as well. The color is wonderful and the condition is nice. It will juxtapose perfectly against the black QDL. Finally, after much hemming and hawing, I am going to bring the 1969 Hermes 3000. It is going to serve as the official guest book. This Hermes is not a looker, but it is a good solid performer that has yet to fail me. As people arrive, they can type-in a message. 

Tonight and tomorrow I plan on assembling all the stuff I'll need for the event. I completely forgot the modest door prizes at school. I'll have to make a small trip back to get everything, but that's no biggie. I am getting seriously excited. 

On a wonderful note, Georganne, the proprietress of Frances Vintage (a wonderful boutique in Phoenix) was kind enough to post the flier for the Round-Up on her blog. Take a look. I've been to Frances and it is simply the best place to buy a gift for the significant woman in your life. There are things with frills and adornments!