Some Thoughts and Thanks About the 6th Phoenix Type-In

If you didn't make it out to the 6th Phoenix Type-In at Changing Hands you missed a great event. There were more people than ever interested in getting behind the keyboard of a typewriter. I thought it was fantastic to meet so many new people and hear their typewriter stories. 

We had a few new events that we never tried. First, was a speed typing competition arranged and organized by Jake Fisher. Jake printed out the typing assignment and really did a lion's share of the work on this event. About 5 people participated and it was a great time. Brian won the competition on his beautiful blue Selectric. He was worried that there might be a Mark Maguiresque asterisk next to his name because of his performance enhancing typewriter. But as the event was all in good fun no one begrudged him his place on the rostrum. Newcomer Rose came in second. Tori came in third. 

Second, we also had some great door prizes; four typewriters donated by Eric and Ted. I'll do a follow-up post with the names of the winners and information on how they can claim their typers.

Chanel 5 was on had to cover some of the event.

It was a lot of fun

I do want to take some time out to thank all the people who made the 6th Phoenix Type-In a success. Changing Hands has been a partner in the planning of this event. They offer the space and are so very supportive of interesting and fun things. We've held type-ins at a number of locations and by-far Changing Hands has been the most accommodating and the most excited to host us. Walt at Changing Hands was a huge help and very supportive. Thanks Cindy and Walt. I also must thank the Rt. Rev. T. Munk. I met Ted at the first Phoenix Typewriter Round-Up and Type-In at Hulu's and he was an early supporter of the Phoenix typewriter scene. If you haven't found his blog or the new, improved, and vastly better Typewriter Database you are missing out on some great internet. Go there now. Eric Jaros was kind enough to offer typewriters for the raffle. Bill Wahl was there for the first type-in and I am happy to count him as a friend. Bill spreads the word about all the type-ins to his customers and I think that more than half of the attendees knew about it from him. Thanks Bill

One final note. I didn't take nearly enough photos, but I'll include the few that made it to my Instagram feed. If you would like to follow you can find me at @tryanpa 

Type-In Today!

Today (May 23rd), from 1-4, is the 6th Phoenix Type-In at Changing Hands on Camelback Rd. Come by and enjoy some beautiful typewriters.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.magicmargin.net/2015/05/the-countdown-to-type-in-and-type-in.html

and here:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/the-6th-annual-phoenix-type-in-celebrates-typewriters-at-changing-hands-7343100

We plan on having some great things this year including:

• A typewriter clinic with Bill Wahl from the Mesa Typewriter Exchange. Bill will be on-hand to give his professional opinion about your typewriter.

• Jake Fischer, the typewriter wunderkind, will be holding a speed typing competition which may include fabulous prizes.

• A special exhibit of The Typewriters of Mad Men. You can see, in person IBM Selectrics and a small collection of typewriters featured on the show. 

• A chance to win a typewriter. Just put your First Draft receipt in the box and you can win one of three fantastic, beautiful, mid-century typewriters.

The Countdown to the Type-In and Type-In Press

If you were looking to gather with some like-minded typewriter lovers this weekend, you are in luck because the 6th Phoenix Type-In is happening this weekend at First Draft in Changing Hands. From 1-4 you can get a chance to meet typewriter collectors from across the valley, have a refreshing drink from First Draft, possibly win a typewriter, and see some great machines.

The 6th Phoenix Type-In will include:

• A typewriter clinic with Bill Wahl from the Mesa Typewriter Exchange. Bill will be on-hand to give his professional opinion about your typewriter.

• Jake Fischer, the typewriter wunderkind, will be holding a speed typing competition which may include fabulous prizes.

• A special exhibit of The Typewriters of Mad Men. You can see, in person IBM Selectrics and a small collection of typewriters featured on the show. 

• A chance to win a typewriter. Just put your First Draft receipt in the box and you can win one of three fantastic, beautiful, mid-century typewriters.

Please come out! You'll have a lot of fun.

On another note, the 6th Phoenix Type-In was featured in a New Times article. You can find that story here:

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/the-6th-annual-phoenix-type-in-celebrates-typewriters-at-changing-hands-7343100

I hope to see you on Saturday!

6th Phoenix Type-In

If you were in the mood to meet like-minded typewriter enthusiasts, this might be your event. So mark your calendar for May 23rd from 1-4 for some spring typing fun.

I would also like to take a moment and recognize our kind sponsors: First Draft at Changing Hands and the Mesa Typewriter Exchange. Without them this event would not be possible.

Silence

While a typewriter isn't exactly silent, it does allow one to enter a space where one's internal silence can come forth.

I try to talk to my students about silence and it's not exactly easy. They have a real fear of silence as if the moment you strip away all the noise what you are left by yourself. I can see how that would be scary.

This typecast is brought to you by a very lovely Olympia typeface.

The Oliver Cometh

It's been lost in the garage for at least two years, but a kind offer from a fellow Typospherian has me ready to dive into the restoration of this old green machine. I took a few Polaroids to document the before. 

The keys look nice, but they are spattered with some sort of solvent-based paint that created little grey divots. Cleaning doesn't work. The only option is replacement. The new keys are on the way.

I have the cover in a drawer somewhere. The whole machine might need a new coat of paint and that would lead to new decals. Luckily, you can get them on Etsy from Paul Roberts.

And the nickle plate is in terrible shape. If anyone has some good links to exploded parts catalogs or some suggestions on how to disassemble this machine, please let me know because I need help.

New Olympia SM-9

UPDATE: Now, this is embarrassing. I didn't even know there was a cheaper sister to the SM-9; the SM-8. I was corrected in the comments by impressionofinfinity. I checked the TWDB and sure enough, there is the SM-8. I should have done my homework. I have corrected the post where possible, but kept the original mistake.

In case you don't know Tim is from Georgia (not Alabama as I indicated previously) and he has been on the quest for the perfect user's typewriter. He's not looking to build a collection. To borrow from the world of animal adoptions, he is looking for a forever typewriter. Due to his immense generosity and kindness, whatever does not meet his expectations has found it's way here to the CTP. Most recently it's this lovely Olympia SM-9 SM-8 from 1974 or '75:

As I sat down to do this typecast, I really got into the feel of this typewriter. I haven't been sold on Olympias before. Even my favorite SG-1 sometimes feels stiff and heavy. This one couldn't be any more different. The platen is still soft and it makes for the perfect typing experience. I have to say I love it. It's a little tinny, but very solid in key feel. My personal opinion on the styling is a little more harsh.

The SG-1 is a fine precision instrument. Even the more worn-in SM-9 (another donation not from Tim)  is still very high quality. It feels as if some areas of quality were compromised in the name of profitability. Some of the metal is a little thinner. The finish isn't as fine. The fit is very good, but not as precise.

My reservations are a collector's reservations. If you are a young typist and are looking for a forever machine, this little guy might be the ticket. I already have some kids looking at this one.

CNN Student News Typewriter Segment

A colleague sent a link to this video from the March 11th edition of CNN Student News. Paul Schweitzer from Gramercy has some nice things to say about typewriters. Also, he is selling about 30 machines a week! That's amazing.

The good bit starts at 7 minutes in.

Typewriter Siwulogi

From 2:00pm to 3:00pm on the 21st, young Jake Fischer will be speaking about typewriters at the North Valley Regional Library. Pack a lunch and make your way up to the gorgeous northern parts of the Phoenix Metro area to hear what he has to say. I will take pictures and offer a complete summary of the day's events.

40410 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy

Anthem, AZ 85086

602-652-3000

Jake Fischer's North Phoenix Typewriter Presentation

Local typewriter collector Jake Fischer os hosting a presentation on typewriters called "21st Century Typewriting" on February 21st from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at the north Valley Regional Library.

I have not had the pleasure of meeting Jake in person, but we exchange email messages and he is a very entrepreneurial young typewriter and collector who has impressed me greatly. I am very interested in hearing what he has to say. For your mapping needs here is the address to the North Valley Regional Library:

40410 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy

Anthem, AZ 85086

602-652-3000

When I get a flier or other details I will happily post them here.

They Came in the Post

Last night as the rain started to fall I heard a knock at the door. I looked through the peep hole and I was surprised to see three packages. I had heard that these three packages would be coming my way from Alabama. Tim had mentioned it in his email.

I loaded the boxes into my car and drove them to school. What could be inside?

The excitement is palpable.

An Olivetti...

an Olympia...

and another Olympia.

It's raining right now, but in my classroom it's raining typewriters. More on these great typewriters very soon.

Christmas with Royal

With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be fun to see how Royal advertisements throughout the years reflected this time of family tradition.

We start with some stately pre-war grace. This kind of image makes me think of Natalie Wood in Miracle on 34th Street.

Now on to something that really puts the cheer in the holiday...

...as if you were hoping to make your children juvenile delinquents for Christmas.

Here little Jane and Billy are admiring the fine Christmas gift that will last for years. And they are not even remotely juvenile delinquents. their parents heeded the warning from Life magazine last Christmas.

As we move out of the 1940s into the 1950s the obligatory weird cute/ugly elf makes an appearance. This time, he is shilling a tombstone keyed Royal portable. I can't entirely tell, but is this a new version of Royal's portable?

Now, an advert from September:

I know Santa is magical. That has been made very clear. If Santa is so magical, why is he carrying a typewriter around and sweating? Wiggle your nose and be done with it! Also, that belt Ms. Claus bought Santa is too small. Is she telling him something? 

Santa hat and a typewriter. Genius! Don't over-think it!

Does this look like an angel is loitering and an elf-woman is being mugged? Merry Christmas!

 Look at these hip, young people communicating. Now I want some eggnog.

Does it seem like those four fake Santas and one real Santa are judging Royal's manufacturing? I mean, Litton-era typewriters are nothing exciting. Even the copywriter couldn't  muster an overtly positive thing to say about a Litton Royal. "The people who make a variety of good portables." Good portables. Not: great, fantastic, rugged, precision, or quality. Good. Maybe Litton outsourced the copy writing to Portugul along with Sabres.

That was fun. Now, I hope that there is a typewriter under your tree this Christmas.

Ghost Blog Writer

I can hardly believe that it has been nearly two months since my last post. I bet you thought I was a ghost or as my title indicates--a ghost blog writer. My metamorphosis has been greatly exaggerated. I thought I would drop a little Halloween hello to the Typosphere. Here's hoping you have a spooky and safe Halloween.

Very Odd Visual Aids

When you integrate typewriters into a class lesson it makes for some very anachronistic PowerPoint slides.

The Fingers Fly

A new school year has started. Actually, it's already three weeks old. The honeymoon has worn off and the kids are deep in the study of Beowulf, Hrothgar, and the terrible events at Herot.

This last Tuesday I started the kids on the typewriters. Here are a few pictures.

In order to get the typewriters ready for classroom use I had to dust them all off and do something about the ribbons. I didn't have time to place an order from Baco so I used Ted's WD-40 ribbon rejuvenation method. I used several light coats and didn't bother with dabbing the ribbon. They weren't wet enough to warrant it. In the end the ribbons were noticeably darker and made it easier for the kids to type.

The best part, however, was giving the lecture on how to use them. I had a whole presentation and it was very odd telling a whole generation of phone freaks how to turn a knob to feed a sheet paper into a platen. Very odd.

Type-In Thank You

No doubt you have seen some of the posts about the type in. I think it was a fantastic success and I'll share more tomorrow, but I want to take some time and thank all the people who made this the type-in possible.

First, I would like to thank Cindy, Mira, and everyone who works at the Phoenix Changing Hands. They were encouraging and exceptionally accommodating. We basically took over a large section of their common room and they were ready with a smile, a step ladder, and enthusiastic support. I would also like to offer a special thanks to Amanda and the First Draft crew. They were really digging the typewriter vibe.

Ted Munk, a type-in original, was there with paper and forms in triplicate. He has done so much to help spread the word in the East Valley and do some creative heavy-lifting. Thanks Ted. Eric Jaros, the retro tech titan, brought out cameras, typewriters, and a great spirit. It was wonderful to meet him and he did more than his fair share to make this type-in happen.

Bill Wahl of Mesa Typewriter Exchange provided his free diagnosis of typewriter ailments. He does this out of the kindness of his heart. Thank you Bill for being a type-in supporter.

I also want to thank the old guard: Robert, Brian, Marshall, Alex, and others for coming out and bringing a typewriter. It was also very nice to meet Billie a letter-writing artist. Thanks for coming out.

But I think that a final thanks is due to the incredibly vibrant typewriter community here in Phoenix. I was talking to Eric about it and it amazes me that we have cobbled together such an interesting and diverse group of people who love typewriters. What's even more amazing is that they all live in the Phoenix metro area. You would expect something like that in Portland or Ann Arbor, but not in Phoenix. It makes me smile that Phoenix is a major center for typewriter collecting.

As I wrote, I will share more tomorrow. In the meantime, thanks to everyone who hosted, planned, and attended the type-in.

Type-In Update

Don't forget that this weekend the Arizona typewriter community will be holding the 5th Phoenix Type-In at First Draft. This is a great change to meet fellow typewriter enthusiasts. Come on by, grab a drink, see a few typewriters, have a chat. It's great fun for a Saturday afternoon.

The 5th Phoenix Type-In

It's been a while since we planned a type-in, but the next one will be on the 26th of July from 1 to 4pm at First Draft Book Bar at Changing Hands. That's 300 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. Look forward to some new faces and there is a rumor of a Fay-Sholes. It should be an exciting afternoon.

Also, I would like to thank Changing Hands and First Draft for letting us have the next type-in at their fantastic new store. Changing Hands is an institution and having their support is wonderful.

So, if you can make it we would love to see you for the next type-in. Bring a machine or two! Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

If you have any questions, please email me at: ryan@magicmargin.net

If you have time check out First Draft's website: http://www.changinghands.com/firstdraftbar

Typewriter Day 2014

My Typewriter Day contribution is this Polaroid print with an assist from me. Typed on a Royal HH. The typewriter pictured is my Olympia SG-1.

Stanislaw Lem

 

I cannot tell if that is a Remington or an Underwood. Any ideas? Maybe an Olivetti ICO?

Typing to the Stars

In addition to the Brother XL-800 that was dropped on my doorstep several weeks ago, I also received a plastic wedge.

We all have been given these by people who want to unload some junk. They are good machines for a purpose, but hardly collectible. There are a few that are interesting.

They might have lines that suggest a harsh modern future where everything was a little Bang and Olufsen.

Or they might have an LCD display.

Such was the situation with this typewriter.

It's none other than a Canon Typestar 5. An ultra-thin battery operated wedge that hosts two different typefaces, automatic centering, a correction system, and a novel thermal transfer printhead that works on standard office paper. Pretty swanky technology for the period. Alas, this one was missing both knobs and I was forced to make new ones out of Instamorph. My knobs look a little like albino jujubes, but they do the job. Originally there were flatter and matched the body color more closely.

This machine comes from a time that I readily remember. I come across one of these plastic wedges and I am immediately transported to the Electric Avenue section of Montgomery Wards. It's as if I had my own Midwest time machine powered by casseroles and Jello-molds.  It was a wonderland of word processors, computers, and electronic typewriters. These gleaming bits of consumerism were stacked in rows on neat and tidy shelves. It was a sight to behold.

What is it like to type on? It's like a computer. It feels digital. You feel removed front he typing act. At the end of the digital line the carriage zips across and prints a line. It's quiet and efficient and completely devoid of romance. I don't care for it at all.

 

Everything about this typewriter smacks of gadgetry. It's a fun little gadget to impress people, but can you use it for any length of time? I know that I rather use a good old mechanical machine, but it is fun to play around with something outside my collecting range.

The really interesting thing about Canon is that there is an interesting similarity between that company and Brother. I'll share more about that later. Now, I have to find a place for this thing. Luckily it it pretty small.