More than you ever wanted to know about mid-1900s copying, plus the oldest typewritten letter. Full-size typewriters, and some compact versions, have a three position ribbon selector: Black, Stencil, and Red. In the stencil setting, the ribbon is not used. Older people (like me), or people who had early jobs using mid-1900s low volume printing… Continue reading Typewriters, Stencils, and Carbon Copies
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Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech 5
Olympia Regina Deluxe Manual Typewriter It’s not often I try something and think “I never knew it could be like this.” It’s even less often I can share that discovery, but this typewriter gave me that feeling and I’m here to share it. Olympia, a German company, was late to the typewriter game. The German… Continue reading Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech 5
Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech 4
SCM Secretarial 250 Office Electric Of the various typewriters I own, my Smith-Corona has the brand history that most typically illustrates the rise and fall of American manufacturing. Once upon a time in the 1880s, four Smith brothers left the gun manufacturing business and established the Smith-Premier Typewriting Company. In those days, typewriters were often… Continue reading Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech 4
A Subdued Milestone
Several years ago, I joined the Romance Writers of America. I felt membership would help me learn the craft and the business of writing, and that being a member would give me credibility as a writer, and especially as a romance writer. Genre romance is often described as “by women, for women,” but men are… Continue reading A Subdued Milestone
Posting and Politics
The pundits proclaim we are in an increasingly polarized society, and point to political protests over vaccinations as proof of that. I’m not sure there was ever a magical time when we all got along despite our differences. I suspect what has changed is improved communication technologies and greater freedom to express opinions held by… Continue reading Posting and Politics
Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech – 3
Speedwriter Manual Portable Typewriter Ignoring any possible historical significance or practical considerations, I obtained this typewriter because it looks like the model my first dad owned – the typewriter of my childhood, not that I ever used it then. But there is some historical significance to this machine. Speedwriter was one of many brand names… Continue reading Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech – 3
Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech – 2
Underwood Manual Office Typewriter Moves and unstable employment, some years ago, left me with few toys, but I started to make up for that once I had a nice apartment and steady work. When I saw an old typewriter being given away, I seized the opportunity to acquire a photo prop for promoting my new… Continue reading Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Tech – 2
Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Technology – Part 1 – Introduction
In which Tim Remembers his Typewriters from the 1980s A couple of years after graduating from high school, I took a night school class to learn how to use a typewriter. I had vague ambitions of wanting to write and/or going to university, and reasoned that learning to type would help. More practically, it was… Continue reading Tim’s Museum of Obsolete Technology – Part 1 – Introduction
Symbolism
There’s a notion that floats around social media in various forms, suggesting English teachers use symbolism to create meaning where none existed. Had social media been around when I was in high school, I would have clicked “like” on this post. In elementary school, whatever the teacher said was correct. “This story uses colour as… Continue reading Symbolism
Missing the Food Court
The latest round of COVID-19 re-opening guidelines in this province does not allow for indoor dining yet. It’s a small inconvenience, but I miss eating, and reading and writing, in mall food courts. My first hourly paid job was working at a restaurant in a mall food court, and I’ve found them comfortable places ever… Continue reading Missing the Food Court
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