Thursday, November 14, 2013

We could write about the quick brown fox...

...or we could write other, more esoteric, things.
 
Typewriters inspire the written word.
 
At least for me...and some of our Grandlittles.
 
Mr. Jenny and I have started collecting vintage, portable typewriters. 
 
Garage sales, my Dad and Craigslist have been our 'sources' thus far.
 
And our major source of repair and information has been a tiny, eccentric little shop in Mesa.
 
Mesa Typewriter Repair is an absolute gem of history, knowledge and just enough dust to make your imagination go wild.


 
 
 
...this remarkable place is filled with obsolete writing tools that inspire Mr. Jenny and I to ask at every single garage sale, "Do you have any old typewriters to sell?"
 
Almost always the answer is negative.
 
But we've scored several times now.
 
Our favorite so far is a bright red one.
 
It's our Granddaughter's favorite as well.
 
 
Granddaughter, Riley, wrote a very neat poem on it.
 
Granddaughter, Julia, started a story that began, "My name is Dandelion but people call me Daring because my name is nothing like I am."
 
We continue our request for these relics of past words written.
 
If you have a colored case portable typewriter that you want to get rid of, please let me know.
 
And if you have an old typewriter out in the garage, bring it inside and try your hand at typing again.
 
It's amazing how many words are born with the clickity-clackety sound of an old typewriter at work.
 
PS.   Sorry for the sideways pictures.  So frustrating.
 
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15 comments:

"Alone again.... naturally!" said...

Fun! I wish I had our old typewriter, it was a real gem! Cathy

Jeanie said...

Doc's dad owned a typewriter store when Doc was growing up. Sadly, he has only one old typewriter left and it doesn't have a colored case. I may have to pull it out and give it a try.

Ms. A said...

That looks like my tan IBM Selectric in the top photo! I love that thing. It resides in my breakfast room.

Lorrie said...

I would love to find an old manual typewriter in working condition. But I doubt I ever will because I don't try very hard. I just want one delivered to my doorstep one day.

Love that your granddaughters are learning to use the typewriter in this day and age.

Janie Junebug said...

Our typewriters are long gone. I like the red one. I sent a message to you at your etsy shop about painting a sign. Wanted to make sure you see it.

Love,
Janie

Theresa said...

I have an electric typewriter that belonged to my Mother-in-law:) I need to get it out and take it for a spin! Cute picture... even sideways! HUGS!

Susan Anderson said...

I love old typewriters, too. I wish I had kept mine!

=)

Melinda said...

Too fun!
I wonder how many people
don't know what a typewriter
is?

Have fun.

M : )

Anonymous said...

I do love the sound of a typewriter but never will I switch from my laptop or desktop keyboard. My wrists wouldn't last long and anyway, I LOVE the delete button. :-)

Leovi said...

Yes, I have been admiring this beautiful and impressive writing elements rather than obsolete!

Rita said...

I'd be drooling all over them! I have a big old black Underwood and that's all. I found it a few years ago online and it was as close as I could get to the one I learned how to type on. I love it--for sentimental reasons. They do beg to bring thought into printed word. :)

Jayne Martin said...

I still long for my red IBM selectric. I would have kept it, but finding people to keep it tuned, especially in the rural area where I live, was difficult. So glad you're giving these wonderful machines the good home they deserve.

Splendid Little Stars said...

so typewriters live on!
wow! red! I never saw a red one! spectacular!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

That red typewriter is some kinda sassy! Love it!

We haven't gotten the sign yet, Jenny. I told Mr. m to check Shen he gets back, but it might be a few days. Will email you from etsy to chat.

Love ya...

Sheila

Pat Tillett said...

A while back we were in an antique/second had store. My granddaughter called out to me, "what is this?" I went over to look and had to. It was a typewriter!

I love them, but haven't used one in years.