Setting out to buy herself a manual typewriter, an AI-weary writer visits the last full-time typewriter repair shop in Washington state—and encounters a time machine, of sorts.
It’s good to know that the west coast still has a least one typewriter repair shop with someone younger taking over. Out east the Boston/Cambridge metro area just lost Arlington Typewriter Repair last month for lack of interest by a younger generation who recognize the importance of typewriters.
I'm sorry to hear this. I'm from that area originally and it has broken my heart a little to watch how dramatically the landscape has changed over time. (RIP the Harvard Square of my youth.)
Wonderful story. You brought back memories of high school typing class. We had 2 rows of manual typewriters and one row of electric. We would alternate every week. My typing speed would always drop off the first time on either machine until I had adjusted my "touch." My mother insisted my sisters and I take typing in high school so we would "always have a skill to fall back on when looking for a job." (This was over 50 years ago - although I was also able to be in our high schools first computer class my senior year.) How prophetic she was, I was able to transition easily to a PC or MAC when that time came and was able to find paying employment until I retired 2 years ago.
It’s good to know that the west coast still has a least one typewriter repair shop with someone younger taking over. Out east the Boston/Cambridge metro area just lost Arlington Typewriter Repair last month for lack of interest by a younger generation who recognize the importance of typewriters.
I'm sorry to hear this. I'm from that area originally and it has broken my heart a little to watch how dramatically the landscape has changed over time. (RIP the Harvard Square of my youth.)
What beautiful instruments. Thanks for the images.
Road trip! (Well, a short one, anyway...I live just north of Bremerton). What a wonderful article!
Yes! You won't regret it, I promise.
Wonderful story. You brought back memories of high school typing class. We had 2 rows of manual typewriters and one row of electric. We would alternate every week. My typing speed would always drop off the first time on either machine until I had adjusted my "touch." My mother insisted my sisters and I take typing in high school so we would "always have a skill to fall back on when looking for a job." (This was over 50 years ago - although I was also able to be in our high schools first computer class my senior year.) How prophetic she was, I was able to transition easily to a PC or MAC when that time came and was able to find paying employment until I retired 2 years ago.
I need to break out my typewriter! Thanks for this post. Love that there are still craftsmen who know how to repair typewriters.