The Royal Typewriter Company was founded in Hartford and based in greater Hartford for many years. They were bought by Olivetti and have not manufactured typewriters for a decade or so.
These machines are in a display at the Old State House in a "Made in Hartford" exhibit.
Ah, the 'ol manual typewriter! Believe it or not, I used a manual to write all my term papers in college. That's what was available to me, so that's what I used. (Thank goodness for whiteout!) I'm surprised to hear a company was still making them in 2011. I wonder who was buying them?!
ReplyDeleteI had one in my room at a B&B in Washington state just a week ago. Can't say I've used them much as computers were already in use when I began working but when I see one, I think of all the great writers... I believe some actually still use them rather than computers.
ReplyDeleteI too am surprised they hung on making them this long. There is one on display in the Leeds Library that I often admire when I walk past it. But I really would not want to go back to the days before email. I cannot remember the last time I used a typewriter, but it was a long time ago!
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I remember getting my first electric typewriter in junior high. What a thrill. My parents still used a manual and did not like the feel of an electric. By the time I started working, IBM Selectrics had come out. I took all of my law school exams by carrying in two typewriters (in case one broke down, which it did once) with me the the "typing exam room" used by only about 10% of the students (30 years ago).
ReplyDeleteWhen I started working as a lawyer, I brought in a typewriter to my office so I could bang out a draft to give to my secretary. I faced the disdain and criticism of a senior partner who thought it was unprofessional for a lawyer to know how to type fast and bang out drafts of his own work.
I love the sound of a typewriter. I'll take the black one.
ReplyDeleteI remember my first electric typewriter very well. Seems crazy that they are a thing of the past. Given that keyboards are still a part of every day life, it is certainly a good thing I took those typing classes in high school.
ReplyDeleteI think I took typing in high school on that top one!
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Here ya go Jack.............
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vuDMInQMYQ
Hard to believe I learned to type on one of those and had them at my first jobs, owned one for years and it does seem like a lifetime ago! Fun post for the day, Jack! Have a great day!
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We still have an old electric typewriter in the back of the desk - funny how we thought it was so advanced because it had a correction tape on it!
ReplyDeleteAs I looked at your photos I kept hearing the clack of the keys and the ding of the arm. Can't believe they were still making these up til now. I'd like the black one please.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine was able to sell some old unused ribbon at a very good price. Collector's items, I guess...
ReplyDeleteThis post obviously brings back many memories for some of the viewers. I, too, am very happy that I took those "awful" typing classes because now I can type quickly and accurately on my iMac!! Great nostalgic photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sad to see them go. I'm sure you have noticed that I'm a terrible typist. :) I never took typing in school and it shows!
ReplyDeleteWould love to see this exhibit... love the sound off in the distance.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite machine back when technology was in its infancy. Nice photos. I have great affection for typewriters...my mother taught me to type when I was about 13 - one of the greatest gifts she could ever give!
ReplyDelete... And so they became museum pieces! I'm surprised the Mumbai factory has lasted for so long, but it's kind of sad...
ReplyDeleteThat is what happens with technology, old machines move to museums. I remember high school typewriting class... Good thing the computers came alon with the backspace, delete, insert keys. I would be in such trouble without those keys.
ReplyDeleteI like the convenience of the computer, but it was fun typing on a typwriter. I still have one up in storage.
ReplyDeleteLearning to type was the best thing I ever did in high school. Now my kids call it "keyboarding".
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine insists that all one needs in life is keyboarding skills and a solid course in household plumbing. I love the look of typewriters but am grateful for computers, especially since I'm prone to many typos. But I learned my keyboarding skills in a high school typing class. If only I had learned a thing or two about plumbing (and maybe electrical wiring).
ReplyDeleteGlad I kept my old one! Now , it will be a kind of treasure..
ReplyDeleteNow you've made me wonder where my old typewriter is! Must be in the attic. I typed on it all through high school, just because it made me feel old-fashioned.
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