Last summer I got into a fuss over possessing a portable manual typewriter. I took the matter to my antiquer brother-in-law (we pretty much communicate only when one wants something from the other, which makes for an excellent relationship). This past weekend, in celebration of the second anniversary of my AARP eligibility, he presented me with the fruit of his search, a Smith Corona Clipper, circa 1950. The condition is less than pristine, but at least excellent. No detectable wear on the green Bakelite keys. Near perfect working order. An object of greater beauty has yet to sit on my kitchen table (this picture is not an exact representation, but it gives the correct impression).
Typing may be the only skill I developed in high school. Mrs. Sullivan’s typing instruction was almost as effective at getting your yah-yahs out as the Phys-Ed class. Her Typing Room was an old lab room at the end of the wing, full of long tables bearing monster manual typewriters that may well have been surplus purchased from the War Department. Hands were poised over the keyboard, eyes locked on the copy to the right of the machines. Good posture counted for something back then. Mrs. Sullivan strode the aisles, ruler in hand, ready to give you a good snap if she caught you watching your fingers on the keys. Those were the days.
If you’ve never written on a manual, I recommend it. It won’t be easy at first, but once you get the hang of it you’ll find it fairly exhilarating. Writing becomes a literal activity. You must strike the keys. You don’t process words; you detonate them. Above all, you alone are responsible for your language – you are the spell checker and style manual – and soon you find yourself writing with conviction or not at all. It’s a rush, man.
That's a beaut. I've always wanted to get a nice old manual typewriter, but I am so used to computer keyboards that I don't think I could get used to one.
Posted by: Alan Hogue at February 15, 2005 11:42 AMThe shop foreman at my college newspaper said that when the paper switched from manual typewriters to VDT computer terminals for drafting purposes, the articles got worse and longer, and took longer to write. Really something to be said for a system that forces you to compose in your mind before recording words in a manner that takes physical effort and uses up a finite resource. Wonder if the Romans wrote so much more tersely because for them writing was even more of a physical chore?
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at February 16, 2005 05:46 PMP.S. I have a Hermes Rocket manual portable that I used in college until I finally gave in to computers. Was actually trying to decide whether to keep it. Don't know how to get ribbons for it but could probably find out. What do you (printably) recommend doing with it?
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at February 16, 2005 09:22 PMYou can get ribbons or you can unload that Rocket at a profit.
My writing in longhand tends to be florid; on the typewriter it's all wisecracks.
I'll say this for a computer keyboard: the pinkies get used.
Posted by: Bobby Farouk at February 17, 2005 08:43 AMAlthough I won't wax poetic over manual typewriters (an old IBM Selectric was the closest I ever got and I hated using that thing -- give me a keyboard anyday), I will over typing classes. Typing was one of the most useful classes I took in middle school -- and definitely the one with the most impact on my everday activities as an adult. A friend was reminiscing today about taking typing tests in a basement classroom with all the lights out -- no way to look at your keys in that scenario!
The sad thing is that as we become more dependent on technology, these "vocational" classes are being phased out of school curriculm in favor of more academic subjects.
Posted by: Sara Brumfield at February 17, 2005 02:35 PMThanks, Bobby. I've just gotten out the Rocket and it's more fun that I remembered. Probably just needs a new ribbon, though the existing ribbon does tend to ruck up on the left side. Might be a nice exercise to try drafting something on it again.
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at February 17, 2005 02:53 PM