95% Of People Have No Idea What This Machine Is. Do You?
May 18, 2018 by apost team
Have you ever come across an item of the old days that suddenly filled you with nostalgia? Maybe something at a garage sale or that you've recently pulled from the attic that hasn't seen the light of day in years? For some of us this special piece of history could be an old record player, maybe your Atari 2600 or even an old toy.
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For me, it was my grandpa's typewriter.
While this piece of nostalgic machinery holds a special place in many people's hearts, it's a sadly forgotten piece of history that deserves an explanation, and maybe even a revival!
I challenge you to show a picture of a typewriter to someone under the age of 15 and ask them if they know what it is. The result may make you feel old and depressed, but don't fret. Typewriters are a gift few of us can remember using before the days of computers and cell phones. In many ways, a typewriter is still quite modern. You can craft letters and documents without needing a printer, and it uses items that are still featured in today's machinery, such as ink and a keyboard.
The first patent for a "typewriter" was held by an Englishman by the name of Henry Mill in 1714, the first recorded model to have been proven to actually work was crafted by an Italian gentleman by the name of Pellegrino Turri in the year 1808. He'd created it for Countess Carolina Fantoni da Fivizzano, a friend of his who also happened to be blind.
Now stop a moment and think for yourself about all of the small and intricate mechanics working inside of a typewriter. You can't help but realize that the invention of the typewriter was a labor of love and the machine itself, a true symbol of friendship.
Throughout the 19th century, many inventors across both Europe and the United States were working on typewriters. In 1874 a more influential model appeared on the American market which was easier to use. This machine was the first to possess the now standard QWERTY keys. This machine was known as the "Sholes & Glidden Type Writer" and while it had only limited success, it successfully paved the way for its successor "The Remington" to become a giant in the industry.
This is what I remember, my grandpa's beautiful Remington. Situated atop an old wooden desk in the corner of a spare bedroom laden with knick-knacks and doilies crocheted by my grandmother, the black Remington stayed in fair use for years. My grandpa, unable to write well because of his chronic hand tremors, relied on his shiny black typewriter to write letters and fill out forms.
It was a simple way for him to maintain his independence without having to shell out big bucks for a computer that would take him too long to learn how to use.
Like most technology, the typewriter evolved and soon an electric version was on the market. This tool more closely resembles modern computer keyboards, and journalists probably think fondly on the days when tapping away at a typewriter was the norm and not some hipster hobby.
It's hard not to feel bad for the typewriters left abandoned in Goodwill and secondhand shops across the globe. People were once so dependent on them, but they've now been forgotten by most of the world. There will come a day where not a single living person will remember this machine.
If you're hungry for this antique machinery, consider purchasing a typewriter for your home that your kids or grandkids can practice on. Not only does it add a retro feel to your home or workspace, but it may be the exact tool you need if you're an easily distracted writer, or just want to transport yourself back to the days of simplicity.
If you're a typewriter fan or have fond memories of this attractive and useful machine, show your friends and family this article to remind them of the good times!