My Latest Obsession: Typewriters

Photo taken in Vintage Empire, Singapore. Featuring an Olivetti-Lettera 82 Typewriter

Quite recently, I've become fascinated with typewriters. I spent many months researching, studying the history of typewriters, and finally, I've decided to find my own machine. Many people have asked me why I'm looking for a typewriter and my answer takes me back to when I was 8 years old. 

I'll take you back in time with me through this blog and shortly, you will know the reason why my latest obsession today is a typewriter.

I remember feeling excited every time my class ends when I was in Primary 2 (Grade 2). I was around 8 years old at that time. I would prepare all my things in advance so when my father arrived to fetch me from school, I would be ready to leave. Time was precious and I didn't want to waste it.

My father worked near the school so before heading straight home, we would visit his office first so he can 'punch-out' and have his attendance checked. While he's finishing some of his work, I would sneakingly go to a desk with the typewriter. I could not hide the look of excitement on my face as I inched closer to the desk. 

Without hesitation, I grabbed a chair and my little fingers start hitting the keys as hard as I can, pretending I knew what I was doing. It was silly, now that I think of it. But back then, it was one of the happiest days of my life. 

Every Typewriter is a Storyteller

I have always loved the sound of the bell when I reach the edge of the margin as I type. I liked the sound of the keys as I press on them. I enjoyed the feeling of dragging the carriage back to its place. The sound of the paper being fed into the machine relaxes me. This entire experience makes me smile and it was at that moment when I realized I adored typewriters.

Typewriters are huge machines. Compared to the sleek look of a MacBook, or the power of a PC, typewriters often lose in many aspects. They are slow, heavy, noisy, and tedious. One might think it is irrelevant to own one now but I think otherwise. Now is the best time to own one.

Where typewriters win for me is in the aspect of its story. Each typewriter is a storyteller. For example, an L.C. Smith Typewriter can date up to the year 1912. In the year 1912, the great Titanic sank. That typewriter lived on for a hundred years and has been in the same existence as the Titanic. Isn't that impressive? 

A Typewriter is a Mindfulness Teacher

A typewriter also reminds me of the importance of thinking about what I type before I type it. Conscious, deliberate typing. Why you ask? Because there is often no backspace key on a typewriter. One would need to use white ink, and retype on that space again. It is an amazing experience to not be relying on an auto-correct key and one's spelling acumen will be put to use effectively once again.

I personally feel that a typewriter is a mindfulness teacher. Each energy one exerts in hitting the keys represent an intention to put thought into writing. As one chooses a key, the mechanism of the typewriter is so obvious and synchronized and it brings its user a feeling of satisfaction, a quick win. One at a time - until a sentence is formed. Then, a paragraph; and finally, a story. 

Typewriters do not represent speed. They represent effort. And effort is what we need to value more today. Life has become too fast-paced for us to keep up with it. Let's appreciate the art of slowing down once again and what better way to celebrate this journey than to own a typewriter.

My First Typewriter

I am so excited to show you my first typewriter. She is a 1960 Smith-Corona Corsair Deluxe. I have not met her yet but I am about to soon. I can't wait to show her to you. She may be a little worn out, but I'm optimistic that there is a chance for her to be restored to her pristine beauty. When the time comes that she arrives, it will be the day when I'm 8-years old again - worry-free, a typing enthusiast, and a lover of typewriters. 

I wonder if there are others who adore typewriters like I do. 

Love,

Mary Jedde