The Magic Kingdom

Happy 100th Issue

ETCetera is the Journal of the Early Typewriter Collectors’ Association,

Edited by Richard Polt / Alan Seaver

You can subscribe or order back issues HERE.

The Usual Odds & Ends

It’s interesting that this is the second film in which Jude Law narrates as he types; the other being the film, “Repo Men”. I posted still shots of that film in an earlier post, HERE.That’s it for now. I’m off to smoke a pipe.

Typewriter Graveyard

For some reason, that shot above reminds me of some kind of typewriter graveyard, where  typewriters mysteriously go to die (a reference to some obscure elephant graveyard, from an early Tarzan film… Oh, never mind).

Recent Sighting

 

The Typewriter & Election Ephemera

See, I misspelled “their”. I hate when I suggest that typewriters improve one’s spelling, and then I turn around and make such errors. Oh, well, I’ve left it there to remind me that I should pay better attention.

I’m not sure what kind of typewriter this is. It reminds me of my Royal, but I think it’s something else. It looks like someone Photoshopped the decals off of it.

Venice Type-In…

Just forgot to mention that they provided these sheets for visitors to type on. Okay, now read about the rest from yesterday’s post…

Venice Type-In

.

Signs above the theatre entrance at Venice California

.

This little fellow greeted visitors as they arrived.

In case you missed it, the film’s Facebook page can be found HERE.

For the films official website, visit HERE.

.

That’s Christopher Lockett standing up front; and on that little table was a little Hermes on which guests were able to sign in.

And here’s a close-up of the Hermes with visitors’ names.

Here’s a shot of the little theater before it filled completely for the first screening of the day of the documentary film, The Typewriter (In the 21st Century).

This young lady brought a picture of her father-in-law, along with medals he won for typing competitions, as well as the very Underwood 5 he used in those competitions. Lots of history there.

.

The first time I’ve seen one of these in person and in action.

My youngest daughter on Michael’s very nice maroon Corona. Although I’ve never had any luck with these models, Michael’s example with absolutely gorgeous, and a great typer, too.

My oldest daughter, who made the rounds and tried just about every typewriter there. She’s a typospherian in the making.

Even my little man got in on the action.

Ruben Flores from L.A. Office Machines was there answering questions, offering advice, and providing repair services. He was a great guy (as was everyone I met).

Danny Flores performing a repair on an Olympia SM3.

Ermanno Marzorati of Star Office Machines offering tips to young typewriter enthusiasts.

Steve Soboroff with some very fine examples from his collection of typewriters from both the famous and the infamous. He’s pictured here with Hemingway’s 1932 Royal.

Another machine from Soboroff’s collection was Ray Bradbury’s 1947 Royal KM.

I thought this was the coolest machine Soboroff brought: it’s Orsen Well’s 1926 Underwood portable.

I have no idea what kind of typewriter this was, but it belonged to Theodore Kaczynski, a.k.a. the Unabomber.

Soboroff encouraged Michael to try out the infamous typing machine.

Steve and Mike, two really cool guys.

We helped carry Soboroff’s stuff to his car. I don’t know the name of the gentleman on the left. That’s Ermmano and Michael on the right.

Here’s a close-up of the trunk with a few of the machines. Man, now that’s a lot of history there.

A bulletin board at the entrance of the theatre.

Lousie Marler posing in front of some of her work.

.

There were other items for sell featuring Louise’s work.

— Yes, even typewriter t-shirts.

.

This was the upstairs gallery with Louise’s artwork, as well as some typewriters within the room for visitors to try out.

My wife and the kids posing for a pic in the gallery.

I took this shot of the courtyard that was buzzing during the show. This is it near the end of the day, after most people have packed up and gone.

Well, that’s it. I took many more pics, but this was already too lengthy, and I tried to show enough to give you an idea of what it was like being there. After meeting Michael, I told him he was going to be my local go-to typewriter buddy for info on local events. He seems more plugged into what’s going on than I. But for my first type-in, this was fun. And I finally got to check out the film. Very cool.

Everywhere I Turn

.

Here’s the Fair display.

I have no idea what model this is. Anyone got any idea?

Check out the rubber key covers. I’ve only seen those on a Royal Portable Standard “O” model on a YouTube video. I’ve never seen those on a desk machine. I personally don’t like the look of them. I think the glass keys are far more attractive. I suppose some collector may find the rarity of some value, though this machine isn’t in very good shape. I suppose someone who really wants those key covers could remove them and place them on another machine. 

The ceramic typewriter bric-a-brac (anyone got any idea what it’s used for? I personally suspect it’s a desk item for stationary items).

 

 

Window Dressing … Sort Of