LA, You've Got Mail! Plus Type-Ins Across the Fruited Plains

Using Your Typewriter to Connect with Others is Always a Smart Bet

I’ll admit I’ve watched YouTube after YouTube video of the stories pouring out of Los Angeles following the wildfires. In the past, I only followed Hollywood gossip, but now I just want to read and watch fire-related news. I feel like I’m getting to know the news anchors out there. There’s even one who shares my name “Mary Beth,” but her hair is long and blonde; mine’s long and brown.

Just the other day, it occurred to me that people in Los Angeles probably would appreciate an old-fashioned letter in the mailbox, wherever home is now for so many displaced locals. So I reached out to two typewriter collectors listed on typepals.com. First, I wanted to find out if they’re OK, and secondly, to see if they might like a letter or two or three. One has responded. He had a close call with the ‘sunset fire.” He had to evacuate quickly but his house is OK.

So I’m sending this guy a letter typed on my Selectric this afternoon. I’m excited to bring a little joy, a little normalcy to a Los Angeles resident. I’m sure other Los Angelenos would appreciate some mail. Reach out to your network, family, friends…and you just might find yourself a new pen pal.

In the quest for normalcy, I wonder when the first post-fires typewriter ‘pop-up’ will occur in Los Angeles. I’m sure so many people feel a need to write given all they’ve suffered. A typewriter pop-up with typewriters and paper aplenty would surely be welcome, I would think.

This isn't quite a type-in, but Olivetti, the book, has apparently become so beloved that the Wilson Public Library in Cozad, Nebraska, held a naming party today for its newly acquired Olivetti typewriter. I wonder if they’ll fill the machine’s basket with flowers (like the book cover illustration) or they’ll let patrons type on it. I’m hoping for the latter and I’ve just messaged the library to find out the typewriter’s new moniker. I’ve never named any of my machines, although I generally call my Selectric 721…seven two one. Not very creative.

(It’s interesting that the naming event popped up today because just yesterday I decided I need to write a book review of Olivetti, particularly since last year I coached a writer who wrote and published a novel centered on an evil typewriter. I’m certain we’ll see more typewriter protagonists in future novels given the success of Olivetti (no doubt boosted by Tom Hanks’ review).

Now for some upcoming typewriter events:

• Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Bob Bullock Museum 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Austin, Tx. Museum expects more than 1,700 visitors, so organizer David Torres says do not bring a typewriter. You will also need to pay admittance.

• Saturday, Feb. 8, 12- 3 p.m. writers, collectors will mingle with their machines at the Windsor Park Library in Austin, Tx. One typewriter collectors also finds and buys old hotel correspondence paper, perfect for typing letters. Free.

• Saturday, Feb. 8 11:30-1 p.m. CST at Juan Tao Public Library in Alburquerque, N.M. According to the hosts, ABQwerty Typewriter Society, this is your chance to type a valentine, a letter, the start of a novel on typewriters from the 1920-1970s. Spare ribbons will be on hand if yours goes dry. As they say, “We supply the paper, you supply the inspiration.” Free.

• Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. typewriter collectors and just-plain-old admirers will gather to type out Valentine’s Day cards and notes. It’s not certain whether red typewriters, including the famed Valentine typewriter, will be attendance. But what a fun and creative idea. Free.
  
  Torres said in a Facebook message that the free typing events are “an opportunity to have other collectors come and enjoy each other's company and trade information, etc. But the greater purpose is to share typewriters with children and newbies of all ages. I guess you can call it an educational opportunity.” He also wants to encourage collectors elsewhere in Texas and nearby states to visit and perhaps sell or have their typewriter serviced by someone else who with more skill set. So get in the your car, book an airplane ticket and get to Austin in February.

Finally, if you’ve got a type-in you want to promote, shoot me a direct message or send me an email. I’m glad to help out in any way I can.

Typewriter of the Week: A lavender Corona 4 series portable typewriter with a carrying case at my local antique mall. It’s a bargain compared to a similar machine listed on Etsy for more than $1,000. Duco automotive paints partnered with Corona for these custom paint jobs.