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Typewriters

The World’s Longest Diary

posted Jul 19, 2025 by Tom Fasano

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I came across the story of Robert Shields, the guy who apparently wrote the world’s longest diary on a fleet of IBM Wheelwriters. The specific model I can’t identify from the photo.

He was a guy who logged every minute of his life, literally. For 25 years straight, he wrote down what he was doing every five minutes. Not in a casual way, either. This was a full-on obsession. We’re talking 37.5 million words stuffed into 91 boxes. The guy turned his whole existence into paperwork.

A wooden box containing some of Shields’ manuscript

He started in 1972 and didn’t sleep more than two hours at a time—said he didn’t want to miss recording his dreams. Most days, you’d find him in his underwear out on the back porch, spending four hours writing about everything—his body temperature, his bowel movements, and whatever else popped into his head. He treated it all like it mattered.

The Robert W. Shields collections at Washington State University

A former minister and English teacher from Dayton, Washington, he said stopping the diary would’ve been like turning off his life. And he meant it. Some entries were deep—religious thoughts, philosophical stuff. Others were about changing a light bulb. One even included nose hair samples, preserved like they were ancient artifacts. The man wasn’t playing around. He documented the human condition down to his bodily functions.

Robotron Typewriter Ads

posted May 6, 2025 by Tom Fasano

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This is an advertisement film for Robotron typewriters. Made in East Germany. The look and feel of these ads is like something out of James Bond.

LA County Type-In

posted Feb 21, 2025 by Tom Fasano

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I’m in the process or securing the use of the Claremont, CA, Helen Renwick Library to hold a type-in this May. For those who’ve done this sort of thing, organized them, etc., I have a few questions.

The library wants a $60 fee as well as proof of 1,000,000 liability insurance, which can be purchased for one day.

Are these fees usual for such an event? Would I be better off finding another site?

The facilities there are excellent. But I’ve never organized a type-in before (actually I’ve never attended one) and want to get some input from the Typosphere before I pull the trigger on the deal.

Boston’s Last Typewriter Store Closing

posted Jan 19, 2025 by Tom Fasano

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BOSTON – Cambridge Typewriter Co., the last remaining typewriter store in the Boston area, is set to close its doors in March 2025 after more than 50 years in business. The closure comes at a time when typewriters are experiencing an unexpected revival in popularity.

Tom Furrier, the store’s owner, has announced his retirement after 45 years of repairing, selling, and maintaining typewriters. The shop, located in Arlington, Massachusetts, has been a fixture in the community since 1968.

Despite the store’s impending closure, the typewriter industry has seen a resurgence in recent years. Sales of manual typewriters have increased, particularly among younger generations who are discovering these vintage machines for the first time.

Industry experts attribute this renewed interest to several factors:

1. Nostalgia for analog technology in an increasingly digital world
2. The appeal of a distraction-free writing environment
3. The tactile experience of using a mechanical device
4. The aesthetic value of typewriters as decorative items

However, the closure of Cambridge Typewriter Co. highlights a growing challenge in the industry: the scarcity of skilled technicians capable of repairing and maintaining these machines. As stores like Furrier’s close, typewriter enthusiasts may find it increasingly difficult to service their machines.

The store’s closure marks the end of an era for the Boston area, leaving typewriter aficionados to seek alternatives for purchasing and maintaining their beloved machines.

Despite this setback, the typewriter’s enduring appeal suggests that these classic writing instruments may continue to find new admirers in the digital age.

The Typewriter’s Return

posted Jan 18, 2025 by Tom Fasano

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As a hack writer, I find the recent article Why the Typewriter Resurgence Matters for Democracy intriguing, especially its connection to democracy and the digital age. The author, Sheryl Oring, offers a unique insight into how a seemingly outdated technology is making a powerful comeback. Here’s my take on this fascinating trend.

Oring’s observation of the typewriter’s revival is not just about a vintage fad. It coincides with a broader cultural movement towards more intentional and secure communication. In an era dominated by digital screens and instant messaging, the typewriter’s tactile nature provides a refreshing change. As someone who has witnessed the impact of digital media on journalism, I can relate to the public’s growing desire for a more deliberate approach to information sharing.

The article beautifully captures the moment when Katharine Tito, a graphic design student, discovers the allure of the typewriter. The act of slowing down, carefully choosing words, and feeling the weight of each keystroke is a powerful experience. In our fast-paced world, this deliberate process encourages a deeper engagement with thoughts and words, something often lost in the digital realm.

Oring’s “I Wish to Say” project, where people dictate messages to U.S. presidents, highlights the typewriter’s role in fostering trust and connection. In an age of political polarization, this “radical listening” can bridge divides and encourage genuine dialogue. As journalists, we understand the importance of listening and creating spaces for diverse voices to be heard.

The typewriter’s resurgence is part of a larger trend, as young people seek real-world interactions beyond social media. From running groups to reading parties, there’s a renewed appreciation for face-to-face communication. This shift reminds us that, as journalists, we must remain connected to our audiences and communities, ensuring our work is not just about digital clicks but also about meaningful human connections.

The typewriter’s comeback is a fascinating phenomenon, offering valuable lessons for journalists and society at large. It encourages us to slow down, listen deeply, and reconsider our relationship with technology. As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, these lessons can help us strengthen democracy and foster more meaningful connections.