Typewriters have an unexpected charm even in today’s digital age. While computers and smartphones dominate the writing landscape, typewriters still hold a special place for many in the U.S. Take Mike Marr, for example, who runs a typewriter repair shop in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Customers come in with their old typewriters, often looking worn and dusty, but filled with memories.
“They usually ask if I can get it going again,” Marr explains. With over 20 years of experience, he assures them he’ll do his best. The smile on a satisfied customer’s face when they pick up a repaired machine is what drives him. Interestingly, even in 2023, many customers use typewriters for work. Marr’s shop services about 20 to 25 typewriters weekly, and he has three employees to help meet this demand.
Typewriters still have practical uses. Legal offices, like Tomasso & Tomasso in Providence, rely on them daily. Co-owner John Tomasso believes their typewriter is the best tool for their needs. “For us, it works better than any computer,” he says. Unlike computers, typewriters are reliable for tasks like filling out forms where precision is essential.
The history of typewriters is fascinating, too. They first gained popularity in the 19th century and were everywhere by the mid-20th century. The industry was worth over $1 billion in the U.S. by the 1980s. Despite the rise of computers, there’s still a market for typewriters today. For instance, about 20,000 new electric typewriters and more than double that number of mechanical ones are produced annually by companies like Royal.
The appeal of typewriters is more than practicality. Writing on them involves unique sensory experiences. Anjali Banerjee, a novelist, appreciates how the typewriter allows for a focused writing session free from distractions. She says that typing helps her ideas flow more naturally, almost like playing a musical instrument.
In social media trends, typewriters have found a resurgence among creators. While there’s a niche movement for typewriter enthusiasts who share their collections and experiences online, typewriters also feature in modern artistic expressions. Events like Qwertyfest celebrate the enduring love for this classic technology, bringing together enthusiasts to experience the rhythm of clacking keys—all reminiscent of bustling offices from decades past.
Despite being overshadowed by digital devices, typewriters haven’t completely disappeared. They remain in high demand, especially among niche workgroups and passionate users. So, while the world leans more toward digital, typewriters continue to chime away in the corners of offices and homes, connecting the past with the present.
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