Hi everyone, Charlene Raddon here and I’m thrilled to be back. The first documented version of a typewriter was in 1575 when an Italian printmaker named Francesco Rampazetto created the scrittura tattile, which was a machine made to impress letters into the paper. But this wasn’t the first attempt. In 1801 and 1808, Pellegrino Turri invented a typewriter for his blind friend, Countess Carolina Fantoni da Fivizzano, to give her the ability to write. Of more use was a patent for a machine called a typographer in 1829 by an American, William Austin Burt, considered one of the first typewriters to have existed. A little later, in 1864, an Austrian carpenter named Peter Mitterhofer developed several typewriter prototypes.
One early model that did not use the QWERTY system did not even type with typebars. The Hammond, introduced in 1884, came on the scene with its own keyboard, with two rows and a curved “Ideal” keyboard. The Hammond printed from a type shuttle—a C-shaped piece of vulcanized rubber, which can easily be exchanged if a different typeface is wanted. There is no cylindrical platen as on typebar typewriters; the paper is hit against the shuttle by a hammer.
The first commercially produced typewriter, the Hanson Writing Ball, was invented in Denmark in 1865 by Rev. Rasmus Malling-Hansen. By 1878, he made the refinements to create the machine by which it is primarily known. It was a combination of unusual design and ergonomic innovations: 52 keys on a large brass hemisphere, resembling an oversized pincushion. It was successful in Europe and a staple in European offices into the early 1900s. The Hammond gained a solid base of loyal customers. These well-engineered machines lasted, with a name change to Varityper and electrification, right up to the beginning of the word-processor era.
The best breakthrough came in 1868 when four Americans, Christopher Latham Sholes, Frank Haven Hall, Carlos Glidden, and Samuel W. Soule, patented the first truly commercially successful typewriter produced by E. Remington and Sons. The Sholes and Glidden comes closest to what we know today. It had a QWERTY keyboard, the first of its kind, which was adopted as the standard.
Other machines typing from a single type element rather than typebars included the Crandall (1881) … and a more practical version called the Blickensderfer.
The effort to create a visible rather than “blind” machine led to ingenious ways of getting the typebars to the platen. Examples of early visible writers include the Williams and the Oliver. The Daugherty Visible of 1891 was the first front-stroke typewriter to go into production: the typebars rest below the platen and hit the front of it. With the Underwood of 1895, this typewriter style began to gain ascendancy. The millions produced the most popular model of early Underwoods, the #5. By the 1920s, virtually all typewriters were “look-alikes”: frontstroke, QWERTY, typebar machines printing through a ribbon, using one shift key and four banks of keys. (Some diehards lingered on. The giant Burroughs Moon-Hopkins typewriter and accounting machine was a blind writer that was manufactured, amazingly enough, until the late 1940s.)
In 1897, the “Underwood 1 Typewriter” was developed, the first with a typing area visible to the typist. It was created by American Franz X. Wagner in 1892, but in 1895, it was taken over by John T. Underwood, who gave it his name. The Underwood 1 typewriter set the standard going forward. In the 1900s, typewriter designs became standard, mainly having the same setup with only minor variations depending on the exact use of the machine.
In 1914, James Fields Smathers invented the first practical use, a power-operated typewriter, and in 1925, Remington produced its first electric typewriter based on Smathers’s design and used a Northeast motor to power the typing function. Then, in 1935, IBM came out with their electric typewriter.
I don’t remember the make of the first typewriter I used as a stenographer and secretary in the 1950s-’60s, but I remember when the “ball” typehead came out, and I received my first one. It seemed like quite an invention at the time. I also remember the small portable typewriter I used in 1980 to start my writing career. I wonder what became of it—thrown out, I suppose, or given away. And, of course, I remember my first computer—so many glitches and problems. But that was long ago.
In the 19th century, the standard price for a typewriter was $100—several times the value of an excellent personal computer today when we adjust for inflation. There were many efforts to produce cheaper typewriters. Most of these were index machines where the typist first points at a letter on some sort of index, then performs another motion to print the letter. Obviously, these were not heavy-duty office machines; they were meant for people of limited means who needed to do some occasional typing. An example is the “American” index typewriter, which sold for $5. Index typewriters survived into the 20th century as children’s toys; one commonly found example is the “Dial” typewriter made by Marx Toys in the 1920s and 30s.
It was on a portable electric typewriter that I wrote my first book. It’s been too long to recall if I purchased a better one before I got my first computer. I think I must have been in the late 80s or early 90s. I didn’t know many people who had one yet at the time. I’ve been through more than I can remember since then, and so far, I’ve typed twenty-five published books, two unpublished books, and a few partially completed books.
My most recently finished book is #2 in my Outlaw Brides Series, The Outlaw and the Bounty Hunter. This was a fun one to write. The hero was raised in a circus, and when the circus closed, the workers became his hands on his new ranch. They worked for room and board and $5 a month, and were glad to have a bed to lay their heads on. The circus element added entertaining scenes to the story and made the characters more unique as well. One famous character is Rupert the Lion. He falls in love with the heroine and plays a key part in the finale. I hope to see this book released by the time this blog appears, but editing, proofreading, and publishing it may take longer.
Did you ever use a typewriter in your earlier days? If so, tell me how old you were. I’m giving away one copy of The Outlaw and the Sheriff to one commenter, and to another, I’ll offer a copy of The Outlaw and the Bounty Hunter.
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About Charlene:
Charlene Raddon fell in love with the wild west as a child, listening to western music with her dad and sitting in his lap while he read Zane Gray books. She never intended to become a writer. Charlene was an artist. She majored in fine art in college. In 1971, she moved to Utah, excited for the opportunity to paint landscapes. Then her sister introduced her to romance novels. She never picked up a paintbrush again. One morning she awoke to a vivid dream she knew must go into a book, so she took out a typewriter and began writing. She’s been writing ever since. Instead of painting pictures with a brush, Charlene uses words.
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I took typing on an electric typewriter in high school. I received a toy typewriter in elementary school–I still have it. I had an electric typewriter in high school and college–it wasn’t mandatory to use a computer in college, and some professors didn’t like dot matrix and preferred typewritten papers instead.
I used a computer at my first post-college job and have only used them since. We had a home computer because my husband had one in college. His dad was an early user through his profession.
All of my published works were created on a computer.
I do have a real typewriter, but I find it hard to use after using a computer keyboard.
I took typing in high school. I have 3 typewriters still bring them out now and then. They are all manual and two are from the 1930s. The Underwod noiseless is my favorite.
A manual. Wow. Haven’t even seen one in decades. It would be fun to tinker with one, though. Thanks, David.
Denise, toy typewriters were something I couldn’t even imagine existing when I started typing back in the 1950s. Oh, my gosh, that makes me sound so old. I wrote my first book on a typewriter but I think I had an early computer by the time I wrote the second one. Thanks.
Business school for 6 months. 19 years old.
I haven’t even seen a typewriter for years now. I can’t remember what happened to my old portable that I wrote my first book on. I’ll have to look for it.
I learned in high school. I was in a club, I think it was called BOEC? We would compete in typewriting and shorthand. There was other things we competed in but I can’t remember!
I wonder how I would do on a typewriter after all these years. It’s basically the same as a computer keyboard.
My parents bought me a typewriter in high school, and I absolutely loved it! I took it to college with me and typed all of my papers on it. I still have it, although I don’t use it anymore. I’m not even sure I could still get the supplies for it. I actually learned to type when I spent a couple of weeks one summer with my aunt. She was the secretary for a general on a military base, and they had computers to do all of their work. Her coworker taught me to type on his computer, and if I didn’t make any mistakes, he would let me play games. When I had to take typing in 8th grade, the teacher watched me breeze through the lessons, and decided that she would just give me an A and I could read instead!
That was very nice of your aunt to teach you so young. They didn’t have typing when I was in 8th grade. Golly, I wonder if they were even available yet then. Oh oh, I’m aging myself.
I can remember typing term papers on a typewriter and trying to get a professional-looking paper with footnotes to hand in. However, the computer has been much better and a blessing.
Hi, Janice. I agree. The computer is a great blessing. I wrote my first book or two on a typewriter but I was glad to get a computer. Thanks for commenting.
Mom had a manual typewriter in the house for as long as I can remember! Used MANY IBMs and the selectric with memory was used to send letters when I worked at a college admittance office!
I had a selectric when I was a secretary once. It was a good typewriter.
I was in high school (typing class) – 10th grade, probably about 15 or 16.
I learned in high school, which was good because my first job was as a steno for the FAA, which I started three days after graduation. Thanks, Karijean. I love your name, by the way.
My first attempt at typing was in typing class. I had a terrible time because I had little feel for the need to learn where each letter was. By the time I added speed I had a minus 50 score on my typing. I usually typed while watching my fingers on the keys. For many years following my mastery of the typewriter, my typing improved greatly, until I had a stroke at the age of 69 or 70. Now it is a bit hit and miss, but I keep typing. Thank GOD for the new method of it being underlined so you can correct it. Anyway, I have used the ball typewriter, a standard, typewriter, even one which you could type a form letter which was kept on the machine and later insert the name it was being sent to allowing you to send multiple form letters by only changing the person it is sent to. I owned my own typewriter for a time during a period where I was typing resumes and such. I later sold it to a friend. Who knows where it went from there. Now it is just on the computer (with the hand assistant when I goof up).
Your book sounds as if it will be very entertaining.
By the way, I neglected to mention my first typewriter in school, High School, was a manual, NO ELECTRIC, which makes it harder to make an impression on the paper. It also means you had to pull the lever from left to right to move the paper up and over to allow more space for typing your next line. It was such a blast.
Yes, I remember those old manual typewriters. That’s what I learned to type on. Electric typewriters were a blessing, weren’t they? Thanks, Judy
I was in high school, we had to take Typing I and II classes. I would have been between the years 1981-1985 but my mom had an old typewriter with the cloth ribbon on it at home that I mess around on. I don’t remember what I typed on it but I remember the keys were hard to push down. I was introduced to computers in college when I had to take a computer programming class. I knew nothing about computers but we all had to take that class in 1985.
I love the cover of your book, it reminds me of the TV western movie Desperado that came out in the 80’s.
I hated those old typewriters with the cloth ribbons. So messy. Thanks for your comment about my book’s cover. I do all my own covers and do them for anyone who asks.
I learned in high school but was not very good. I went job hunting after college and was told I could not get a job if I could not type. So I sent him a card that said ” You have just insulted a woman. This card is chemically treated. In five days your (****) Will fall off.”
Oh, Debra, You’re funny. I would never have had the nerve to do that, though it would be tempting. Thanks for the chuckle.
We had to learn how to type in high school. I used a typewriter for many years for letters and term papers. I always had a typewriter in the house since it was vital and used daily. A manual typewriter first and then an electric. One was in a case and was sweet. I wonder what happened to them. A long time ago and I wish that I had kept them. I would use them now.
I wonder if those old typewriters have any value now as antiques? It would be interesting to know. Everything else from my early years are considered antiques now. I probably am too. It’s strange to go into an antique store and see things my mother owned. Thanks for participating, Anne.
Many years ago a course was given in typewriting. This was practical and extremely useful. Lucky for me we had a typewriter at home which I practiced on. I kept up with this speed and accuracy. Instead of handwritten letters I typed them. Such a difference. I miss those days and the typewriter. I want a replacement now and not a computer keyboard.
I’m sure you could find a typewriter. Can’t imagine they wouldn’t be available. Try Amazon or eBay. Thanks for commenting, Ellie
i learned in High School, but I was and still am not a good typist.
I learned in high school too, but I was a secretary for several years afterward so I kept up my speed. My accuracy went way down, though, when I began writing. Can’t write a book in my head and type it with accuracy. Thanks.
I took Typing 1 and 2 in High School on electric typewriters and when I graduated from High School my parents gave me my first typewriter as a graduation gift. I was able to use it when I went to college. I still have it.
I couldn’t go back to a typewriter now. Computers have spoiled me. I don’t know what happened to the old portable I had that I wrote my first book on. I think I got a better one and probably gave the old one away. Glad to talk to you, Barbara.
I have a underwood typewriter I got for my 17th birthday from my parents. I still have it today I am 81. In high school we wrote reports on them.
I went to work immediately after high school and I’ve been typing ever since except on a computer for quite a while now. Thanks, Emma.
From an early age my sister stated she wanted to be a secretary. When she started high school, our dad got her a portable typewriter. When she graduated our high school (with the official fastest shorthand and the unofficial fasted typing speed, or was it the other way around?) he gave her a Smith-Corona electric typewriter.
I inherited the old portable, though I used it for a couple of years before then.
Shortly after that we got a computer and just set the typewriter aside.
Yeah, that’s what happened to my old typewriter. But I’m much happier with my computer. Wouldn’t know what to do without it. I’d be bored to tears if I had to quit writing. Good talking with you, MaryEllen.
I took typing classes in high school, at age 16 and 17. The first year we only had manual typewriters and the second year we had one or two electric typewriters to practice on and the rest was manuals. I liked typing, but enjoy it so much more on my computer where I can correct mistakes so, so, much easier.
I agree, computers are 100% better than typewriters. I’d go crazy without mine. And I never want to go back to what I had to go through to make corrections on a typewriter.
I took journalism and typing in high school and used various machines. My first job was cataloging a library for San Xavier Indian School while I was in library school and I used a typewriter. After graduating I catalogued books on an Apple IIe.
Hey, Becky, good to meet you. I took journalism in junior high school. Maybe that was a hint that I’d become a writer. Funny, though. I never gave it a thought. I was an artist. I didn’t become a writer until I was 40. Unbelievable, huh?
oh but this is such a wonderful post. I have used a typewriter for as long as I can remember. I used to write my own short stories and I would even do some homework on it. that caused a problem until my mom invited one of my teachers over to watch with out my knowing. This started back in 1960’s I took a class in middle school and it was so boring. but I finished it, and I am glad I did. I did learn a few things. oh but your book sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you, Lori. I appreciate the compliment. I am glad to share with you and I hope you get my book and enjoy it. I started typing in high school in the 1950’s. In 1958, immediately after high school graduation, I went to work at the FAA, so I’ve been typing most of my life and it’s been good. Thanks for reading my blog.
never used one
Never? Oh, my. Hard to imagine. I’d go crazy without mine. Good to see you, Bn100.
I took typing in high school back in the 60’s, definitely not on electric typewriters. My teacher was about 4 ft 11 but everyone was afraid of her even those who didn’t take typing. I learned and can still type without looking at the keys. I remember how excited I was when my parents got an electric typewriter before I went to nursing school. Of course now any typing I do is on the computer.
Same here, Elaine. I’d be lost without my computer. My husband isn’t too fond of it because I’m on it so much, but being an author takes a lot of time and I love what I do. Thanks for the comment.
Typing was practical, essential and necessary. My mother taught how to type when I was young since she learned at secretarial school. Her typing skills were excellent. I followed in her footsteps and typed letters, reports and correspondence. I continue to type to this day
I enjoy this skill and no matter what it is important.
You’re right. It’s an important skill. I was very disappointed when my grandson didn’t want to learn it. It’s helpful for boys and girls no matter what they want to do in their futures. Glad you appreciate your mom teaching you. Thanks.
When I first started helping in my parents office in the late ninties we still used an electric typewriter for file folder labels and even some tax forms. I always enjoyed using a typewriter, but I am glad for the ease of use of computers now too.
Me too, Megan. I love my computer. I call him the hunk. They are all masculine, you know. You can tell by how contrary they can be.
I used a typewriter in school when one of my classes was typing!
I took typing in high school i a class designed for women to go on to secretarial jobs and I did, four days after high school graduation. My dad had died when I was 15 so my mom needed me to work. I didn’t really mind, though I’d wanted to go to college and become a fashion designer. Life is funny, isn’t it? It takes us down roads we never expected to go.
I took typing in high school but never was very good at it. I do better now. I think there is an electric type writer up in one of the closets here now that we bought for my son. Then computers came a long and type writers were not used anymore. My son has always been into computers and he can fly on a key board.
Hey, Quilt Lady, how goes it? Good to see you’re still around. Been a long time, hasn’t it? It’s nice your son does well on a computer. I think it’s a valuable skill these days, for boys and girls. Hope you’re doing well.
Yes I learned to typed in a typing class in high school. It was like a business/secretarial type class and every Friday we had to wear the proper business attire as part of our grade plus reach a certain typing speed with minimal typing errors. I still have a typewriter. I like typing on typewriters better than keyboards.
That’s a surprise, Joannie. Most people prefer computer keyboard. It’s been so long since I’ve tried a typewriter, I don’t know how I’d feel about it, but I love my computer. It’s handy to have a portable typewriter that doesn’t require electricity, though.
I took a typing class in high school. I still have the electric typewriter that I used in college and it still works fine.
So many of us took typing in high school. I’m surprised how many people still have typewriters. But they’d be handy to have. If we had a blackout, with no electricity, I’d probably go crazy. I wouldn’t know what to do without my computer. I’m a slave to modern conveniences, I suppose. But I sure remember what it was like not to have them back in the 40s and 50s. Thanks for commenting.
In high school I took a one semester course, Personal Typing (I was taking classes in the college bound curriculum, not business); manual typewriters were used. For college, I got my own manual typewriter. Once I joined the workforce, I used an IBM Selectric.
I used an IBM Selectric on one of my secretarial jobs, but I used several different typewriters over the years. I appreciated them all, but not like I appreciate my computer. Course, I’m on my puter all day, every day. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Mary.
I took a typewrite course in high school probably when I was about 15 or 16. That would have been in the early 1960’s. I am glad I did. It helped me doing papers in college and now that computers are the thing, keyboarding is more necessary than ever. I don’t remember what the classroom typewriters were.
When my family bought a cabin, there was an old Underwood much like the one above. I think my dad likely threw it out. I would love to have it now. My husband had a Royal typewriter with a case when we got married. It was replaced at some point by a rather large Smith Corona electric typewriter, also with its own case. We got a mac computer when the screens were about 10 inches. I don’t remember being able to print from it. We have worked our way through several Mac computers since, a couple laptops, and printers.
I am so glad I took that class in high school. Of course back then it was because the main jobs they prepared you for were teacher, nurse, secretary, or housewife. I took it as a stepping stone for something else and it was a life skill that has helped in so many ways.
Yes, I took typing and shorthand in high school because those skills were the most likely ones I’d need to get a job. I never was terribly proficient in shorthand and what I did have, I lost because the bosses I ended up working for didn’t dictate often. Then I became a waitress and I liked that so much more I stuck with it. As a secretary, I always worked in buildings with no windows. I hated that. Being a waitress allowed me to see outside, meet interesting people, and stay on the move instead of sitting all day. When I married, my husband didn’t want me to work. Yay! I had the house to myself, all the solitude I could want, peace, and quiet. That’s when I did my best writing. But I’m still at it. Nice chatting with you, Patricia.
I first typed in high school back in the 70’s. I have an old antique typewriter and an electric typewriter. The antique is just for show and I used the other probably 5 years ago helping a friend with his business.