Occasionally, I publish some of Mr. Montgomery's musings edited only for grammatical errors. Since it was Mr. Montgomery's birthday this week, here is another of his reflections of earlier times. LIFE in the depression 1930’s The great stock market debacle happened in October 1929, and by 1930/31 the whole country was in the poor house. However, being a little boy I was mostly unaware of this problem. I do remember riding in the car with my … [Read more...]

Have you ever thought of going to Typewriter Tech School? I often chat with customers about why I enjoy repairing stuff. Every so often someone will ask if they can hang out or volunteer to learn how to commune with typewriters. Heck yes! I love sharing what I know. So what do I really do here in the shop? Well lots of cleaning. Cosmetically, mechanically or chemically I try to get all the decades of goo cleared out so the typewriter gets a … [Read more...]

I've been on a platen knob hunt lately. My interest in making platen knobs has peaked as several machines have come into the shop with broken and missing knobs. I buy many 3D printed knobs and continue to encourage folks to produce and sell them. I'll keep buying them! For the knob that doesn't fit the 3D mold (ha, ha) I make my own by forming silicone molds. These are from original knobs that are as perfect as 80 years plus of aging can … [Read more...]

Underwood platen knobs are usually pretty durable. Occasionally I'll get in a typewriter that has one or both in crumbles. This week I decided to make silicone molds for the Underwood Portable universal typewriter platen knobs.  I start with one of the reference machines and clean up each knob to make sure it is as "perfect" as possible. When I say perfect, I really mean something that will duplicate well after being on a machine for 80 plus … [Read more...]

Mr. Montgomery’s birthday was January 26, 1922. Occasionally, I publish some of Mr. Montgomery's musings edited only for grammatical errors. I really appreciate all that he had done in his life, so this article is for Mr. Montgomery. PARIS TRANSPORTATION - during the war When the Germans abandoned Paris, they had apparently stripped the city of virtually any vehicle that could operate. According to best estimates, they took everything on … [Read more...]

South Sound Business Magazine published in the November 2019 issue a very nice article about the typewriter shop. You can read it here. … [Read more...]

Hello everyone. Typewriter Fever and Bremerton Office Machine Company are sponsoring our second Type-In! It is Saturday, November 16 at 11AM. All are welcome. Bring a typewriter, friends and kids.  I will discuss how to easily maintain your typewriter to avoid a trip to the shop. Many are bringing typewriters to show. The event is located at 245 4th Street, Bremerton, WA on the 5th floor in the nice room at the end of the hall. We … [Read more...]

Today's topic are musings about Bob Montgomery's sister Joyce. I only knew Bob’s sister, Joyce, over the phone. Joyce lived in Bremerton with Bob and their mother then Joyce moved to Lakeport, California in the 1950's after working at the typewriter shop with Bob. When I first started working at the shop I'd chat over the phone with Joyce not knowing at first she was Bob's sister. Joyce often would call the shop late in the night as Bob used to … [Read more...]

I'm not sure how many gallons of white out was used with this Olivetti Linea 98 typewriter. Every paper roller was covered. Indeed, the platen, keys, segment, you name it was covered as if a Seagull was in the home. … [Read more...]

The shop experiences a normal summer slow down as folks concentrate on family and outdoor activities. The memory of happy winter times using a typewriter fades quickly as the weather improves. That means I too take a bit of time for family. This summer, June 21 to September 23, the shop is open Wednesdays through Saturdays 10AM to 4PM. … [Read more...]