Typewriters—A Blast From the Past

It’s nostalgic for some—the clicking of the keys, the thump of the spacebar followed by the bell, and then the swoosh of the return lever.  The feeling of typing on a manual typewriter just cannot be replicated nor can the simplicity of being close to the words as they flow onto the paper. 

Some say that they are able to think more clearly and have an affinity to their work when using a typewriter.  Thus, there has been a resurgence in the use of the old sturdy and dependable machines along with other things retro. 

Those wishing to take a trip down memory lane need only go as far as 1337 North Broad Street in Lansdale to where they can be surrounded by these icons to the past.   The business was established in 1945 and first opened in North Wales, moving to its present, larger location in 1954.

The showroom is a virtual museum which is lined, row upon row, with vintage typewriters of every make and description along with adding machines and even old staplers.  The oldest typewriter in the store is a stately looking 1892 Blickensderfer, which was made in Stanford Connecticut.   The rugged-looking, black apparatus causes one to wonder what great works and words were typed on this timeless machine and by whom.     

Robert E. DeBarth, along with his son Earl, are the proprietors of this long-established business.  The shingle out front only begins to tell the story about the service and products that are available inside and the craftsmanship that goes on in the machine shop in the back. 

DeBarth explained that all of his vintage typewriters that are for sale have been totally refurbished and are fully functional.  With some machines, because of their age, parts are no longer readily available.

“I make every part for the old machines that can’t be bought anymore,” stated DeBarth. 

All of the rubber needs associated with the typewriters can be fabricated and replaced in the shop including the platen on the rollers, as well as any ribbons that are required for these nostalgic memorials to the written word. 

In the rear of the facility resides an elaborate machine shop that brings these mechanisms back to life.  DeBarth noted that he actually has three machine shops — with two being at his home so that he can tinker whenever or wherever he happens to be.   

One of the products constructed in the shop is a single-feed commercial eyeleter.  These handy machines can perform a host of tasks — anything from binding reports, wills, and contracts to craft and hobby applications. 

In addition to typewriters and other office machinery, the DeBarth’s also repair guitars, since it is an interest of Robert’s. 

Adorning the walls of the showroom are original oil paintings that Robert DeBarth paints in his spare time—with one immense landscape covering an entire wall.  He noted that he had an interest in art as a youngster and was self-taught.  Numerous works are scattered throughout the store and are for sale.

DeBarth’s love for all things mechanical started at a young age also.  He held up a sturdy looking adding machine that had stood the test of time—a 1938 Remington Rand. 

“This was the first machine that I worked on.  I loved the mechanics of it and how it worked,” DeBarth divulged, and so began his long career.

Robert DeBarth’s son, Earl, has followed in his father’s footsteps, and is also actively involved in the family business.  Earl’s specialty is repairing and replacing standard computer systems as well as installing new programs and cleaning up any viruses that may invade your system. 

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed at the speed of modern technology, are longing for a bit of the past—when the pace moved slower and things seemed simpler—stop in and check out the selection of manual and electric typewriters.