Tom Hanks Gifts Philadelphia Typewriter Shop 1953 Machine

PHILADELPHIA — "America's Dad" Tom Hanks lived up to his name by gifting a Philadelphia typewriter shop a 70-year-old machine, recently.

Hanks gifted Philly Typewriter a 1953 East German Rheinmatall Gs typewriter.

The typewriter is now being displayed at Philly Typewriter, which specialized in restoration, preservation, and sales on East Passyunk Avenue.

Hanks, who has extensive film credits and numerous awards, is a typewriter collector.

In 2017, he published a collection of short stories called "Uncommon Type."

Hanks wrote each of the 17 short stories on a different one of his many typewriters.

While on book tour for "Uncommon Type," Hanks learned of Philly Typewriter.

"Something we’re all very emphatic about at Philly Typewriter is how these machines encourage human connection," store manager Bill Rhoda said. "How two people who have never met or spoken a word to one another now have something in common, sent with intention and received with care, whether a letter or machine."

Guests will have the opportunity to interact and type on Hanks' donation, alongside other display machines, at the East Passyunk Avenue storefront during regular business hours.

Philly Typewriter also repairs, refurbishes, and sells typewriters by appointment, in addition to hosting educational seminars, type-ins, and other community events.

Philly Typewriter is located at 1735 E. Passyunk Ave.

Learn more about the business online here.