“Type In” event in Pasadena (Photo – Chris Aldrich)
A nostalgic celebration of analog creativity brought together writers, artists, and creatives from all walks of life Saturday, May 10, at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena.
By John Boucher
The event, dubbed a “Type-In,” allowed attendees to experience the tactile, hands-on joy of storytelling through typewriters, a medium often overlooked in today’s digital age. With over 20 vintage machines lined up for use, between 75 and 100 attendees gathered to embrace a slower, more deliberate approach to writing.
From the moment visitors entered the bookstore, the air was filled with the sound of keys clacking and ribbons turning, a rhythmic backdrop that drew the curious passersby in for a closer look. Dozens of people, many experiencing a typewriter for the first time, were introduced to the intricacies of manual writing, learning to set physical margins, advance paper with a carriage return, and even how to type the number “1” on a typewriter without a dedicated “1” key—by using a lowercase “L.”
Among the most engaged were a group of young attendees, aged 4 to 15, who were taught the art of basic typewriter maintenance. These young people learned the importance of regular dusting and the necessity of cleaning the machine’s “slugs” to keep their vintage tools in prime condition.
For those contemplating a typewriter purchase in the future, the event offered a chance to try out different makes and models. Many attendees spent the afternoon testing out machines; they compared the feel and rhythm of various models in search of their perfect fit. It wasn’t just about writing; it was about rediscovering a tactile connection to the process.
The Type-In also served as a heartfelt opportunity for attendees to share messages with their loved ones. Dozens of people used the typewriters to write personal notes for Mother’s Day, with the rhythmic sound of keys clinking creating a meditative space for reflection and expression.
As the day went on, participants took to the machines to compose short stories, poetry, and even song lyrics. One attendee, preparing for a concert later that day, typed out song lyrics to take with her, while others shared their favorite quotes from beloved books.
In addition to writing, several attendees took advantage of expert guidance on typewriter repairs. Volunteers offered tips on how to thread ribbon into machines and provided basic repair assistance to machines that, though functional, needed a bit of TLC to run smoothly.
Typewriter enthusiasts also shared upcoming events, including the International Printing Museum’s events in June and a Type-In in Joshua Tree slated for October. For many, the Type-In wasn’t just an afternoon of writing; it was part of a larger movement to keep the analog arts alive in a digital world.
The event showcased an impressive array of vintage typewriters. The oldest machines at the event were two Remington portables from the early 1920s, while many others were vintage Smith-Coronas, Underwoods, and Royals from the 1940s and 1950s. A standout was a rare Clarion Gothic typeface found on a 1960s Royal, originally used in a bank. Attendees also enjoyed using a 1960s Olivetti, an Olympia, and several machines from the 70s and 80s.
Among the furthest-traveling guests were those from Santa Ana and Upland, demonstrating just how far word of this analog celebration had spread.
Organized by Chris Aldrich, the Type-In proved to be such a success that Aldrich has promised to host another event in the near future, with many attendees eager for the next chance to explore the unique joy of writing with a vintage typewriter.
As the event wrapped up, there was a sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the simplicity and intimacy of writing in its most tactile form. In a world where technology often dominates, the Type-In event was a welcome reminder of the power of analog creativity to connect us to our thoughts, to each other, and to history itself.
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