A few years ago my mom bought me a vintage typewriter at a yard sale. $5 for a 1960s era Smith-Corona Galaxie 12...not a bad score. The ribbon was clearly on it's last legs, though it seemed to be in fairly good working order otherwise. After a quick Google search, I saw that I could get a ribbon locally, at Cambridge Typewriter in Arlington. I am a visual learner so I figured I could take my typewriter to Cambridge Typewriter and not only buy a new ribbon, but learn how to replace it as well.
Why it took me almost two years to actually drive the 35 miles to Cambridge Typewriter, I'm not sure. I mean, people literally come from all over the country to visit this place, one of the few remaining typewriter repair shops anywhere.
It was definitely worth the ride! This place is first and foremost a repair shop, they also do sales and typewriter rentals as well (how cool!). The variety of typewriters they have on display and awaiting repair makes it more like a small museum. Prepare to feast your eyes on some vintage typewriter goodness...
The front corner of the shop:
How about a closer look at a few of the machines...
Antique Oliver "bat wing" typewriter:
I couldn't get enough of this typewriter and its semi-circular keyboard...
The keys were the coolest ~ they have both letters and fractions!
Another antique beauty by Hammond:
And a Remington...
The typewriters were like pieces of art. The vintage typography was the icing on the visual overload cake!
I can't say enough good things about this gem of a shop. The gentleman who was working, the brother-in-law of the owner, not only showed me how to replace the ribbon in my Galaxie Twelve, but for a very reasonable price, while I waited, oiled and cleaned my typewriter, unstuck keys and generally buffed it up so it's ready to type! If you live in or near the Boston area and you love vintage typewriters, put a visit to Cambridge Typewriter on your list. Definitely worth the trip...and there's free on-street parking right out front on Mass. Ave.! If you aren't in the area, they do sell supplies and typewriters online :-).
Such a fun and nostalgic trip ~ took me right back to Jr. High typing class!
Thanks for stopping by,
