National Typewriting Day

National Typewriting Day is an interesting holiday dedicated to a device that is almost completely a thing of the past, the typewriter. Today, those of us who are constantly on the keyboards of computers and gadgets may find it difficult to imagine that in the second half of the 19th century and throughout the 20th century, the office of any company or organization could not function without typewriters. For a girl to start earning money on her own, it was enough to master fast and competent typing, and she could find a job.

History

It is not known who invented this holiday—but it is clear who celebrates it! Typewriter collectors. They are often sold at auctions (an Olivetti Lettera 32 in light blue, owned by writer Cormac McCarthy, was sold for $254,000). It is known that Hollywood celebrities are not indifferent to typewriters: Leonardo DiCaprio, Vin Diesel, Mila Kunis, and Tom Hanks have collections.

Interesting Facts

The typewriter was the main working tool of many writers.

1. Ernest Hemingway preferred to write a draft version of his work in pencil, then edit and retype it on a typewriter.
2. The “Queen of the Detective Story” Agatha Christie worked on a Remington typewriter.
3. Cormac McCarthy typed over 12 novels on the typewriter that was sold at auction. His friend John Miller gave him a new one, which cost $11.
4. Stephen King wrote his first novel, Carrie, and Salem’s Lot on an Olivetti typewriter owned by his wife Tabitha, and the first book in the Dark Tower series on an Underwood typewriter. In his story The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet, a tiny creature like an elf lived in the writer’s typewriter—Fornit, who gives inspiration with the help of magic powder—Fornus.

How to Take Part

Try to find an old typewriter and type something. Ask the elders if they have ever worked on a typewriter. Take a photo of your model for social media.

When is National Typewriting Day in 2024?

National Typewriting Day is observed on June 23 each year.

Observations