National Typewriter Day

Vintage typewriter on a wooden desk, surrounded by old books, cozy reading nook. — National typewriter day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the bizarre and quirky national days that the internet loves to celebrate. Today, we're diving into the world of typewriters as we celebrate National Typewriter Day!

When is Typewriter Day?

It's national typewriter day on the 23rd June.

The Evolution of Typewriters

Long before the invention of computers and smartphones, the typewriter ruled the land. This magnificent machine revolutionized the way we write and communicate. Picture this - no more messy handwriting or crumpled papers!

It all started back in the early 1800s when inventors like William Austin Burt and Charles Thurber created the first prototypes of typewriting machines. However, it was Christopher Sholes who patented the first practical typewriter in 1868, which became the precursor to modern keyboards.

Over the years, typewriters went through several transformations, with added features like the shift key, carriage return, and ribbon color options. From manual typewriters to electric models, these clunky contraptions served as the faithful companions of writers, secretaries, and anyone who wanted to create printed text.

The Internet's Love Affair with Typewriters

Nowadays, typewriters may seem like a relic of the past, but the internet has breathed new life into these classic machines. Typewriter enthusiasts have created online communities, sharing their love for vintage typewriters and offering repair tips and tricks. Some even use typewriters to create unique artwork by typing letters and symbols in clever patterns.

With hashtags like #TypewriterLove and #VintageTypewriters, the internet has become a hub for all things typewriter-related. From personal stories of using typewriters to thoughtful discussions on the joy of obsolete technology, these online communities celebrate National Typewriter Day in their own special way.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Guinness World Record for the fastest typing on a manual typewriter is held by Stella Pajunas-Garnand? In just one minute, she typed a remarkable 216 words, proving that typewriters can still pack a punch in the fast-paced digital age!

History behind the term 'Typewriter'

1829

Invention of the first practical typewriter

In 1829, the first practical typewriter was invented by William Austin Burt. This early version of the typewriter was called the 'Typographer' and featured a wooden frame with keys arranged in alphabetical order. The Typographer was slow and difficult to use, but it laid the foundation for future typewriter designs.

1867

Introduction of the 'Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer'

In 1867, the 'Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer' was introduced by Christopher Latham Sholes. It was the first commercially successful typewriter and featured a QWERTY keyboard layout, which is still in use today. This early typewriter had a cylindrical platen and required users to manually shift the capitalization of letters.

1873

Remington Manufacturing Company enters the typewriter industry

In 1873, the Remington Manufacturing Company, known for firearms, entered the typewriter industry by acquiring the rights to the 'Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer.' They made several improvements to the design, including the introduction of the shift key for easier capitalization and the invention of the QWERTY keyboard configuration.

1887

Introduction of the first electric typewriter

In 1887, the first practical electric typewriter was introduced by Frank Haven Hall. This electric typewriter, called the 'Malling-Hansen Writing Ball,' featured a spherical keyboard and was operated using mechanical linkages. While not commercially successful, it paved the way for future advancements in electric typewriter technology.

1901

Merger of typewriter manufacturers

In 1901, the major typewriter manufacturers, including Remington, Smith-Premier, and Underwood, merged to form the Union Typewriter Company. This consolidation of industry leaders resulted in increased standardization and innovation in typewriter design and manufacturing.

1961

Introduction of IBM Selectric typewriter

In 1961, IBM introduced the iconic IBM Selectric typewriter, which revolutionized the typewriter industry. The Selectric featured a spherical type element instead of individual typebars, allowing for faster typing and improved reliability. Its striking design and innovative features made it widely popular and contributed to the continued dominance of typewriters until the rise of computers.