Image: section from a Remington ad created around 1914, screenshot from a December 1914 issue of the August Herald from the Georgia Historic Newspapers collection

The clatter of typewriters is a familiar sound to those of us of the baby boom generation and older. Banks of noisy typewriters dominated offices, and machines from Olivetti, Remington, the Royal Typewriter Company, Underwood, and many other brands became common, not only in offices but also in homes.

With the transition from manual typewriters, to electric, to specialized word processing machines, and finally to word processing software on personal computers, typewriters became a historical curiosity, no more relevant to modern work life than horse-drawn carriages.

However, in the WWII era, the typewriter was king in composing documents quickly.

The Marietta History Center will highlight the role of typewriters during WWII on Saturday, September 28, at 2 p.m.

The program will feature Jeffrey Albertson from the Atlanta Typewriter Club.

According to the news release on the City of Marietta website:

Jeffrey Albertson, a passionate member of the Atlanta Typewriter Club, will delve into the history and impact of typewriters during the wartime era. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact with a variety of typewriters, try them out, and share their own stories and experiences.

This event offers a distinctive chance to connect with history through the tactile experience of typewriters. Don’t miss out on this fascinating journey through time! 

The Marietta History Center recommends purchasing tickets in advance through its website. Refunds will only be issued if the MHC cancels the event.

Date: Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 2 p.m.

Location: Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Cost: $10 for non-members; $5 for members (Members, please email Lisa Oestreicher at LOestreicher@MariettaGa.gov for tickets)

About the Marietta History Center

The Marietta History Center is located at 1 Depot St, Marietta, GA 30060, adjacent to the western edge of Marietta Square, facing the railroad tracks.

The center is housed in the historic Kennesaw House, which was a cotton warehouse, a hotel, and a Civil War morgue and hospital at various times.

The museum began in 1996 and became an official entity of the City of Marietta in 2018.

The current staff is:

Amy Reed – Museum Director

Christa McCay – Collections Manager

Anna Monroe – Museum Assistant

Lisa Oestreicher – Museum Assistant

For more information about the MHC, visit its website by following this link.