Museum notes

The typewriter was one of the great inventions of the 19^th century. A person using a pen could only write about 30 words a minute.  A good typists could reach 130 words a minute. 

Like any new technology it had its detractors.  Some people were offended to receive typed letters, others complained about the loss of handwriting skills Does this sound familiar?  Its potential wasn’t realised at first either.  The inventor thought it would be used by “clergy and men of letters”.   Instead it revolutionised the office world.

If you are under 40 you’ve probably never tried one and your children may not even know what it is.   We have a lovely old machine in the museum that you can come and try.    

You will quickly appreciate how lucky we are to have computers now and how skilled those typists were.     Do let us know if you manage 130wpm!

The museum is open Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from  1.30-3.30

It is run by volunteers so if  you are interested in becoming involved contact Derek Wilson 306 9722 or Jo Guscott 027 320 0514