We are used to the term keyboard today and that may refer to a musical instrument or to part of the computer. Cell phones even have keyboards.
However, if you ask people of a certain age what the first thing is that pops into their minds when they hear the phrase A quick brown fox and they will say typewriters. The May-Stringer Communication Room is home to some special typewriters that recorded parts of Brooksville’s history in many ways.
Probably the oldest machine in the collection is the Blickensderfer that was used in the A.S. Eppley Insurance office. It had interchangeable type balls long before IBM came up with the Selectric idea. The Eppley Insurance office was on South Main Street.
The handsome Smith & Corona typewriter was used for many years by E.R. Russell to pound out stories about Brooksville and the surrounding area. Russell was the Publisher of the Brooksville Journal until 1959.
Another well-known name for building typewriters is Remington. The sturdy machine in the collection was used by Mary Brightwell at the Southern Bell telephone office. Also of import to Hernando County history are the typewriters and adding machines used at the old Hernando County Courthouse. The 1885 Depot also has some vintage typewriters that I will feature in a future article.
The Museums are open!
The May-Stringer: Tours Thursday, Friday & Saturday- 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot: Tours Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 352-799-4766
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse: By appointment – 352-515-3054 or 630-464-2313
