“No longer a breach of etiquette”

Dearest reader,

According to Everetta, “Don’t be afraid to write your friends on a typewriter. Mrs. Grundy says it no longer is a breach of etiquette; in fact, the typewritten letter is usually preferred.” So reads copy from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in 1928.

Whether or not it was appropriate to send a type-written letter was an evolving question. In the early days of the typewriter, some people took offense at receiving such a thing, noting: “I can read longhand!” Only gradually did typed correspondence become accepted.

In our day, a typewritten letter has a certain appeal. Notably, Tom Hanks encourages people to send him typed letters, and according to all sources, he replies in kind. My own friends enjoy receiving typewritten notes. One even asked to borrow a machine so that he could reply using a typewriter.

Sincerely,

Mark Adams

P.S. This typospherian letter uses the Remington Noiseless font, offered by Richard Polt here. This WordPress installation employs the Use Any Font plugin.

From the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas), July 15, 1928:

Collegiate! That’s what the new Remington Portable typewriters are which the City Drug Store is featuring this week. In maroon, deep blue, and chic apple green and ivory, combinations to harmonize with any room, these typewriters are a challenge to the co-ed who insists on color schemes for everything.

And the Remington typewriter is the handiest of all portables. It weighs only 9 1-2 pounds, writes a standard nine, has a shift key on either side, has a combination ribbon of red and black, is standard in every way and may be obtained by the Remington easy payment plan.

“You take it easy when you write on a Remington Portable,” it rests easily on the knees, and is most convenient to take along on a camping trip or journey by train. And, don’t be afraid to write your friends on the typewriter. Mrs. Grundy says it no longer is a breach of etiquette; in fact, the typewritten letter is usually preferred.

© 2018, Mark Adams. All rights reserved.