L.C. Smith Typewriter, ca. 1915-1925.

Yes, this typewriter works! It is an antique, ca. 1915-25, and belongs to Mann Library. Please treat it with respect. We invite you to try it out—use it to record thoughts you would like to convey to the library—poems, haikus, ideas, or whatever is on your mind. If someone has already typed on the page, leave some space and continue with your own narrative, adding pages as needed(they’re numbered). We will archive these sheets of paper, and if we quote from them, will keep them anonymous, so only sign your messages if you want them attributed, and leave a note that specifies if you have privacy preferences.

How to use the L.C. Smith Typewriter:

This machine has no delete key, so be sure to type slowly and carefully until you’re used to the way a manual keyboard feels and works. When you reach the end of the line, you won't find an "enter" button to go to the next line. You’ll have to manually go to the next line by turning the “line space lever” on the right, to the right, and also pushing the carriage to the right. If you run out of paper or get stuck, ask for help from the Circulation Desk. When you finish a sheet of paper, please remove it by pulling gently from the top edge with one hand and turning one of the side “platen knobs” with the other.Place a new page in from the back, aligning the edge with the metal paper guide in back. Then turn the platen knobs gently until you see the paper appear in front. Continue turning until the paper appears above the"paper fingers:' Now you're ready to start typing at the beginning of the left margin (unless you prefer to start typing elsewhere on the line). Turn the platen knobs until you’re at the right vertical spot on the page and begin typing.Please be aware that, like many early typewriters, the L.C. Smith has no exclamation point (you’ll need to type shift+ s , then backspace and type a period) and no #1 (use a lowercase L ). OK, those are the basics. Please consult the manual if you have more detailed questions about its functions.