Despite the dominance of computers and smartphones, typewriters continue to play a crucial role in offices and businesses across the United States. While they may seem like relics of the past, typewriters remain in use for tasks where precision and security are paramount.
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Mike Marr, owner of Marr Office Equipment, witnesses firsthand the enduring appeal of these machines. Customers frequently bring in decades-old typewriters for repair, hoping to restore them to working condition. Marr, who has been repairing typewriters for over 20 years, remains committed to keeping them operational. “We’re still servicing probably 20 to 25 typewriters a week,” he says, employing a small team to meet the demand.
Typewriters in Professional Settings
While many assume typewriters are solely the domain of hobbyists, businesses continue to rely on them for specific tasks. A law firm in South Providence, Tomasso & Tomasso, still uses typewriters daily. “There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t use them,” says co-owner John Tomasso. The firm’s three typewriters are essential for preparing legal documents, filling out forms, and issuing checks. Security concerns also play a role in their continued use—unlike computers, typewriters are immune to cyber threats and hacking.
Similarly, Woody Jarvis, a Milwaukee-based real estate agent, finds typewriters more efficient for making document edits without excessive reprinting. “Our contracts are very legible and easy to understand,” Jarvis explains, adding that typewriters help reduce paper waste and printing costs.
A Resilient Industry
The typewriter industry, once a booming sector, has significantly declined since its heyday in the mid-20th century. However, demand persists in niche markets. In Tucker, Georgia, Jim Riegert runs Typewriters.com, selling refurbished IBM electric typewriters. His clients include prisons and funeral homes, which prefer typewriters for specific documentation needs.
Despite IBM exiting the typewriter business in the 1990s, companies like Royal still produce new models, selling tens of thousands of typewriters annually. “We’re going to continue,” says Royal President Todd Althoff. The company’s mechanical and electric typewriters remain popular among collectors and professionals alike.
The Writer’s Choice
Beyond offices, typewriters maintain a devoted following among writers. Seattle-based novelist Anjali Banerjee, who has authored 15 books, drafts her manuscripts on a typewriter to eliminate digital distractions. “I have to keep moving forward. The story moves faster,” she says. Her fascination with typewriters led her to collect over 120 machines, though she has since pared down her collection.
A Lasting Legacy
For enthusiasts and professionals, typewriters offer an unmatched tactile experience and a sense of accomplishment. “There’s something very inviting about a typewriter waiting with paper in it,” says Lisa Floading, an art school employee and avid collector. Events like Milwaukee’s Qwertyfest celebrate the typewriter’s enduring presence, demonstrating that these machines still have a place in modern society.
As long as people value reliability, security, and nostalgia, typewriters will remain in use—ensuring that repair shops like Mike Marr’s continue to thrive. “It’s all I know in life,” Marr says. “And there’s still plenty of work to do.”
