Participant Info

How You Got Involved In Letterpress Printing: I was 9 or 10 years old when I first became interested in the mass distribution of words. It was probably around the time I first heard of Gutenberg. Like many others, I had a rubber type printing outfit at a young age. I studied printing at a technical high school and at the same time, I purchased my first 10 x 15 C&P.

Presses & Equipment: I did some downsizing about 6 years ago. It’s amazing how much one can accumulate without half trying. Currently, I am running a 10 x15 C&P, and an old Vandercook Number 1. I have two type banks with about 50 fonts of type. I also have another 200 fonts on galleys. A Triumph Paper Cutter, MBM folder, antique Pitney Bowes FH-AF folder, a Kwikprint Model 86 and several Franklin foil stamping machines. Several Warner Rubber Stamp Vulcanizers. A Swingline Electric Stapler and an Acme #1 Stapler. Roll and sheet Laminators, GBC comb binder, and the usual array of Round Corner machines, Paper Drills, Collators, Paper Jogger, Ajax Eyelet Fastener etc. etc. This after downsizing, Prior to downsizing, add in 3x5 & 5x7 Kelseys, 6x10 Pilot, 8x12 C&P several Showcard presses. More than any sane person should have.

Education & Training: I studied printing at a technical high school in Detroit, Michigan.

Work History: After High School, I worked in the printing industry for a while, but I could never make the money I needed to support the lifestyle I wanted. I tried letterpress, offset, silkscreen and newspaper. I even tried working for myself. For most of my life, I’ve either had a printing press of had access to one. In 1968, I took a position with Detroit Edison (the local utility). They did a pretty good job of supporting my lifestyle. After 30 years, I retired at age 57 with pension and benefits. I haven’t worked for money since.

Other Interests & Hobbies: I write a two-page article each quarter for a stamp collector’s newsletter. It’s about printing and stamps of course! I’m a director of a Historical Society and Museum in Watrousville, Michigan. (In the thumb of Michigan.) I do all their printing. Needless to say, it’s a small organization. They like the “antique” factor of the printing. And of course, I don’t charge them. I also maintain their website WWW.watrousville.com and write a four+ page newsletter, twice a year for them. I repair and collect antique clocks and watches. I also have a small collection of antique electrical and mechanical machines. Check writers, Hat Band imprinters, fountain pen monograming machine, etc.

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