I now have definitive written proof of a numeric indexing system (delineated in a popular textbook for secretaries, and published by a company which did significant business in Germany) from the mid-1920s with increasingly more detail into the 1940s and a fifth edition published in 1950. It’s exactly like, but notably predates, Niklas Luhmann’s alphanumeric system which he started in 1952. I’ll write up some of the details shortly with specific references, but thought I’d tease it here a bit first.
The third ever IndieWebCamp San Diego with two days of independent open distributed web talks, breakouts, and hack sessions. Bring your website or setup a new domain on the spot.
This has been one of my favorite events for the past two years, and after a rough 2025, this is a great way to cap off the year.
An early 21st century textbook on filing and indexing practices geared toward office workers. First edition, 1932.
The first section is on the rules of alphabetization and indexing to standardize the space of ordering cards for both people’s names and company names.
The second section covers some history on basic filing techniques and then goes into alphabetic, geographic, numeric, and subject indexing methods. The final sections cover the L.B Automatic (Library Bureau), the triple check method, and various other special filing methods as well as maintaining and transferring files for long term storage. Illustrations of these various methods help to visualize how they worked in practice.
This text isn’t as interesting or as comprehensive as the works of J. Kaiser from earlier in the century.
“Like a jam session for people who like typewriters. You had unions do sit-ins and hippies do be-ins, so I thought, ‘We’ll do a type-in.’”
—Michael McGettigan, 56, bike shop owner who coined the phrase
With attendees from 8 months old to over 80, our Spring type-in was so successful, we’re hosting another one before the end of the year. Bringing your own typewriter(s) and related ephemera is definitely encouraged, but is entirely optional.
2 blocks West of Lake Avenue, which has both East and Westbound exits off of the 210 Freeway.
We’ll be meeting upstairs on the second floor. Parking available behind the bookstore as well as on surrounding streets. There is a handicapped accessible ramp (from the parking lot in rear) and entrance(s) with an elevator to the second floor as well. (Hint: this is also available for those bringing their collections of standard typewriters.)
What is a Type-in?
Type-ins are community-based, family friendly events at which typewriter enthusiasts share their love for the analog art of putting ink onto paper with mechanical marvels of the late 19th through 20th centuries. To do this they bring one or more manual typewriters and their knowledge and love of the machines to share with the community. New friends share stories, history, repair tips, working methods, and other typewriterly ephemera. Typists of all ages and levels of ability are welcome.
Typewriters optional
We definitely encourage those without their own machines to attend. With some luck and the kindness of new friends, you should be able to try out a variety of machines which are present in an effort to decide what styles and feel you might consider for purchasing one of your own one day (or for the upcoming holidays). Please kindly ask the owners’ permission before trying a machine out. If you’ve got multiple typewriters, feel free to bring an extra for a friend or two. Our current record for the attendee bringing the most typewriters is 6.
Activities during the afternoon
Below is a list of activities we might try based on the interests of the attendees:
Basic typewriter demonstrations covering: use, maintenance, and repair; how to find/buy typewriters, how to date the year of manufacture of your machine, etc.,
Type up your letter to Santa
The holidays are coming, maybe you could type up some holiday cards?
Speed typing contest
Writing! (naturally)
poetry competition
letter and postcard writing; bring some stationery/envelopes/stamps to write letters to friends & loved ones
Typing prompts for those who need inspiration for writing
Typewriter Art – composing visual pictures using ink on paper
Cadavre Exquis – a dedicated typewriter with paper is set up for participants to compose and write a group story, each taking turns throughout the event at writing one sentence at a time.
Impromptu lightning talks of 3-5 minutes on topics like “how to buy a typewriter”, “how to get into home typewriter repair”, “how to work a typewriter into your daily writing routine”, “how to join the Typosphere” etc.
Participants are encouraged to type up their experiences of the event for posting to their personal websites (aka the Typosphere).
Meet new pen pals to start exchanging letters via typewriter and post
Selfies with the typewriter mural on the front of the bookstore.
Typewriter repair advice: Have a broken machine and not sure what’s wrong? Get some advice from the community.
Bring and share your own ideas… What do you use your typewriter for? (Paul Sheldon, if you’re reading this, you can only bring your Smith-Corona, you CANNOT bring your Royal Ten.)
Vroman’s Bookstore is a Pasadena institution and SoCal’s oldest indie bookstore since 1894 (almost as old as the invention of the typewriter itself!) While you’re visiting, be sure to check out not only their book selection, but their gifts and cards; the wide array of notebooks, stationery items and their fantastic fountain pen counter; and their children’s section. Downstairs stop by their excellent wine bar or Tepito Coffee Shop which will be open for snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Looking for typewriter-related books as holiday gifts and stocking stuffers while you’re there? Ask for some of the following:
The Typewriter Revolution: A Typist’s Companion for the 21st Century by Richard Polt (Countryman Press, 2015)
Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks (Knopf, 2017)
Olivetti by Allie Millington (Feiwel & Friends, 2024)
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin (Simon & Schuster, 2003) as well as other follow up books in the series
Typewriter Beach: A Novel by Meg Waite Clayton (Harper, July 2025)
Yankees, Typewriters, Scandals, and Cooperstown: A Baseball Memoir by Bill Madden (Triumph, April 2025)
Who’s ready for a type-in?!?
RSVP & Questions
Our meeting space, which is frequently used for author talks and book signings, should be adequate, but please RSVP (with your expected number of typewriters) so we can plan for the appropriate amount of tables and chairs.
Questions? Media queries? Contact: ChrisAldrich@jhu.edu
