In Queens County, Rachel Spence is seen in her home near the ocean, meticulously cleaning a disassembled typewriter from a bin. She notes that typewriters often face issues due to dirt and grime accumulated over time. Spence, who started her typewriter business, Ocean View Typewriters, following job loss and a battle with COVID-19 during the pandemic, prepares the machines for sale.
Having never owned a typewriter before moving to Nova Scotia, Spence’s interest in typewriters grew after experiencing health challenges and seeking a new hobby. Her collection expanded, leading her to repair and sell typewriters dating from the late 19th to mid-20th century. She sources typewriters online, from antique stores, and other second-hand outlets, refurbishing them before selling at varying prices based on their condition and make.
Spence highlights the appeal of typewriters to different generations, from retirees reconnecting with their past to parents introducing typewriters to their children. She emphasizes the creative freedom and learning experience that using typewriters offers, as it encourages embracing mistakes and the absence of modern digital conveniences like AI and autocorrect.
Noteworthy figures like actor Tom Hanks and musician Taylor Swift have contributed to the resurgence of interest in typewriters. Spence shares her personal journey with typewriter repair, which she finds therapeutic and rewarding, especially in a time when people seek tangible connections and creative outlets. Despite the digital era, typewriters continue to captivate enthusiasts for their history and unique charm, making them a timeless and cherished technology.