Beautifully written, Patti! A lovely tribute to your dad, and the power of the things that define us. The Georgian Bay School of the Arts was gifted many of these boxes. Mammoth Hall Press teaches courses on letterpress and other printing making methods there now using mid 1800’s presses. I’ve taken three with them already. Could be a fun trip down memory lane for you too!
I was looking at the University of Colorado offerings…but will check this out too. Its in keeping with a new business venture I’m about to announce. Best to you and The Daily Play, Brittany.
I'm a huge fan of print and typesetting. That's so cool you have those. My dad was a proofreader back when they set typesetting. At an actual typesetting company in Pasadena.
I can’t get enough of these stories. Thank you for sharing. I’m thinking I should do a series and start conversations on my substack. What do you think?
This was a beautiful read. I worked on a small press that did traditional hand bound books and letterpress printing when I was in high school, and learning to use the press and handset type had a lasting impact on my love for the craft of printing and binding books. This essay also made me think of my my dad, I followed him around and adopted his love of books in a similar way, and reading about this relationship warmed me. Happy (early) Fathers Day Patti, and thank you for this!
I love to hear about your family's history in type! I am a letterpress printmaker and I use type that's sorted into California and Hamilton cases every day. Cases like yours are in wide, frequent usage throughout the cottage industry that is old-school printing and their stories live on.
Erin, I want to know about all of this. Since I’m in publishing myself…I’m wanting to be schooled in letter press and actual book binding. Maybe we could chat some time?
Absolutely! I'm at Bear Scratch Press at the University of Montana. DM me and we can trade info. We happen to be hosting two weeks of master printmaking and book arts classes this summer that are open to the public: www.umt.edu/um-press/miba.
I think it was a drawer - it has a handle. Each little crossing has a small brass(?) star holding it together. (Can't figure out how to share the picture). My dad was an architect and collected beautiful handmade things...You could try this link but it's on my computer so I doubt it will work. Let me know.
"The things I choose to keep tell me who I am." - Agreed!
The cases are stunning and clearly dripping with meaning. Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully written, Patti! A lovely tribute to your dad, and the power of the things that define us. The Georgian Bay School of the Arts was gifted many of these boxes. Mammoth Hall Press teaches courses on letterpress and other printing making methods there now using mid 1800’s presses. I’ve taken three with them already. Could be a fun trip down memory lane for you too!
I was looking at the University of Colorado offerings…but will check this out too. Its in keeping with a new business venture I’m about to announce. Best to you and The Daily Play, Brittany.
Loved this my dear friend! Beautiful essay.
These wooded items are works of art....worthy of owning and displaying.
The workmanship in them is incredible. They held up to a lot of use. For sure
I'm a huge fan of print and typesetting. That's so cool you have those. My dad was a proofreader back when they set typesetting. At an actual typesetting company in Pasadena.
I can’t get enough of these stories. Thank you for sharing. I’m thinking I should do a series and start conversations on my substack. What do you think?
A series about printing and typesettting?
That’s what I’m thinking…what do you think? I might tie it into something else Im doing for my next book, actually. I have an idea…wanna know?
Definitely. I love books, printing, fonts, you name it!
This was a beautiful read. I worked on a small press that did traditional hand bound books and letterpress printing when I was in high school, and learning to use the press and handset type had a lasting impact on my love for the craft of printing and binding books. This essay also made me think of my my dad, I followed him around and adopted his love of books in a similar way, and reading about this relationship warmed me. Happy (early) Fathers Day Patti, and thank you for this!
I’m so touched by this. Thanks for you note and wishes, Alexa.
This was such a great essay! I loved reading about how much his work influenced you. It truly sounds like he was an artisan.
And thank you for including me as a recommended essay ❤️❤️
Thank you for your comment. He was very special.
I used to buy these from thrift shops for my mom who then stored her collection (mostly bought by me) of novelty lighters.
Oh, I just so appreciate hearing about the uses of the cases. Did you know the history or them before, Kim?
No ma'am, I had never-well, I was told the were printer’s drawers.
I worked in a pioneer reenactment village for a bit and we showcased those.
I’ve always wanted one to store my sewing thread. They fit well and it looks colorful and antique.
That would be a great reuse of a linotype case, thread!!! Let me know if you find one or many!!
I will! My kids had also talked about getting one for their Lego mini-figs. 🙃
I’m a Lego collector and they are perfect for the mini figs and some small creations
This is absolutely gorgeous, Patti! What a beautiful way to honor your dad’s legacy and your literary soul. 🧡
Lovely, filled with objects wrapped in your love and reverance. Wonderful heritage!
I love to hear about your family's history in type! I am a letterpress printmaker and I use type that's sorted into California and Hamilton cases every day. Cases like yours are in wide, frequent usage throughout the cottage industry that is old-school printing and their stories live on.
Erin, I want to know about all of this. Since I’m in publishing myself…I’m wanting to be schooled in letter press and actual book binding. Maybe we could chat some time?
Absolutely! I'm at Bear Scratch Press at the University of Montana. DM me and we can trade info. We happen to be hosting two weeks of master printmaking and book arts classes this summer that are open to the public: www.umt.edu/um-press/miba.
I have 2 of these boxes. They are so beautiful - the wood and sense of having been well used. I've hung them and use them to hold earrings and pins.
Do you? Tell me about them or share photos please. Each ‘type” is so different??? thank you for letting me know.
I think it was a drawer - it has a handle. Each little crossing has a small brass(?) star holding it together. (Can't figure out how to share the picture). My dad was an architect and collected beautiful handmade things...You could try this link but it's on my computer so I doubt it will work. Let me know.
https://photos.fife.usercontent.google.com/pw/AP1GczM56Su4kjF67ejcwK6GBNPVds_ypTgxt6XeY56tIiFxSjnSb7jIWZ0hQg=w636-h848-s-no?authuser=0
This is a beautiful piece Patti ❤️