Warning: Old-school references ahead.

In the middle of the last century, my mother insisted that I take the secretarial classes offered at my public high school, which included typing and shorthand. Mom said, “You’ll always be employable if you can type and take shorthand.” The ability to type served me well. But shorthand? Well, Mom didn’t foresee that transcription apps would fill that void. But I digress.

So, Grandpa Olaf’s Royal typewriter went to college with me. The Royal was the perfect size for a college student: a portable, manual typewriter in its own carrying case. I used it during the entire four years at South Dakota State University – both for my Journalism classes and my History classes.

In addition to being one of the few students in my Newswriting & Reporting class who could compose as I typed (what a time-saver!), I was able to make a little money by typing term papers for other students who couldn’t type or who didn’t have access to a typewriter. That was in a time when college students were required to submit physical copies of reports, term papers, and other academic documents.

The Royal is now a fond reminder of my grandfather and my mother. My “word processor” of choice today is a MacBook Air. It has served me well as I write my historical fiction books, but I doubt I’ll proudly display it on a shelf like I do Grandpa’s Royal.

PS: Does anyone know where I can get a new, inked ribbon for the Royal?

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