Sitting in class, senior Preston English can be seen typing away on his 1956 typewriter. He takes this typewriter with him to every class in its convenient traveling case and enjoys fixing them up in his free time. English enjoys everything from the mechanics to the history of typewriters. He collects typewriters of many different years and types.

“I love mechanical stuff,” English said. “In general I have a dislike for electronics and more of a like for mechanics. They [typewriters] are simple to fix and the ideas behind them are nice, it’s not like a computer where you have to solder and desolder parts to it, you can just unscrew all the parts.”

Despite his interest for the mechanical side of typewriters, English explained his love for them began with his grandparents.

“My grandparents have a 1946 Royal KMM, it’s actually a military issue one used during WWll,” English said. “When I saw that, I always wanted to get one of my own so I ended up getting another KMM at a garage sale and that kind of started my obsession.”

Royal KMM’s seem to hold a special place in English’s heart considering they were both his first and favorite typewriters.

“My favorite typewriter would have to be my 1947 Royal KMM,” English said. “It’s a full size, 70 pound desk typewriter whereas my other ones are only 15 to 20 pounds. It’s just a beautiful built machine, the way they made it, you just can’t break the [typewriter].”