Today's Article

Tom Rehkopf, Typewriter Collector: The typewriter removes 2distractions from the writing process. 

CNN Correspondent: Writers like J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame, as well as pop stars like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift have 3publicly 4expressed they are fans. 

Tom Rehkopf: I think all of these people have found that the typewriter enables that creative process. 

CNN Correspondent: So says Tom Repkopf, better known as Typewriter Tom, who for decades has fixed and collected typewriters. 

Tom Rehkopf: This is called a 5catacomb because it has that sort of 6eerie feeling to it. 

CNN Correspondent: How many machines do you think you have altogether in these rooms?

Tom Rehkopf: Altogether in these rooms, probably a thousand machines spread across pretty much every 7manufacturer since the late 1800s. 

CNN Correspondent: While many manual typewriter shops have closed their doors, new stores have recently opened in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Dayton, Ohio, and Chicago. 

Tom Rehkopf: See, this is called a type 8shuttle. 

CNN Correspondent: The 9renewed interest in typewriters keeps Rehkopf busy, leading meetings of the Atlanta Typewriter Club he 10founded. 

Tom Rehkopf: “I would say this is early 1900s.”

CNN Correspondent: And visiting schools and museums where he introduces younger 11generations to typewriters. 

Tom Rehkopf: Every time I go to a school, I leave them a typewriter. I get 12haikus back from the kids. I get pictures back that they typed, and I love it. That's just the fun of doing it.