July 3rd! It’s Linotype Machine anniversary day! Today marks 131 years of a distinct kind of music. The sound of solid slug of type sliding onto a steel galley followed by the sound of brass matrices rhythmically chiming as they fall back into place within the Linotype magazine. The persistent “whirl” of the distributor screw and the assembler chute belt, sounding a call for action. It’s a fabulous symphony, even when the machine sounds come to an abrupt halt, and gruff curses from the operator can be heard. It’s all a part of the wonder. Thanks to Steve Cole and the Baltimore Museum of Industry crew for rallying and spreading the word about the anniversary today. And cheers to all who are acting as the custodians of these amazing machines - keeping them happy and running for future generations to experience. Keep the cams rolling and the metal flowing!

Pictured above is yours truly holding Linotype 36 ^ 135 (Gothic Number 41) mats in front of the 1946 Linotype model 31 at Stumptown Printers .