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TYPEWRITER
TYPEWRITER

TYPEWRITER

CultureCanadian
Datec. 1950s
Dimensions.A: 16 x 34 x 32 cm (6 5/16 x 13 3/8 x 12 5/8 in.) .B: 18.5 x 38 x 21.5 cm (7 5/16 x 14 15/16 x 8 7/16 in.)
Object numberHF.12.26.28a-g
DescriptionA blue Consul brand typewriter (.A) with suitcase-style case (.B). The typewriter has four rows of green keys with the exception of three on both the right and left side which are white and a black space bar. There is a triangular shaped cut out on the top through which you can see the typebars. The release lever is shiny silver as is the scale. The platen roller is black with white plastic knobs on either end and a black and red ribbon threaded through the hardware. There are two metal release tabs which pull forward to release the typewriter from the interior of the case.

The case is grey-brown, square with a brown leather handle on the front center above which is a silver metal lock. An incised, brown leather (?) line is present around the entire circumference of the sides near the top edge. A yellow paper label is taped in the top right corner of the front with “Typewriter used by Sr. / Paul of the Cross / McEntee” in black font. On the back side are four circular mental feet in each corner with two metal hinges near the bottom edge at the seam of the top and base of the case. The base of the case has four circular rubber feet in each of the central corners. There are three groups of screws present at the base – a group of three at the top center and two groups of four on the left and right sides. These screws go through the base and attach to the hardware holding the typewriter in place.

Associated objects: HF.12.26.28c-g

Narrative
Consul typewriters were manufactured by Czechoslovakian company, Zbrojovka Brno until the 1980s. The company was established in 1918 as an arms factory and were considered one of the largest producers of rifles prior to World War II. The company later began to produce telephones, railroad instruments, tools and by the 1980s mainly produced office equipment. 

The Sisters of St. Martha formed in 1916 after Bishop Henry O’Leary identified the Church’s need to expand in social, educational and spiritual fields. Within the year four Island women left PEI to be trained by the Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish. Upon their return, the Sisters began their work as pioneers in education, health care and social services on the Island.