When Wellington Parker Kidder was just fifteen years old, he patented an improvement in rotary steam engines and went on to study applied mechanics and drawing in Boston. He became interested in printing presses and patented many improvements. It is not surprising, then, that typewriters would follow.
His first success was the beautiful Franklin, with its curved keyboard and matching curved typebar shield. This early model is distinctive from later versions in having a nickel-plated paper table, an oval nameplate under the keys, and the name The Franklin in Old English lettering on the curved typebar shield.
The typebars stand vertically behind the shield and swing down to strike the top of the platen. One can see what is being typed, though it requires sitting up straight to look over the shield. Interestingly, the Franklin was the first typewriter to feature a shift-lock function. It was well built, pleasant to type on, well priced, and attractive. The Franklin sold well, with a model 9 being manufactured in 1904.
Mr. Kidder’s other great successes were the Empire and the Noiseless typewriter, for which Remington bought the rights in 1924 and went on to achieve great success developing the design.
Seen below is a wonderful photo of a young Mr. Kidder and a remarkable letter he wrote in 1924, at age 71, just three months before his death, apologizing for not being able to attend his alumni reunion. He goes on to deliver a kind of commencement speech for those gathered, reflecting on the wonder of the age: “On our little spec in space, our electron earth, many local things seem great to us.” It is well worth the read.
“Type prints on top of the Cylinder, hence Writing always in sight as soon as written.”
“Without exception, the handsomest typewriter made, beautifully nickelled and japanned – as much an ornament as an article of necessity.”
