By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Monday, August 11, 2008 12:00 am
John McAdams retired, but loves tools of his former trade
To say that John McAdams collection is unique might be a bit of an understatement. Typewriters aren't exactly up there with stamps or coins on the top of everyone's list of favorite hobbies.
In fact, McAdams, who has amassed a solid collection of nearly 100 vintage typewriters over the last 43 years, knows of only one other such collector in Albany.
"It's a little unusual but typewriters have a very rich history," said McAdams.
He should know. McAdams officially became a 'full time retiree' earlier this year from King Office Equipment where he has been a fixture since 1962. He bought the business from Vern King in 1974 after working there for 12 years, then handed it over to son Mike for good in January.
"I've seen tremendous changes in the industry working here. The technology has changed by leaps and bounds," said McAdams, 70.
King Office Equipment sells office machinery, copiers and furniture at 465 Pacific Blvd. S.W.
It also spawned McAdams' passion for collecting. He studied office machine technology in college and had always been intrigued by its development and history.
"You have to love it to be at it as long as I have," he said. "I'm always looking to add to it."
It helps that Sharon, his wife of 50 years, enjoys antiques as much as he does.
"We travel a little around Oregon and mostly it's antiquing," said McAdams.
He has his collection spread out at his home and also at King Office, where some of his more historic machines greet customers just inside the front door. He says luck has helped add to his collection.
"I happen on some and people bring me some or alert me to some and I get them at sales or anywhere I can," said McAdams.
The older the machine the better as far as McAdams is concerned. He has several that are pre-1900 vintage, including one from 1874 and a Remington from 1885 that has wooden levers.
"They still work," says McAdams of his typewriters. "I've sold a few but they were mostly duplicates."
He refuses to sell any of his pre-1900 machines.
Son Mike, who is not a collector, gives him a little help.
"I help him clean them once in awhile," he says. "We have them stacked up in the back of the store."
Mike, of course, has other things to keep him occupied in day-to-day operations. The transition from John to Mike, who has worked at King Office for 29 years, has been an easy one. Most of the staff are long-time company employees. Office assistant Karen Cherry just retired after 33 years.
"I thought I'd change a lot of things but it was all working so well," said Mike. "We've streamlined things a little. We're all computerized now."
His dad is "all for the computer age" but doesn't spend a lot of time on line other than hunting for typewriters and other antiques.
And his hunt will continue. "I'm looking for older machines and off brand names," he explained. "The older the better."