Updegraff Typewriter Collection

Collection History

The typewriter collection at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is a testament to the dedication and passion of Joe M. Updegraff, who was a business course instructor at COCC. Updegraff’s interest in typewriters began in 1941 when a student of his gifted him an 1892 Smith-Premier #2. This acquisition sparked a lifelong commitment to collecting and preserving historical typewriters. Over the years, Updegraff accumulated more than 250 machines, investing over $3,500 in their restoration, as well as in acquiring advertisements, illustrations, and historical data. His collection provided a look at the evolution of typewriters, demonstrating technological advancements over the decades.

Edlands

One of the most remarkable acquisitions in Updegraff’s collection was a set of rare Edland typewriters. Only six of these machines were ever produced, and in 1964, a discovery was made of six unused Edlands in their original packaging in a warehouse located in New York. A fellow collector, Paul Lippman, attempted to purchase one of the machines but then turned to Updegraff, who offered $35 per machine and successfully acquired the machines. Updegraff kept all of these rare typewriters, believing that they were the only ones in existence, as he had never encountered another in his correspondence with fellow collectors. One Edland was sold to Lippman, while the remaining machines stayed within Updegraff’s collection.

Following Updegraff’s passing in 1968, his widow, Alice, retained three of the Edlands but later sold the majority of his collection, including two Edlands, to Ed Quiring in College Place, Washington. One of these machines was later acquired by Michael Adler in Rome. To this day, the whereabouts of the sixth Edland remain unknown, adding an element of mystery to the history of this rare machine.

Donation to COCC

Updegraff donated twenty typewriters to COCC, in hopes that future generations could appreciate and study the history of typewriting technology. Among these donations was one of the rare Edlands, which remains on display in the COCC Library. This contribution has allowed COCC to preserve an important piece of typewriter history, honoring Updegraff’s legacy. The entire collection continues to serve as an invaluable resource, illustrating the development of typewriters and their impact on communication practices over time.

View the Collection - Online or In Person

Photos of the typewriters can be viewed online. The typewriters themselves are displayed in a glass case on the main floor of the Barber Library in Bend and can be viewed during Library open hours.

Credits

Photos: Eugen Helmbrecht, Digital Production Specialist
Research, writing and metadata: Jomaris Vargas, EOU Practicum Student