Custom Specialty Printing Shop Blog

Playing Historian.

We had the privilege of hauling this beaut out of the back “dump” room of a large printer in Rochelle, IL a few months back.  Now that we are finally getting settled in our new space we are cleaning her up.  She is a Vandercook #4 Proving Press [Serial Number 7252] and after a few minutes of staring her down, we realized that we are not quite sure how she works.  Our other Vandercooks all have a foot pedal that is vital for operating; however, this one does not seem to have a foot pedal or even a place where it could be missing from.  So, I put on my best historian hat and attempted to find the answer.  After failing miserably, I called on the knower of all things letterpress, Fritz of NA Graphics.  Although she is currently stumping him as well, he offered this fascinating tidbit of history via e-mail today.  He wrote,

Heather–I looked your press up and it was delivered 4/17/37 to Leader Engraving Co. in Rochelle, IL. It was sold through Ostrander-Seymour Co., a dealer and manufacturer of hand presses. There is nothing on the card to indicate anything unusual except that they had a new gripper bar installed 11/12/40. On 5/19/70, it was noted to be at Rochelle Printing Co. Rochelle, IL. I think you need to proceed with cleaning the press up and seeing what it is all about…

Thanks,

Fritz

How sweet is that?  I love knowing all those dorky little details and fingers crossed it will help us track down the mystery of the missing foot pedal.  Oh, and I have begged asked Fritz to help me track down more history on our other presses.  My hope is to compile all the information into a little Locust Street Press history book of sorts.  I know you all will be clamoring down our door for a copy of that one.  Right?