Keystone Letterpress - Origin
My interest in letterpress printing began in 1964 when I took a printing class in middle school. In those days shop class was required of all students and printing was by far my favorite subject. The class strictly focused on letterpress printing. As students we had access to three Chandler and Price Pilot presses. A large motorized Chandler and Price jobber was available to the more advanced students. The print shop was always busy turning out programs, announcements event tickets, etc. I loved visiting the print shop during my spare time and still remember with fondness the smell of ink and kerosene. It was at this time that I purchased my first letterpress, a used Kelsey 5x8 table top press along with 5 type cases an an assortment of cuts. I had a lot of fun producing stationary and greeting cards for my friends and family.
Skipping ahead 50 years I am now a father to 4 great kids and 4 fantastic grandchildren and retired following a 34 year career in the pharmaceutical industry. Two years ago, I was dusting off my old Kelsey press expecting to sell it when I was struck with a bit of nostalgia and had the idea of restoring it. I purchased new rollers and retaught myself the basics of letterpress printing. I was lucky enough to purchase a huge trove of used foundry type, typecases and cabinets from a few print shops and set to work producing coasters, stationary and business cards that were well received by my friends and family. I enjoy letterpress so much that I have decided to start a small letterpress printing business in West Chester, PA about 30 miles from Philadelphia - the "Keystone State".
I hope that you enjoy my offerings. Please contact with any comments suggestions or inquiries.
