In the Making: The Last Typewriter Repair Shop
“When I was looking for my forever job, I wanted something that felt important, made a difference, and made me feel good about doing it. I was so lucky that for me it was fixing typewriters. Who knew that fixing typewriters would open so many doors to so many great and interesting experiences?”
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, we hosted a conversation with Tom Furrier, who has been repairing typewriters throughout Boston and beyond for over 45 years. After recently announcing his retirement and the closure of Cambridge Typewriter after 57 years in business, typewriter fans have flocked to his Arlington shop to collect these rare machines.
Tom started with Cambridge Typewriter Co.‘s original founder Ed Vanderwalle in 1980, and later bought the shop in 1995. He expanded the business, continuing to offer repair services for typewriters even as personal computers became widespread. Tom has had a range of clients from institutions like NBSS to personal typewriter enthusiasts (and even David McCullough!), and he’s worked on everything from classic Royals to IBM Selectrics.
“In the Making” is a public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list of events on the series homepage.
With thanks to our underwriters
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Holt & Bugbee
Adams + Beasley Associates
Columbia Contracting Corp.
Feinmann, Inc.
Anderson & McQuaid
BOND
Building Center
F.H. Perry Builder
MUECKE Design & Construction
PACLOCK, with H to O Supply
Sea-Dar Construction
Firestone & Parson Inc.
Inland Underwriters Insurance Agency
In the Making: Robell Awake Book Conversation
