A Hickok rules at Mt. Pleasant

Just a quick note about the latest addition at Printers’ Hall in Mt. Pleasant, IA.

We have what we believe was the last Hickok Ruling Machine in commercial operation in the United States now set-up and operational at Printers’ Hall. It will be in operation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week during the 17th Annual Midwest & Great Northern Printer’s Fair. These machines are rarely seen anymore, and those that are spotted are usually in a static display and not actually running.

This machine can best be described as looking like a weaving loom from a distance, as is very large, has a maple frame and a system of strings and ruling pens to apply the ink to the sheets. Something fascinating to watch in action.

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I have only seen one once I my life, at Stecher Traung Printing in SF in the late 60s. I hope you are able to get a movie for Youtube. These are beautiful machine.

-Mike

The Hickok was operational last Friday and Saturday at the Great Northern Printer’s Fair. The next time it will be running for any sustained period of time will be during the Old Threshers Reunion next August. Anyone wanting to come and film it in operation is certainly welcome to do that. The printer’s Fair was another success this year. There were 31 sales tables full of goodies for the 100 or so printers that showed up.

Rick