Issue № 16 - Smithsonian Discoveries

Archives Center

        January 9, 2026

Issue № 16 - Smithsonian Discoveries 
My largest research trip allowed me to dive into Smithsonian’s archives, unearthing so many treasures for my Linotype book that I just had to share.

Issue № 16 - Smithsonian Discoveries
I’ll be honest: Writing this newsletter update has been daunting. How can I effectively share four days spent researching, in three different parts of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, digging through the Mergenthaler Linotype Company archives?
I suppose I’ll just start writing and it will come together. Maybe there is a lesson in there?

Facts and Figures
One of two library carts of boxes which were brought from offsite storage for my research
As I’ve said in previous issues: I purposely left the Smithsonian as my final research location because I knew it would be the largest and most unwieldy of the collections. And well; it lived up to my expectations.
It was exhilarating. It was exhausting. It was entertaining. It was enlightening.
By the numbers, this was the biggest research trip of the entire project, so I’ll start out with some basic facts:

1,375 reference photos (27 GB) shot
1 freezing rain event and 1 snow event
1 government shutdown which delayed my trip by a month
4 librarians (👋 Julie, Joan, Alexia, and Trina)
34 “Hollinger” archival boxes jammed full with correspondence, memos, and materials in the Archives Center (culled down from 257)
5 boxes and 16 items in the Trade Literature collection
2 boxes and 3 binders of ultra-rare materials in the Graphic Arts library

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together
Inside a typical box: many folders of correspondence (about type in this case) which needed quick scanning to gauge importance for my book
Because of the size and scope of the Smithsonian, before I arrived, I spent two months methodically figuring out which parts of the Linotype archive were held in which parts of the Smithsonian. The bulk of the business correspondence and materials came from offsite storage through the Archives Center, but the specimen books, magazines, and advertisements were held in the Trade Literature Collection. And then there was a small collection of the “crown jewels” which were kept in the Graphic Arts Department, but weren’t necessarily easy to find in the online catalogue.
But I am happy to say: I planned accordingly, had just the right amount of time, and feel I uncovered all of the materials needed for my book project. Turns out, I’m pretty good at this “researching” thing, after all…

What I Found
Be forewarned: I’m going to blast this section with tons of photos. I love sharing photos and many people say its their favorite part of these newsletters, so enjoy; and don’t miss a bit more at the bottom.
More German Linotype publications
“Der Moderne Buchdrucker” covers from the German company, circa early 1930s
Ottmar Mergenthaler’s personal diary (!!!)
A page from Ottmar Mergenthaler’s diary where he describes coming up with a way to space out words without infringing on other spaceband patents — what a find!
An entry from Oct. 1894 where Ottmar Mergenthaler visited NYC for the annual company meeting and then headed to Saranac Lake, NY for a “cure” for his tuberculosis
Amazing letterheads & correspondence
Extremely early letterheads when the company was called “Mergenthaler Printing Company,” circa 1890
Letterhead from the Germany company, Mergenthaler Setzmaschinen-Fabrik, Dec. 1909
Letterhead from the British Linotype company, soon after the end of WWII, Nov. 1945
Another early letterhead showing the Brooklyn factory, Jan. 1894
Just the cutest letterhead from the “Linotype News” company newsletter, circa 1953
Technically, these were at the bottom of the letterhead, so would these be called “lettertails” or “letterbottoms”?
WWII propaganda
A booklet about Linotype’s war production and awards during World War II
First Linofilm machine forgotten to history
The only image ever seen of the earliest phototypesetting machine built by Linotype. It was built as a reaction to Intertype’s Fotosetter and no one has ever written about it before!
Christmas cookie molds
Apparently, Ottmar Mergenthaler carved cookie molds for his mother early in his childhood?! This article shares images and details.
Blower Linotype photos & operation manual
A color photograph of the original Blower Linotype when it was on display at the Smithsonian, circa 1977
A photographic page of the Blower Linotype keyboard operation manual, written by Stan Nelson circa 1977

What’s Next?
At the start of every day, I take a photo with my color card which allows me to keep color consistent for reference photos
After 2½ years of research, I can confidently say I have scraped the bottom of the Linotype barrel (in a good way) and have so much material to share. I’ve been fortunate to be welcomed into archives and libraries across the globe. Now, the hard part begins: pulling the threads together and writing a coherent story.
Last week I downloaded the professional book writing software, Scrivener, and took a one-hour paid class on how to set up my project for maximum efficiency. With nearly 400 GB of images, PDFs, and spreadsheets; staying organized is my only hope for completing this project.
Heck, I even bought myself a mechanical keyboard for Christmas because I am a nerd and it might feel better as I start writing. 🤓

Recent Images & Writing
Special issue of “The Linotype News” showing leaders of the past and current Linotype company, circa 1936
Since my last update in October, I’ve been doing a bit of writing for my blog as well as publishing articles about some very famous typefaces for Tobias Frere-Jones. You may enjoy reading them or viewing some images I shared during the Smithsonian trip.
See even more photos from my Smithsonian research trip: https://www.flickr.com/photos/linotypebook/albums/72177720330673820
I published the Gotham article: https://realdougwilson.com/writing/writing-about-gotham
I updated and added more to the Linotype mystery code: https://realdougwilson.com/writing/cracking-the-linotype-printing-code

Looking Into the Near Future
From a CRTronic brochure showing the keyboard and early CRT screen, circa 1983
The year 2026 is looking to be full of a different kind of adventure: writing. As always, I can’t thank you enough for being interested and following along on this journey. Literally your support is what has kept me going and funded my research.
It means the world to me,

Doug Wilson

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