Reed Sherman is an enthusiast of the tactile, of the analog. He wants people to slow down, to really appreciate the creative process.
That’s why he’s hosting a free Christmas “type-in” on Saturday in Salt Lake City from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocket Realty, 1394 S. West Temple, with a dozen restored typewriters from the 1930s-1970s. Most of the machines are his own.
A type-in, Sherman explained, is a “geek-fest for people who are enthusiastic about typewriting in any shape or form.” Those who attend can check out his typewriters and take the keys for a spin, or even bring their own machines to show off, sell or trade.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Reed Sherman prepares for an upcoming "type-in" event in Salt Lake City to share in his love of typewriters, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
“People like to collect typewriters because they’re just so unique and so neat, and [to] try to keep them out of the landfill,” he said.
Sherman is a realtor by profession, but a collector by passion. His collection is full of vintage typewriters in all different colors. They come from companies like Groma Kolibri and Olivetti, and he even has a Royal portable typewriter with a rare Vogue typeface. His Hermes Baby from 1975, meanwhile, has a rare cursive typeface.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A Royal Model A from 1937 is part of enthusiast Reed Sherman’s collection, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
Sherman believes each typewriter has a personality — they each have different colors, shapes and sizes. Some are portable, and some are clunky. Each has its own typeface or font.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) An early 1970s poster promotes an electric typewriter, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
“When you type on them, too, they’re a little different … they each kind of have their own unique style,” Sherman said. “Some are kind of more geared towards long-form writing; others are more for Christmas letters.”
A year ago, Sherman said he bought his daughter a typewriter because of her interest in creative writing, and that was when he jumped into the rabbit hole. When he took one of his typewriters to a festival at 9th and 9th and noticed young kids’ interest in it, it inspired him to host his event.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Cursive type from a Hermes Baby, a typerwriter in Reed Sherman's collection, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
“It just gives young people and other people a chance to kind of put their thoughts and stuff on paper,” Sherman said. “Sometimes, for me, especially, I dread typing on my phone [and] computer. When I get on a typewriter, though, it just flows and is just so fun.”
Because of its analog, more permanent nature, Sherman said typewriters nudge people to express themselves differently, in a slower, more “refreshing and delightful” way.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Reed Sherman types on a Groma Kolibri from 1956 on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
“These things aren’t dead yet,” Sherman said. “Let’s keep them alive.”
As an added bonus, Saturday’s type-in will also feature working TVs and radios from the 1950s and 60s.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Reed Sherman, typewriter collector and enthusiast, types on a Olivetti Lettera 22 from 1950 at his office in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.