Oliver Typewriter Machine Model 5

Oliver Typewriter Machine Model 5

This rather blurred photo of an Oliver Typewriter is a good illustration for the description in the following publication:

HEADLIGHT: SIGHTS & SCENES ALONG THE CHICAGO NORTHWESTERN RAILROAD (1898)
"Oliver Typewriter Co
This is the largest manufacturing plant in Woodstock, and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. They employ upward of one hundred and fifty hands, most of whom are skilled mechanics, and the concern as a whole has been one of the most important factors in promoting the welfare and business interests of Woodstock. Their payroll amounts to more than $75,000 per year, and has been a gratifying item to the retail interests of the city. The company have been located in Woodstock since January, 1896, and the local management is vested F. R. Baytlett,. resident manager; John Whitworth, superintendent. The product is confined to the Oliver Typewriter exclusively, and the works have an immense capacity. They claim that the "Oliver" is the latest and mo<st striking embodiment, containing the five great essential features in typewriting machines of visible writing, simplicity, durability, speed, and manifolding power. The machine is a radical departure from all other methods of construction, and contains about 500 parts as against the complicated makes of other companies which contain from fifteen hundred to three thousand parts. This gives the "Oliver" the maximum of work with a minimum of mechanism. Nothing but the best material is used, which, combined with good construction, render the durability of this machine a foregone conclusion. One of its special features is the triangular form of type-bar used with the type at the apex, thus solving the question of perfect alignment in type-bar machines. It is absolutely impossible to lock two or more bars in case of an interference on this form of type-bar. The carriage is light, does not require much attention on the operating springs and responds readily to the escapement. It moves freely on anti-friction travelers, insuring an easy, steady motion, obviating the necessity of cleaning and oiling the guide-rail. The printing is always visible, and the platen can be turned automatically either way and at any distance. The marginal stop is instantly adjusted for any desired width of margin, and the platen may be reversed to make any additions or corrections without lifting a pawl. Any desired color can be obtained by placing a piece of carbon paper of the required shade under the ribbon when writing, and in cleaning this machine no extra attachment or circle-brush is needed, as the face of the type when at rest is turned upward and outward, making it possible to do the cleaning in a few seconds with an ordinary brush. In manifolding the Oliver is especially powerful, by reason of the fact that the imprint is obtained by the downward stroke of the bar, and is intensified by the tendency of the bars to drop toward the platen. The general offices of the company are at the N. E. cor. Washington and Dearborn Sts., Chicago, and its officers include some of the most representative business men in the city."

There were 12 different models of typewriters manufactured in Woodstock between 1896 and the closing of the factory in 1927. This Model 5 was manufactured between 1907 and 1914. This photo was used for advertising direct sales to the public in 1916. The writing says Manufactured by the Oliver Typewriter Co. Chicago USA. Keep machine cleaned and oiled.

Woodstock Sesquicentennial Photo Exhibit

c1907-1914