On a recent visit
to Chicago, somewhere between the Art Institute and the deep-dish pizza, I
found time to visit the American Writers Museum. According to their website, their mission
is to “excite audiences about the impact of American writers—past, present, and
future—in shaping our collective histories, cultures, identities, and daily
lives.” I am happy to say that they are achieving that goal.
In addition to
the timeline, the museum has numerous interactive exhibits. My favorite
hands-on display was not the word wall or the multi-user touch tables but
rather the table full of manual typewriters. Visitors were encouraged to sit
and type out a story, which they could then add to the display of works created
by other guests.
After helping a flummoxed twenty-something roll a piece of paper into her typewriter, I moved on to composing my own story. It started out being about how hard it is to type on a manual machine, but ended up a bit more mysterious. I share it here in its entirety, minus the errors introduced by my rusty typing skills:
Once upon a time
a typist struggled to free her words. Her fingers lacked the strength to go on.
Her story remained trapped inside her. No one would ever know the truth. Maybe
it’s better that way. For everyone.
I
don’t know how long my creation stayed on display, potentially helping to shape
our “collective histories, cultures, identities, and daily lives.” I’m guessing
it has since been replaced by other visitors’ tales, and that’s as it should be.
Because as the museum itself makes clear, there’s always a new American story
to tell.
Who would you
include in the American Writers Museum?
If Anonymous isn't included, they'd get my vote.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I've added this to my list for my next Chicago trip.
ReplyDeleteMary Roberts Rinehart and Agatha Christie of course!
ReplyDeleteFor a very American experience--Barbara Neely, with her Blanche White series (even the protagonist's name is tongue-in-cheek.)
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ReplyDeleteThe writer's museum is so much fun! I tapped out a one paragraph story on what used to be my dream machine, an IBM correcting selectric. So clunky, the keyboard so vast.
ReplyDeleteToo many to name who could be added. Today, I live on my computer, but on a shelf in my garage, my Smith Corona still sits. It has moved with me from college, home, first apartment, second apartment, and through three houses as a married lady. Someday my kids will stare at it and wonder why I kept it while my grandkids will probably wonder what it is.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when you had to help the gal put paper into the type writer. They wouldn't know what to do with rabbit ears, they wouldn't even know what the name. Cassette players? Reel-to-reels? Walkman? How about 8-tracks?
ReplyDeleteI like Katherine's suggest. Barbara Neely and Walter Mosely taught me a lot.
Having taught American Literature, I'd agree there are way too many to choose. However, I'd love to see Emily Dickinson there.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story, Mary! I'd add Stephen King. Horror isn't for everyone, but you can't argue with his contributions to American fiction writing!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is wonderful. I’ve never heard of such a place. I would include syndicated newspaper columns. They were a mainstay of papers in NY. Some were social, some were commentary, some were op-ed. All were interesting and I’m not sure they exist anymore. Been a while since I’ve seen a print paper!
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to visiting the museum, Mary. Thanks for the write up!
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