Recherche /rəˌSHerˈSHā/

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Randy

We had a case of type long identified as MacKellar, Smiths, and Jordan, which was, of course the foundry, not the font. After finding an 1891 Specimen book on the Internet Archive, we were able to identify it as Recherche, which interestingly enough means “rare, exotic, or obscure” or by another source “studied refinement or elegance”. Either way a fitting name.

The name is used much later for a script family that is nothing like the original. This one was, according to Fonts In Use, designed by Julius Herriet Sr. likely in the 1850’s for the Johnson type foundry which operated until 1867 under the names Johnson & Smith and then L. Johnson & Co. It was reorganized by employees Thomas MacKellar, John and Richard Smith, and Peter Jordan. [Annenberg, Type Foundries of America, 1974]

We have a fairly generous 2/3 size case of 18 point in good condition.

Posted in Type Catalog | Tagged | Comments Off on Recherche /rəˌSHerˈSHā/

Chesapeake APHA Visit

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Randy

On Saturday, June 11 the Chesapeake Chapter of the American Printing History Association (of which Conestoga Press is a member) was hosted by us for a field trip. We began with a special visit to the Ephrata Cloister, enjoyed a lunch outside the Conestoga Press Print Shop, and then toured the printing exhibits at the museum, a special display of Harry Staffer prints, and printed a souvenir on the Bronstrup iron press as shown in the following pictures.

Posted in Events, Presses, Presses and Museums to Visit | Comments Off on Chesapeake APHA Visit

Typographic Art 1854

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Randy

Just added a link to Typographia: or the Printer’s Instructor by Thomas Adams. Free and online.

You can read and/or download it here or check it out along with others on our Resources page which is regularly updated with such links as the materials become known to us.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Typographic Art 1854

Provisional Press

Posted on March 26, 2022 by Randy

Two of us in the shop own these little proof presses that are easily assembled from laser cut pieces. There are even plans on the site to cut your own if you desire, or you can watch for presses to drop and snatch one up when they become available which is announced on a regular basis.

Posted in Presses | Comments Off on Provisional Press

Chandler & Price

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Randy

Some photos from the installation of our “new” old 8″ x 12″ Chandler & Price made in 1926. Added to Conestoga Press in 2009(?). [Photos by Dick Wanner]

Posted in Presses | Tagged | Comments Off on Chandler & Price

Linotype Series at MOP

Posted on January 29, 2022 by Randy

The Museum of Printing in Haverhill, Massachusetts has posted a series of 10 videos about the Linotype with everyone’s favorite Linotype repairman, Dave Seats. You can watch the first here and find your way on their YouTube channel.

Posted in History, Instructional, Video | Tagged | Comments Off on Linotype Series at MOP

2021 Historical Society Holiday Open House

Posted on December 4, 2021 by Randy

Join us Sunday, December 5, at the HSCV Museum for the return of our Annual Open House. Tour the museum, which is specially decorated for the Holidays, meet Santa, and stop by the Print Shop where we’re printing the latest edition of our Christmas Coaster.

Add it to your collection from 2019 and 2018.

Posted in Events | Tagged | Comments Off on 2021 Historical Society Holiday Open House

Print Shop Painting/Reorganization Complete

Posted on November 14, 2021 by Randy

Because we were closed last year we decided it was an opportunity to paint the inside of the print shop. The outside of the building was painted in the summer of 2020 sealing the battens that had allowed moisture to seep through and stain the inside walls so it was logical to paint the inside next. It’s a major disruption to do so because heavy type cabinets had to be moved around to access the walls, so it also made sense to look at the space, which we have been adding things to for years and find a better way for it all to work together.

Planned for the fall of 2020, work actually finally started in late spring of 2021 when we were looking to open in a few months. Most was completed by the time we opened in June and the last wall, which didn’t require much to be moved was finally completed last week.

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on Print Shop Painting/Reorganization Complete

Lancaster Printers Fair – 9.18.21

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Randy

Come visit us and the other great vendors at this great annual fair. This year it is located on the grounds of the Ken Kulakowsky Center for Letterpress and Book Arts at 117 Parkside Avenue, Lancaster PA. The Center will also be open. The fair is from 11 am to 5 pm and will be held rain or shine. Check out additional information here: www.lancasterprintersfair.org

ALSO! The night before, Friday, September 17 from 5 pm until 9 pm come visit us at the same location for the Wayzgoose and Surplus Letterpress Sale to get early pickings from some of the vendors that will be at the fair and MORE!

Posted in Announcements, Events, Presses and Museums to Visit | Tagged | Comments Off on Lancaster Printers Fair – 9.18.21

ATF Instruction Card Frame/Holder

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Randy

I made a frame that holds all 24 APA Instruction Cards and displays whichever card you put in the front. They slide up through the top to remove or change. You can read more about the cards and download a set of your own here.

Posted in Instructional | Tagged | Comments Off on ATF Instruction Card Frame/Holder