Stopping In: 100-Year-Old Anderson Business Technology in Pasadena

Anderson Business Technology contains a lot of what you'd expect these days: multifunctional machines that can copy, print, scan or anything else one would need for a modernized business.

But a quick glance along the walls at at the counter offers a look into the history of the written word, as typewriters dating back to the 1900s are on display for people to inspect and enjoy. But they aren't for sale -- they are part of the family owned business' private collection.

"Personally, I find them fascinating," said Catherine Anderson, part of the same family name that's been part of the store for 100 years. " (At our 100-year celebration) Judy Chu noted that in the U.S., there's only a finite number of businesses that have been in business as long as we have."

The business started in 1912, when Elmer Anderson, tools in tow, took a trip to Pasadena and noticed there weren't many people around who had his knowledge of fixing typewriters. He began performing the service for the people and businesses around town, and he eventually set up the Anderson Typewriter Company at 49 E. Colorado Boulevard. The business has been in Old Town ever since, and now resides at 120 E. Colorado Boulevard.

Catherine Anderson has noticed a resurgence in the interest of typewriters. Some people enjoy the retro vibe and sensation of pounding out printed words on paper, others find an old typewriter and wish to see it repaired and rejuvenated -- a service the business still provides, Anderson said, adding that other people like typewriters to simply get away from a screen.

"It's surprising to me, but I think it's that desire to get away from distraction and the Internet, not being dependent on Internet service," she said. "And children are fascinated by them, I see a lot of young parents bring out an old typewriter and the kids just love to see it type immediately."