Earlier this week. . .

JoAnn and I went over to Nantucket to visit Mary Lacoursiere and spend a few minutes checking over her 8 x 12 C & P. A nice unit, very actively used from the many printed things seen all about the shop.

Mary is staff with the Nantucket Historical Association. Over time she's been the force for accumulating an array of platen, proof and etching presses, physically laying them out and planning programs for their use for workshops, hands-on and classes. Final touches are being completed now for summer activities; there's a lot of enthusiasm now with Covid restrictions being relaxed.

Stayed overnight; awesome room overlooking the harbor. Hobbled about town in the morning; the brick/cobblestone walks/roads were treacherous! In the afternoon toured the island with "Barrett's Tours", yup! Even found our own sitting bench. And encountered a reminder - the Windmill - of our now closed commercial shop and the Windmills we relinquished.

TAKE NOTE: our Store - Letterpress Things - will be open next Saturday, June 26th - 9 am to 3 pm. Stop in! JB/JoAnn

We all have 'em. . .

Once in a while, the perfect Sunday morning!
Mine started last night. Casual dinner with JoAnn; nice restaurant, light background music. Cold beer, delicious salad; yes, dessert too. Awoke shortly after daybreak, fully refreshed, mentally alert . Morning air cool, crisp, clean; sky clear, bright blue. Sunlight beaming! Quick English muffin, hot cup decaf, few minutes on the deck. Then. . .
Into the van, put on some light jazz. Roll along up Pine Street to the highway. Through stretches of green, lush trees canopied over, past open fields of young growing vegetables. Onto interstate 91, no traffic, through downtown Springfield past the Basketball Hall of Fame, skirting the expressive skyline. Slight jog to the right I-391, off at Exit 4, staring across the Pioneer Valley to the ridge running from CT to the South along the Connecticut River North past Mt Tom. Pull up to the building, park, up the elevator to the fourth floor. . .
Step out, quick glance to the left for "The view from the Fourth". The floor is quiet, no fans, temp is perfect, everything in place for todays visitors. To the front/right tables and counters are loaded with of sorts of "things". I'm here - Letterpress Things. . . my nirvana. . . it's all good. What a perfect Sunday morning! JB

Two years out. . .

May 22, 2019 -- May 22, 2021

My two-year "re" birthday from double-procedure, open heart surgery which was followed with three kidney operations over the next four months. I'm about to turn 80 and frankly, I couldn't feel any better!

During the mid nineteen-fifties the first open heart procedures were done; recovery and anticipated life expectancy was limited. Never, never did I foresee that 70+ years later I would be the beneficiary of many advances in medical technology. And thereafter, be able to resume my letterpress life which is at times very physical.

JB -- Letterpress Things

Consignments. . .

A new service as a way to increase our inventory of items for resale. There’s a new Page under “Supplies” on the Nav Bar - CONSIGNMENTS. The link takes you to a Page with six Lots taken in the last few months. Each Lot includes brief details and
photos.
So what’s our intent? In years past, most new inventory came from buys of single items to purchases of smaller lots to large or complete shop acquisitions. After two back-to-back years of not being able to buy or sell much of anything, we find ourselves in a position of needing more letterpress inventory. But we also find ourselves without much cash to make purchases. By offering to take in letterpress items on consignment, our hope is to refresh our on-the-floor inventory and at the same time start building up more operating cash.

The Pandemic this past year has been challenging. Travel has been greatly curtailed; work and life styles have been impacted. But with several vaccines being administered more and more every day, things are improving greatly. Travel restrictions are being loosened, quarantine mandates are being reduced or eliminated. Bit-by-bit our lives will begin to resume a more positive, less stressful style. By no stretch are we over Covid! We must proceed with an abundance of caution; continuing to wear masks when and where appropriate; staying socially distanced; washing and sanitizing hands. For businesses, paying close attention to cleaning and sanitizing touched surfaces well and often.

Today I am very bullish on the state of letterpress in the months ahead. Can’t help but sense a pent-up urge amongst letterpressers to open the doors and windows of shops in garages, basements, etc. to let in fresh air and light. There’s an eagerness building to expand knowledge, type, tools and print, print, print! Already organizations are planning for events during the Summer, Fall and beyond. To that end, we’re now planning and working hard to prepare for this resurgence. . . by taking in Consignment Lots and soon adding more Kits and Supplies. More detail will be coming in weeks ahead.
Our thanks to all for purchases made this past year; your support has really made a difference. JB

New service added. . .

The reorganization after the Letterpress Services closure is complete. Our new workshop is now functional, providing the ability to clean, service and process new inventory. Presently, two real factors are in play: first, the opportunity to acquire letterpress inventory has increased significantly since last Fall. Some owners, for whatever need or reason, are looking to sell some or all their letterpress stuff. Second, we need new inventory! With a year off for a variety of medical issues, then followed by a year of Covid quarantine, the opportunity to acquire “new” inventory was greatly curtailed.

Moreover, and simply stated, with a year off of me not being able to sell and buy stuff followed by a year of all of us not being able to buy or sell stuff, we just don’t have the cash to be making larger purchases like we use to.

A proposed solution - CONSIGNMENTS! Starting after the first of the year on a trial basis, several small collections were brought in on consignment and processed out on the floor for sale. This new plan and the inventory has been met with much enthusiasm both by myself and letterpressers. Presently, there is inventory from four Consignment lots on the floor. Work continues on bringing in more type, tools and fixtures from two of those locations. And soon a press, cabinet and type from another letterpress shop will be on the floor.

To support this new marketing service, a new page - Consignments - will soon be added in “SUPPLIES” on the Navigational Bar. If you have letterpress items - whether a few things or an entire set up - you’d like to relinquish, drop us an email with your contact information. There are a few caveats: they need to be within a reasonable distance of the Store to retrieve. Also, we are not equipped to rig, move or store major machines.

Visiting the Store.

: Massachusetts regulations allow businesses to resume “normal” activities with social distancing and masks required. We ask that masks be properly worn in the Store; with 6500 square feet staying socially distanced is easy; and we sanitize from the front door to our check-out on the 4th floor. And, by March 20th, our next Open Date, JoAnn and I will have had our 2nd shot of the Covid vaccine. Hoorah! Come on by, there’s more and more becoming available every Open Date.

Covid vaccination. . .

The Mass Covid Vaccination Program continues to move ahead although fitfully. Registration problems have, and continue to, plague the system and frustrate so many. By happenstance, one day last week our pharmacy called; because of poor weather, several time slots mid-afternoon were available. Things got set aside, JoAnn and I showed up at the appointed time and. . . one down, one to go. Neither of us had anything more than just a bit of soreness in the arm. Hoorah!

The Mass Covid Plan now allows 50% in-store capacity; the Store was completely safe at 25%. NOTE: March 1st Phase 3/Step 2 begins. Restaurants can return to full capacity!!! [Still with masks, social distancing, limit 6 per table, 90 minute limit.] Sooo, not only can you pay an enjoyable, relaxing visit to the 4th floor, find and purchase lots of type, supplies and things, but you can stop in one of our local eateries for lunch, afternoon snack, even an early dinner. Rest assured, they would appreciate the support!

Our next Open Date is next Saturday, March 6th. Long range weather forecast looks good! We’ve been steadily retrieving stuff from several shops and some of it is now out on the counters for sale. There’s also some of Letterpress Services office equipment and supplies now available. Check back next week for photos and more detail. JB

The New Year. . .

the letterpress things “workshop”

began with the absolute resolution to open and organize our 3rd floor space. Previous posts had showed pallets, racks and tables, and machines crammed in a 3000 square foot wall-to-wall-to-wall area. The urgency for completion was the need to set up a “Workshop”. Since moving from West Springfield during the summer, we’ve not had the ability to clean/repair/restore anything. . . not even a composing stick! At long last we’ve a “shop”; an area to putter and work in. Hoorah!

Along the way, we’ve also been retrieving type and stuff from two shops: one in Central Mass, the other in Western Mass. It’s been challenging; initially in January with continuing cold temps. More recently with snow underfoot from a series of quick snow storms. Type and things from both shops have been inventoried and are being moved onto the floor for the February 20th Open Date.

With the third floor and Workshop settled in, and the retrievals moving well, there’ll be more time now to work on the website. It’s been several months without any updates. There’s a backlog of type and things to be processed and photographed. We’ll start with the ”Type” pages in a few days, followed with “Cabinets” and “Machines”. And coming soon, watch for a new Page entitled “Things”. Give you a hint, it’s about letterpress things.

JB

It snowed. . .

Last Saturday, much to the consternation of many, including ourselves. While a few people came by from areas where no snow fell, for others as much as 9” came down. All around it was just a terrible day to be out and about. A number of requests have been received about the possibility of coming by this Saturday the 12th to pick up gifts for the Holiday. Indeed, we’re happy to accommodate, come on by! And if you’re not close enough to stop in, we’re happy to mail or ship. Remember, we’ve got lots of stuff out on the floor; looking for something special, email us to ask. Please continue well and safe through the season. . . the Barrett’s

Continuing on. . .

Our 20th Anniversary came and went last weekend; our thanks to those who came by and to all who offered congratulations on the milestone. It’s been a real pleasure building and maintaining the Store throughout a variety of ups and downs through two decades. Our heartfelt thanks for all the support so many have extended over the years.

The dismantling of Letterpress Services is well behind us, thankfully! To accommodate all the relocated inventory and items, an additional 3000 square feet of storage on the building’s third floor was rented. Presently, shelving, storage areas and work tables are being created and unpacking is well underway. After December 5th we’ll have a stretch of five weeks to our next Open Date (January 9, 2021). That time will allow us to finish unpacking, organize all the inventory and record/price/photograph for-sale items. Once that’s done, a lot more things will be available on the floor and through the website. The New Year should start with a flourish!

With Covid and concern for personal safety, we’ve been asked if one can visit Letterpress Things by appointment. Absolutely! We’ve already enjoyed visits from a number of individuals seeking information about and actually purchasing supplies and letterpress things. If you’ve recently purchased a press, or are contemplating a purchase, we’re happy to offer one-on-one discussion about getting started. Contact us by email or phone to set-up a convenient date and time to come in. JB

20th Anniversary. . .

The weekend before Thanksgiving, November 2000, with a friend and a Ryder truck, letterpress stuff was gathered from several different storage locations. It was all brought to a building in Chicopee and consolidated in 2000 square feet on the 4th floor of a New England mill building (formerly a brewery). At the time the floor was 70% occupied with decades-old records from a data storage company.

The floor had minimal heat, minimal electricity and lights, no air conditioning, plastic sheeting on the windows, the roof leaked, and the elevator groaned with the weight of cast iron and lead. But the rent was minimal too! Thus the meager beginnings of arguably one of today's most eklectic letterpress destinations to visit. The interim years saw expansion to the entire floor, 6500 square feet. Shelving came from auctions; display tables and counters crafted from pallets, scrap plywood, banged up type and galley cabinets.

In a word, it became a "Store" for all sorts of "Letterpress Things". Inventory came from dozens of print shops purchased all over New England, New York, New Jersey, Eastern Canada. And letterpressers from the US, North America, around the world have made the trek to Chicopee and up the four flights of stairs to a letterpress nirvana.

Next weekend the Store is open - 20 years! No big celebration, although our pride will be on full display. Despite Covid we've managed to retrieve a few small shops recently with several more inline. Our web presence is gradually increasing, but it's impossible to list/show all of what's available on the floor. That's why we encourage people to email us with their "looking for's".

Presently, Mass has a travel quarantine and a night time curfew. But people from neighboring states can travel into Mass for a specific purpose as long as they leave same day. And, of course, it's a must to wear masks and socially distance.

In closing, our humble thanks to the 100's of people who have supported us for two decades now. Gonna try for another 10 at least. Stay safe, stay well, be kind to each other!

[PS: here's what it looked like in the very early years!]

We're open. . .

Hamilton Imposing Stone

This Saturday, November 7th - 9 am to 3 pm. In recent weeks we retrieved two small print shops; no presses but some routine items to put out. Some of the bigger stuff from Letterpress Services is now on the floor - several cabinets and a decent Hamilton Imposing Stone originally sold by Kelsey Company. Our supplies tables are fully stocked; our type inventory is once again current and there’s a couple of book presses available. Brief mention, in two weeks we’ll be celebrating our 20th Anniversary on the 4th floor. Details coming soon. JB/JoAnn

Book Press

Open this Saturday, September 26th, 2020 from 9:00am-3:00pm

Work began several weeks ago to unpack the 35+ pallets of stuff moved from our closed commercial shop. A variety of shop and office items are on the floor now and very reasonably priced. Moreover, in recent weeks several retrievals have brought in an assortment of “things”, including several presses and cabinets, a variety of tools and accessories, and a decent quantity of “new” printing plates.
While I’m doing the heavy work, JoAnn has been busy sorting, organizing, pricing and putting out more than 100 “new” plates. . . including a few Holiday selections. And the Supplies Table has been restocked including our in-store inventory of Letterpress Inks “quarter pound” tubes. Now on hand are 8 colors, 2 whites (all rubber base) and Neutral Black (both rubber and oil base).
In the next couple of weeks our focus will be directed to processing onto the floor more type, wood type and icons in time for our Open Date on October 10th. It’s been a long 3 months with our focus on dismantling and closing our commercial shop.
So come on, take a ride this Saturday; weather looks great, no rain, temp close to 80. There’s a bit more color poppin’ out on the hills. JB/JoAnn

It's September 4, 2020. . .

and Letterpress Services, our 50+ year letterpress finishing operation, is now a memory for the Barrett's. Spent 35 years, 7 months in that facility, building and maintaining an active, ongoing business. Estimates are over 95 million impressions were run on 8 Windmills and other presses during that span.

It's taken 2 full months to empty the building; most of the contents were transferred to storage at the store, eventually to be made available on Open Dates. Half the Windmills were sold; all the other presses and machines were scrapped. [Covid really impacted equipment sales.] The last item out - 55 gallon drum half-filled with oils, paints, cleaners, etc.; over $800 disposal fee.

A few hours ago the door was locked for the final time. We're going to relax over the Labor Day weekend, enjoy the beautiful weather predicted. Next week we start to catch up on a lot of projects, finish up orders that have been pending for a bit, and prepare for next Saturday's Open Date (September 12th). Fall's just around the corner, time to renew your print activities prior to the Holidays. Come on in, say hello to JoAnn and myself.

Next Open Date. . .

is August 22nd. Turnout the previous Open Dates was very good what with Covid-19 being a factor. Massachusetts, and states around us, are experiencing low numbers; let’s hope it continues.
Dismantling of our commercial shop continues with much frustration. Mid-June began lining up services/contractors for various tasks to be done by the end of July. Every one of them have rescheduled; or not shown up without any notice; or appeared mid-afternoon but unable to complete a less-than-one-day job and don’t return for several days. It’s going to be another week or so before Letterpress Services becomes a memory.
As a result of the exit delay, almost no processing of type, tools or other letterpress stuff has been accomplished. Once we’re clear of the other building we can dig in and begin breaking down dozens of pallets of stuff to be put out on the floor. In the meantime, we have been, and will continue to, fill orders for supplies and kits as received. Your continued ordering support is deeply appreciated. JB

Settling in. . .

Here in Western Mass, the hot, humid days of July are slipping away; in a few days it'll be August. Yes, August days can be warm but nights are a bit cooler as summer glides towards the crisper temps of late Summer/early Fall.

Our attention is turning to the task of unpacking, and organizing, the dozens of pallets and boxes of letterpress stuff moved to Chicopee. It'll take a month or so to complete; there's a lot to sort through and store.

For the Barrett's, the task of dismantling Letterpress Services is just about finished—only the machines remain to be removed.

In 40 years of acquiring letterpress stuff, this "retrieval" is by far the largest ever done. And it's all our stuff!

Two Open Dates are scheduled for August - Saturday, August 8th and Saturday, August 22nd.

In the weeks ahead more items will appear on the floor and on the web site. Moreover, we're scheduled for two retrievals during August: one, a few cabinets of type; the second, a small garage-sized shop. These are the first such trips out since last Fall; indeed, it's beginning to feel a bit like what normal use to feel like. Except now with a mask on. Hoorah! JB

Moving ahead. . .

First of June we announced our commercial shop - Letterpress Services - would close June 30th. The daunting task of packing and preparing to move a building full of letterpress stuff started shortly after.

In the time since, 30+ pallets of tables, shelving, cabinets, small presses, machines, etc. were moved in multiple truck loads from West Springfield to Chicopee.

It's all landing in space rented in the building for that purpose. During July we’ll start unpacking, sorting and moving stuff onto the floor for sale at upcoming Open Dates.

Some of the contents of 30+ pallets of gear, equipment, machines, etc. will appear here for sale on the website. Check in from time to time to see what’s available.
Massachusetts has eliminated travel restrictions from all New England states and New York State. Stores are now allowed to reopen, restaurants can resume inside dining. Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained. For the first time since February 29th, Letterpress Things will be open:
Saturday, July 11th - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 12th - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please, bring and wear your masks! Gloves and hand sanitizer will be available.
We're excited to be resuming our Open Dates. Four months was a long, challenging stretch being "locked down". As time passed, a "bucket list" developed; it consisted of 3 items: try on and purchase new shoes - done a week ago. A haircut - done earlier this week. And have a short stack of pancakes sitting on a stool at a lunch counter - done! JB

A half century of letterpress service ends. . .

The Barrett family has had the pleasure and privilege of serving the commercial, in-plant and custom print community in Western Mass since the early 1970’s.  We began and continued as a for-the-trade, after-print letterpress finishing service specializing in cut-size, short run, quick turn work.  

    During this 50 years technology morphed from handset/hot metal composition to cold type to computer typesetting.  From letterpress and offset print to photocopy to computerized digital output.  Throughout, one factor remained consistent - to number, perf, score, die cut - required a letterpress operation.  Therein lay the premise and business plan for Letterpress Services, Inc.

    Indeed, technology has altered the flow, scope and quantity of work performed in recent years.  But more significantly the present pandemic has materially altered the ability of businesses to maintain normal operations.  The print community is not immune and the level of print work has suffered accordingly.

     With this as a backdrop, we’ve had to announce the closure of Letterpress Services’s operations in West Springfield effective June 30, 2020.  This action does not, and will not, impact our store, Letterpress Things in Chicopee. If anything, we’ll now be able to devote all our time and energy to continuing and expanding the store’s operations. In fact some of Service’s assets will become available at the store our next Open Date. Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our many customers, suppliers and former employees for a wonderful 50 years. It was a really good run. . .

May 22, 2019. . .

May 22nd last year around 5 am walked into Baystate Med Ctr with JoAnn; short time later rolled into pre-surgery for what ultimately was a double-header, open heart procedure to repair an aorta aneurysm and 5 restrictions. Two teams, 4 hours on heart/lung machine, into recovery 12 hours later, regained consciousness after midnight, 10 days in hospital. Recovery period 3 months. There with some tough moments but overall all went very, very well. [Despite the three laser lithotripsy procedures to remove six kidney stones during the recovery.]
I owe much to many: the surgeons, doctors, nurses, staff who attended to me throughout. The technology involved is mind boggling [I remember when the first open heart surgery was done 50 plus years ago.] And to family, friends, associates and letterpressers all over for one-on-one assistance, kind words, prayers and best wishes.
My greatest love, respect and affection must be directed to the lady on my left. The hours, days, nights, weeks of care, concern and devotion were boundless. Her attentiveness to my progress and the myriad of care-giving chores she performed were endless. Indeed, there were laughs and tears. . . and there are stories to tell. Like the night that I. . . ahh, I better not.
Anyways, I'm doing very well, working in the commercial shop, getting things done in the store. Patiently waiting until we can all get out and around again. Indeed, life began for me again one year ago!

Best/worst of times. . .

While the pandemic continues there are some indications things may be improving. Indeed, there’s much turmoil now about how to move ahead with restarting the economy, reopening businesses and returning to some sense of “normal”. The past few months have been unprecedented, challenging, disappointing; for some the worst of times. Sadly, we are aware of, have heard of, people closing their letterpress businesses, unable to weather the economic downturn; faced with the reality of not being able to continue or recover. Yet for others opportunities have opened, new avenues of endeavor are being engaged; for some it’s the “best of time”, a time to take advantage of circumstances to start/build/improve one’s letterpress setup.

Over the past several months a number of individuals who have just recently purchased a press, or who have had a unit but haven’t had the time to pursue letterpress further, have contacted us. We’ve worked one-on-one to show/explain the various supplies and items needed to equip a working letterpress operation. This includes assembling “kits'“ tailor made to the print direction a person intends to pursue.

Mind you, providing information and detail about letterpress “thing’s” is a natural extension of the Store itself. In the store you can see/handle “things”, ask questions, get advice. But many simply can’t get here, so we try to provide the next “best” thing online, over the phone.

When not on the phone, we’ve been expanding/reorganizing the Floor, getting ready for that first Open Date. Massachusetts has announced a 4-phase plan to reopen the state starting May 18th. It’s a bit nebulous, no set dates for the different phases. All depends on the progression of the virus.; as the numbers are trending, we may be able to reopen early-to-mid June. Certainly hope so, really anxious to show off the new layout. John B

Many of us. . .

now find ourselves hunkered down in safe spaces, isolated from friends, work, school, the community. Many in the letterpress community are turning their attention to printing as a diversion from the necessity and boredom of being socially distanced. I'm sure a lot of press room "round-to-it's" are getting checked off, and many great print projects are rolling off the presses!
Letterpress is, by it's nature, a solitary activity, practiced in garages, basements, barns, spare rooms; where ever space (and floor loading) can be conscripted from other home and life activities. But there's always one thing in short supply - time! Now, due to a major health issue and the need to mitigate it's risk, for awhile, at least, we've an abundance of time to be in our "shops", to sort, move, clean, dream and design. . . and print! By ourselves, nobody around, in our own universe, masters of our craft.
My craft and passion for 40+ years has been the acquisition and distribution of letterpress "things". Which is coincidentally the name of a neat little store in Western Mass. 6500+ square feet, the entire 4th floor of a New England mill building. And lately it's my socially distanced location; the place where I'm hunkered down for the duration. There are 3 other businesses near me, all closed. From the time I leave the house in the morning till my return end of the day, the only human interaction experienced is at a drive thru for a sandwich or a postal clerk when packages are posted.
For a decade now I've wanted to reorganize the "floor". Suddenly there's time. Started a few weeks ago, a new layout is almost done. Greatest change is the expansion of tabletops and counters; horizontal square footage to display lots more type, plates, supplies and "things". At a later time more detail and photos will be posted. It's nice to have the time to do this major project but, frankly, I miss our Open Dates, the interaction with so many of you. And yes, the sales! But we're seeing enough orders for “things” to keep the lights on. Please, please stay safe, stay positive!
JB