A Knock of the Past: Undy's Story
Hi, my name is Undy and I'm not just any old Underwood typewriter, but a true
keeper of stories. I've been around for over a century, and in that time my keys have
whispered the history of Ireland, from the 1916 Rising to the first pubs in Dublin, where
Guinness flowed. If you like, I'll tell you some of my favourite moments.
When I was first brought to Dublin, it was an exciting time: the country was on the
brink of fighting for independence. I was bought in by a young journalist who was printing
stories about the events of those days. Oh, how he pounded on my keys when he wrote about
the Easter Rising! ‘The British have taken the General Post Office!’ - every letter sounded
like a gunshot.
Then came the 1920s, and with my help the first copies of the new Irish Freedom Act
were printed. I remember my owner excitedly saying, ‘Undy, we're making history!’
In the 60's my new owner, a postgraduate student in the history department, had to
type up a dissertation on the impact of the Great Famine on Irish migration. The pages were
full of statistics and personal stories. Honestly, it was the hardest job of my entire life because
every comma and full stop was so important.
The 70s was a time of music and fashion, and I found myself in the editorial
department of a popular fashion magazine. Oh how I loved hearing the editors gossip about
when John Lennon visited Dublin, or when Elvis Costello played at the little club next door. I
felt part of the youth revolution!
And now, standing in the corner of an antique shop, I love to reminisce about my
glory days. Everyone who walks by evokes in my mechanical soul memories of those times
when I was young and full of energy..
Stories are what stay with us, and although I am old, my memories remain vivid and
alive. Every time someone presses my keys, I am ready to tell a new story.
So if you're interested, take a seat next to me and listen. Undy has a lot more to tell