The clack, clack, clack sound of typewriters was ubiquitous in offices during the 1950s. During this time many offices transitioned from manual typewriters to electric typewriters. While electric typewriters helped to automate many processes increasing efficiency, the messy carbon-film ribbons and sensitive key triggers resulted in more typos. In her more than 10 years as a secretary, Bette Nesmith Graham had propelled herself to a high professional level, serving as the executive secretary for the chairman of the Texas Bank and Trust. Although highly skilled overall, her typing proficiency was subpar, a fact made worse by the transition from manual to electric typewriters.

Source: New York Times June 01, 2023 06:01 UTC