Nostalgic Reflections: Typing Classes in British History Seen in Vintage Images

   

A Look Back at 20th Century Typing Classes Through Fascinating Historical Photos

The history of typing classes is intrinsically linked to the evolution of the typewriter, a machine that revolutionized written communication in the 19th century. As typewriters became more prevalent in offices and businesses in the early 20th century, the demand for proficient typists grew. This demand sparked the inception of typing classes, initially seen as vocational training primarily for women, who were entering the workforce in administrative roles.
 
These early classes focused on mastering the QWERTY keyboard layout, a design still used today, named for the first six letters in the top row. Instructors emphasized accuracy and speed, with students practicing on mechanical typewriters. These devices required considerable finger strength to press the keys and a carriage return lever to start a new line. The tactile and auditory feedback from these machines was a significant aspect of the learning process.
 
The Golden Age: Typing in Education and Business
 
By the mid-20th century, typing classes had become a staple in both high schools and business schools. The curriculum was rigorous, with a strong emphasis on touch typing, where typists learn to type without looking at the keys. This method was taught using various drills and exercises designed to build muscle memory in the fingers. Speed and accuracy tests were common, with the goal of reaching a certain number of words per minute, a standard still used to measure typing proficiency.
 
Typing classes were not just about the mechanical act of pressing keys. They also included lessons on proper posture, finger placement, and ergonomics to prevent strain injuries. Additionally, students learned the layout of business letters and documents, as typing was a critical skill for secretarial and clerical work.
 
Women employees of Westinghouse Company attending typewriting class at Westinghouse Technical Night School.
Women employees of Westinghouse Company attending typewriting class at Westinghouse Technical Night School.
 Typing class at Business High School
 
Photo of a Western Union messenger school typewriting class.
 
 Typing class at a secretarial school in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Typing class at a secretarial school in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
 Students learning in a one-room schoolhouse, Wisconsin, early 1900s, including sewing and typing.
Students learning in a one-room schoolhouse, Wisconsin, early 1900s, including sewing and typing.
 
 Typing Training Class.
Typing Training Class.
 Typewriting class at Hammersmith Commercial Institute, London, 1913.
Typewriting class at Hammersmith Commercial Institute, London, 1913.
 Women’s typewriting class at Blackheath Road Evening Institute, London, 1914.
Women's typewriting class at Blackheath Road Evening Institute, London, 1914.
 Typewriting class for London and North West Railway staff, circa 1917.
Typewriting class for London and North West Railway staff, circa 1917.
 Blind teacher with blind pupils learning braille and typing, 1917.
Blind teacher with blind pupils learning braille and typing, 1917.
 Business course for convalescent patients, Camp Pike, Arkansas, 1917.
Business course for convalescent patients, Camp Pike, Arkansas, 1917.
 Typewriting class at L and N W Railway school for staff.
Typewriting class at L and N W Railway school for staff.
Typewriting class at Bow and Bromley Commercial Institute, London, 1924.
Typewriting class at Bow and Bromley Commercial Institute, London, 1924.
Boys from London Homepaper Offices in typewriting class, circa 1930.
Boys from London Homepaper Offices in typewriting class, circa 1930.
World champion typist Albert Tangira teaching typing class on a beach, 1920s or 1930s.
World champion typist Albert Tangira teaching typing class on a beach, 1920s or 1930s.
 Typing contest at Boston University to test efficiency with music.
Typing contest at Boston University to test efficiency with music.
Typewriting instruction at Southwestern University, Georgetown, 1931.
Typewriting instruction at Southwestern University, Georgetown, 1931.
Outdoor typewriting class for secretaries, 1932.
Outdoor typewriting class for secretaries, 1932.
Newspaper messenger boys typing to rhythm of a record, Keeley Street Evening Institute.
Newspaper messenger boys typing to rhythm of a record, Keeley Street Evening Institute.
Students practicing typing in a class in Slough.
Students practicing typing in a class in Slough.
Typing class at Licensed Victuallers School, Slough, Buckinghamshire, December 1935.
Typing class at Licensed Victuallers School, Slough, Buckinghamshire, December 1935.
Clerical skills practice in a classroom at Minnesota Business College, May 1936.
Clerical skills practice in a classroom at Minnesota Business College, May 1936.
Typing class, mid to late 1930s.
Typing class, mid to late 1930s.
 
Class learning to key telephone calls to automatic exchanges, Telephone House, Salford, February 1937.
Class learning to key telephone calls to automatic exchanges, Telephone House, Salford, February 1937.
Typing Lesson on a Californian Beach, 1938
Typing Class in Session, Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 1940
Student Working on a Linotype Machine, Gallaudet College, 1940
 High School Typing Class
High School Typing Class
 Outdoor Typing Lesson at East London Day Continuation School, Clacton, 1940
Outdoor Typing Lesson at East London Day Continuation School, Clacton, 1940
 Women Learning to Type with ‘Imperial’, 1944
Women Learning to Type with 'Imperial', 1944
Teacher Overseeing Typing Class, Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 1945
Sister Imelda Overseeing Typing Class, 1952
Sister Imelda Overseeing Typing Class, 1952
Secretarial Skills Class, Crandon Institute, Montevideo, 1955
Secretarial Skills Class, Crandon Institute, Montevideo, 1955
 
Girls in Typing Class, Late 1950s or Early 1960s
Girls in Typing Class, Late 1950s or Early 1960s
Woman’s Audio Typing Tested, 1961
Woman's Audio Typing Tested, 1961
Students Learning to Increase Typing Speed, New York City, 1965
#51 Touch Typing Class with Videomatic Tutor, UK, 1965
Touch Typing Class with Videomatic Tutor, UK, 1965
#52 Sister Marie Noel Instructing Personal Typing Class, 1965
Sister Marie Noel Instructing Personal Typing Class, 1965
 Secondary School Typing Class, Birmingham, England, 1966
Secondary School Typing Class, Birmingham, England, 1966
Young Women in Typing Class, France, 1970
Unidentified Women Students in Typing Class, 1960s-1970s
Unidentified Women Students in Typing Class, 1960s-1970s
Typing Class at St. John Villa Academy
Typing Class at St. John Villa Academy
Typing Course, Paris, 1975
Typing Course, Paris, 1975
 
 University Students in Computer Laboratory
University Students in Computer Laboratory
 
Typing Class at Lycée Cocteau, Miramas, France, March 1987
 Learning to Type and Write Shorthand, United Kingdom, February 6, 1937
Learning to Type and Write Shorthand, United Kingdom, February 6, 1937