About the Press
Our 1957 moveable type printing press was donated by the Sisters of St. Joseph here in Kalamazoo. Made by Kelsey & Company, this press was utilized by the nuns of St. Joseph to print church notices before it was given to the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room. This press utilizes a centuries-old technique that involves setting individual pieces of lead type onto a bed, or “chase”, which is then secured with wood furniture. The completed text is then rolled in ink and pressed onto paper. This style of letterpress printing dates back to the 15th century with the invention of the Gutenberg Press, which drastically altered the culture of printmaking in the West for centuries to come.
Parts of the Press
Furniture storage
Chase or bed for text
Rolling cart with multiple sets of type
Drawer of lead type
The press has been kept in working condition and is used for our “Printing Press Pop-up’s” in the lobby of the Upjohn Library Commons! During these events, students are able to print their own copy of a literary quote that has been personally typeset by the curator each term.
– Image from our Valentine’s Day Pop-up, 2025
