Whatever the design source, the small printing press was widely used into the 20th Century - and in the Kalona Graphic's case, into the 21st Century.
A recent quest by a Wisconsin paper manufacturer to find the oldest presses among its customers led Appleton to declare Spitzer's Gordon Franklin the oldest one still in operation.
"Sheet printers are very entrepreneurial craftsmen and proud about hanging onto equipment whether it runs or not," said Jenny Boone, marketing director, carbonless papers, with Appleton. "We thought it would be interesting to find out what pieces of printing history carbonless printers have and what they would be willing to share about it.
Kalona Graphics was purchased by Anthony's father, Terry, in 1973 and Anthony began working full-time at the family company in 1983. He took over in 1997.
Boone is right about job printers; they do hang on to equipment. Next to the Gordon Franklin press is an old Heidelberg. Ironically, it was competition from the Heidelberg company, plus the introduction of offset printing, that finally halted production of a revised version of the Gordon Franklin press in the 1960s.
Though computers and laser printers have cut some into business, Spitzer said his mode of printing is still the method of choice for many needing print jobs that call for irregular sized or large volumes of printed materials. He prints everything from graduation post cards and newsletters to price lists, business cards and envelopes - and even books. The common place use of computers now means more of his jobs come press-ready, not needing him to type set the material.
Spitzer says he still occasionally used the old press for numbering and perforating work, as well as imprinting folders. One concession to newer technology was the press being retrofitted with an electric motor. Some jobs do call for it to still be powered by its original energy source - the human operator. A foot treadle turns a flywheel, which is to keep the press running smoothly - though Spitzer said he needs a radio or CD player to maintain the proper rhythm.
Though computers and laser printers have cut some into business, Spitzer said his mode of printing is still the method of choice for many needing print jobs that call for irregular sized or large volumes of printed materials. He prints everything from graduation post cards and newsletters to price lists, business cards and envelopes - and even books. The common place use of computers now means more of his jobs come press-ready, not needing him to type set the material.
As the spokesperson for Appleton noted, "We uncovered some equipment dating back to before the turn of the last century. It appears printers leverage their resourcefulness and pride of heritage by hanging onto equipment manufactured long before they were born."
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