July 2007 - "Betsy" gets a new home:

I've named our new C&P Newstyle Betsy for her patriotic colors, the reason for which is unbeknownst to us thus far. It was a truly serendipitous event finding this press. I met Toni Matlock, a local artist and filmmaker, while I was tending bar at a local event, we chatted briefly... I asked what she did and she asked what I did ... I said letterpress and a light went on- she said, "I have a letterpress for sale!" or something to that effect and before the night was out the deal was made, at least as far as I was concerned. So, as it turned out the press lived in her garage about 8 blocks from my garage where she now resides. Was it meant to be ... perhaps.

Anyway, all 1800 lbs. of her was moved by my husband and our friend John, while I gave much needed and welcome advice, wrung my hands, took photos and tried not to become a statistic of C&P injury, of which I am now sure there have been many- these beasts were certainly not meant to be moved much ... Ah, but industry moved right along despite them.

So far I have deduced that she needs a good rub down with oil (as do we all really), a touch up on her paint job to keep her safe from the killer that is rust, freshly covered rollers the ones she's got are dried and split, maybe a new nut and bolt here and there as a few are stripped. But beyond that I am clueless ...

And that was just getting it out of the truck ...