Nashville man’s passion for typewriters leads to friendship with Tom Hanks

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Typewriters are typically a thing of the past, except for one store in Middle Tennessee.

The small business celebrates the old invention and it’s even gotten the attention of Tom Hanks.

More than five years ago, Kirk Jackson started writing a new chapter in his life, this one with a typewriter.

“I’ve become the typewriter guy,” Jackson proudly proclaimed.

When inside Nashville Typewriter on Moncrief Avenue in Goodlettsville, it’s easy to understand why.

“This is really the tip of the iceberg,” explained Jackson.

On a writing retreat in Wisconsin, Jackson said something was missing in his life, but he didn’t know what. Until one day he walked into a antique store to find what he didn’t know he was searching for: a typewriter.

“For me, the biggest thing was the complete removal of distraction,” said Jackson.

Now surrounded by typewriters, Jackson said this was the missing piece in his life.

“It’s sole purpose is just to record what you’re thinking at that moment,” explained Jackson. “So it’s like this visceral, personal experience, but it’s also kind of magical because you are seeing things move.”

At first it was nothing more than a newfound interest, but after the death of a close friend and feeling lost in life, Jackson decided to make this passion a priority.

What started as a passion project during the pandemic led to a dream fulfilled in Goodlettsville with a physical store front location and more than 400 typewriters inside.

This is where Jackson collects, repairs, and sells typewriters… his clientele: long-time locals to movie stars well-versed in the typosphere.

“There’s a lot of celebrities and really famous people out there that share this passion and this love for manual typewriters,” said Harper.

From fan to friend, Jackson has gotten to know Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks over the years.

Jackson heard through the grapevine if you type Hanks a letter, there’s a chance he could respond.

For Jackson, he did, writing, “Thanks for the lovely story and a place to hit up next time I’m in Nashville… See you then…Tom Hanks.”

Hanks staying true to his word, Jackson has the pictures to prove it.

“You can just see it in the guy’s eyes, he’s like a little kid and he gets super excited about,” shared Jackson.

Jackson said even people just passing by often feel the same way.

“People will come in and it’s real common for them to not know anything about typewriters but say they’d really like to learn about them,” said Jackson.

Inside Nashville Typewriter, there’s no shortage of typewriters to choose from if you’re looking to write a new chapter in your life.

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