This cast iron letterpress was acquired in 1940 by Elbert Arledge, Hub’s father, when he bought Wood’s Press in 1940.  Elbert changed the name to Arledge Printers and continued to use the press that can be hand fed and operated by an electric motor. 

The business was located in a first-floor room of the Tryon Daily Bulletin building.  In 1965, Hub moved the business to his new building at 255 N. Trade St., and took the press with him.

Many a printers’ devil in Tryon operated this press, including Garland Goodwin, a past president of the PCHA. There are a number of interesting items on display connected to the press, including a cola crate, in memory of the crate Garland had to stand on in order to operate the press, and another is a note hidden on the press in 1985 by Quinton Arledge and not found until 2011.

To enjoy and learn about local history, visit your county museum at 60 Walker St. in Columbus. Museum hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment.

– article submitted by George Comparetto