The Damon & Peets Platen Press at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Our Print Shop
Located in our classroom, our print shop includes a working Damon & Peets platen press. Together with our Museum Educator, Rebecca Lawrence, visitors are welcome to take part in many different parts of the printing process. Our classes include an overview of typesetting, setting up the press, and printing. Here's a brief description of our press and our classes.
The Damon & Peets Platen Press
Our Damon & Peets platen press is a manually operated platen (clamshell) printing press. It stands on the floor and is made of cast iron. It was manufactured between 1864 and 1894. Previously owned and operated by Wilson Barto, it was donated to the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center to demonstrate and teach letterpress classes. It is the only operating press in the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center's collection. Currently two 19th century Washington-style hand presses are on view in our Local History Gallery. These bed presses were used in the local newspaper offices of Der Bauern Freund (Sumneytown) and the Hearthstone Town & Country (Pennsburg).
Register for our Small Group Classes
Our classes are designed for inexperienced printers. We suggest specific dates due to our limited classroom availability; however, the opportunity exists to print cards throughout the year. It is most convienient for us to schedule letterpress classes Thursday evenings and on weekends. We encourage you to contact us for additional information.
2011 Classes
- 2011 Holiday Cards
- Select a date and time: December 1, 5:30 pm; December 8, 5:30 pm; December 10, 10:30 am; or December 15, 5:30 pm
- $80 per family or a small group less than 6 participants
- 2.5 hours
- Contact Rebecca Lawrence, Museum Educator, 215–679–3103 or email rebecca@schwenkfelder.com to register.
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Design and print a very simple holiday card using our Damon & Peets press. Learn how to dress the press, typeset in a composite stick, layout your design in the chase, and print. Select to print one color and print up to 50 6"x9" cards. Envelopes provided.
Registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Dates listed above may not be available at the time you contact us.
Registration must occur at least one week in advance of the date requested.
Restrictions: