main presses
The Columbian platen press was made by Curtis and Mitchell, Boston, Mass. Built in the early 1830's, this press has the distinction of being one of the first presses to use a new innovation to the printing industry: the foot operated treadle. Though still fed by hand the use of the foot treadle (as opposed to hand cranking) sped up the printing operation considerably. Balancing on one foot the pressman would pump the treadle with the other and get a smooth, even rhythm going. In time with this rhythm he would pick up the blank sheet with one hand and feed it to the platen. After the impression his other hand would retrieve the sheet to the "printed pile" while the first hand started the cycle again. A good pressman could repeat the cycle a thousand times per hour without spoiling a sheet and hold the pace with only minor stops for a 10 or 12 hour day. Heidelberg Pacific contributed the press.