July 26, 2025

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Commentary
February 8, 2019
Okmulgee Tech.

“Accounting. . . what am I doing in accounting?” My course choice made no sense. Enrolling in Okmulgee Tech had come without the benefit of academic counselling – or common

“Accounting. . . what am I doing in accounting?”

My course choice made no sense.

Enrolling in Okmulgee Tech had come without the benefit of academic counselling – or common sense. I knew nothing of bookkeeping, had no aptitude for it. Better judgment won out before my second class ended. The vocational school – an arm of Oklahoma State University – offered a truckload of other options. I revisited the catalog.

Printed words attracted me somehow, and “teletype” included the word “type”. Working for a newspaper would mean no shortage of words – nor would the job title – Teletypesetter Perforator Operator.

The high school I had graduated from lacked size and, therefore, course options. I had hoped to gain two skills – Spanish and typing – but must select one over the other. My plight was bothersome but promptly resolved. I never learned Spanish.

My OSU Tech instructor sat at the glorified typewriter, introducing its features. A machine that yielded a stream of punctured tape as the typist pecked the keys. Combinations of the circled holes translated into letters, words, symbols. The tape fed a big linotype machine. Molten lead formed imprints, cooled, took on ink, and finally released the creation to the press room. Each step ensured paper boys had a product to hurl at doorsteps and screen doors.

“OK Jerry, give the machine a try.”

Adjusting my chair, I rested eight fingertips in their sequence atop familiar symbols. A good feeling settled over me – eight drifters returning to their common home – in pecking order.

A few months in, the lead instructor paid me a visit, “Jerry, would you consider taking a typesetting job far from here?”

The question was my first introduction to the notion my typing fling could spirit me to sights and places beyond. Both physical and figurative – to kindred-spirits, and to surprises – one of them wrecking me for life.

“Yes, I’d be happy to consider it, sir.”

“Well, a weekly paper called the Cody Enterprise – it’s up in Wyoming – called us. I’m prepared to recommend you if you’re interested.

“I’d be glad for the opportunity, yes. Thank you.”

©2019 Jerry Lout

Writer-Speaker Jerry Lout schooled at Okmulgee’s Wilson Elementary, Preston High and O.S.U. Okmulgee. Jerry authored “Living With A Limp”, from which this piece is edited ( Amazon.com ). Additional narratives are posted on his blog at www.jerry-lout.com. He may be reached at jerrylout@gmail.com

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