Whether you’re a writer in search of a time machine or an ornate paperweight collector looking for that special something, Dick Ponce has the machine for you. Though he makes his living off the boxy electrics that line the walls of his small Central Avenue shop, Ponce has an incredible collection of antique typewriters sure to make you salivate. This wasn’t a heavily contested category — typewriter shops have seen better days — but what puts Ponce’s place above the rest is the man himself. He treats the antiques like his children, and even if you don’t want a machine, it’s worth heading to the shop just to chat him up. Ponce will toss a couple of zingers your way and gauge whether or not you’re worthy of owning one of the beautiful old devices. If you pass the test, consider yourself lucky and take one with you. 2619 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-321-6667.
This article appears in Sep 14-20, 2005.