PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — More than two years after promising to send a piece of his personal collection, Tom Hanks has delivered on his word, surprising a Portland shop owner with a signed typewriter.
A Passion Sparked by Love
For Antony Valoppi, the owner of Type Space in Southeast Portland, typewriters are more than just machines — they’re a lifelong passion. That passion began more than a decade ago when he first met his partner, Julia.
“I met a girl, Julia, my partner for 10 years now,” Valoppi said. “Her family was into typewriters, and I wanted to impress her.”
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What started as a simple gesture quickly turned into a fascination with the craft and history of these machines. Over time, Valoppi began collecting, repairing, and restoring typewriters, eventually dreaming of turning his interest into a business.
From Recovery to Reinvention
Life took an unexpected turn when Valoppi was injured in a motorcycle crash, leaving him with serious injuries and a long recovery. After multiple surgeries, he realized he needed to find a new direction in life.
In 2021, that new path took shape as Type Space, a shop dedicated to typewriter sales, repairs, and community events. For Valoppi, it was more than a store — it was a way to share his passion with others while building something sustainable after hardship.
Reaching Out to a Fellow Enthusiast
Before officially opening Type Space, Valoppi decided to take a bold step: inviting Tom Hanks to the shop’s private launch event. Hanks, known for his decades-long affection for typewriters and his personal collection of hundreds of them, seemed like the perfect guest.
Valoppi admitted he didn’t expect much. “He’s a busy man,” he said, shrugging. When no reply came, he simply moved forward, grateful to have extended the invitation.
The Unexpected Gift
Two years passed, and then the unexpected happened. A package arrived at Type Space containing a typewriter from Hanks’ own collection, personally signed by the actor.
The gift was more than just memorabilia — it was a symbol of encouragement from someone who shares the same passion. Valoppi said the surprise left him stunned and deeply appreciative.
Building a Community
For customers, Type Space has become more than just a shop. It’s a gathering place for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about the nostalgia of typing on keys rather than screens.
Valoppi hopes Hanks’ gift will help spotlight the craft and history of typewriters, inspiring new generations to appreciate their charm. “Typewriters are about slowing down, being thoughtful with words, and making every sentence count,” he explained.
A Promise Kept
Tom Hanks, whose career has often been associated with themes of connection and sincerity, has once again shown those qualities off-screen. By honoring his promise, he not only delighted one Portland shop owner but also reinforced the enduring bond typewriters continue to create between people.
For Valoppi, the signed typewriter is now a centerpiece of his shop — a reminder that even long-shot invitations can sometimes bring life’s most meaningful surprises.
