IN THE COMPOSING ROOM, when a line of type is pied - or becomes hopelessly jumbled - the easiest course for the printer is to reset the line. Bur first he makes sure that the jumbled type will be "killed," as they say in the trade.
To accomplish this, he gives the defective line a distinctive mark to catch the eye of the proofreader. With two quick down strokes of the forefinger her strikes all six letters in each of two adjoining rows on his linotype keyboard.
The invariable result, in type, is … etaoin shrdlu.
That is a trade mark of error, the compositor's label of confusion. But out of this clearly marked mistake comes the accurately set and finished story for publication.
In the 50 years of our existence, the National Press Club has had its own experiences with etaoin and shrdlu. But here, too, from occasional confusion has emerged the foremost organization of newsmen in the world.
It is appropriate, then, on our Golden Anniversary, to take a look at what has happened since those days of 1908 when a small group of none-too-well-heeled reporters struggled to establish a press club that would survive. Here, in shrdlu, is the story.
This volume is not a definitive history of the Club. Rather, it is an affectionate chronicle of he far-sighted founders and the members who have kept the Club going; of the world personalities who mingle with the members and who speak out on issues of the day; of many of the delightful incidents which give the Club its unique stamp.
To some, our story may be incredible. It is, nevertheless, a tale of truth.
John V. Horner
President, 1958
shrdlu
- an affectionate chronicle
Published on the 50th anniversary of
The National Press
Club
Copyright © 1958 by The National Press Club
All rights reserved