Q: On NBC's recent episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" about Paula Deen, there were displayed typewritten letters from soldiers in the Civil War. Had typewriters been so well-developed at that time, let alone being in the hands of soldiers in the field?
-- John Kohut, Peachtree City
A: There were only a couple of prototype machines in the early 1860s, Paul Robert, who owns and maintains the Virtual Typewriter Museum (www.typewritermuseum.org), told Q&A on the News in an email. "The first American production typewriter appeared in 1874 and was way too bulky to be used in trenches, tents or field offices," he said. "Typewriters didn't appear on the battlefield until later, as in World War I, when the folding Corona typewriter of 1912 was available, and became a favorite for reporters." The typewritten letters were reproductions of the originals, as stated on the show. Deen is a celebrity cook and TV show host who owns the Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah with her sons Bobby and Jamie Deen.
Q: What has happened to Vernon Jones, the ex-CEO of DeKalb County?
-- Pat Addison, Decatur
A: Jones, who was the CEO of DeKalb County from 2001-09, unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2008 and the U.S. House in 2010. He qualified to run for Georgia's open District 94 House seat, but has withdrawn, Jones told Q&A on the News. Jones, 51, said he is a consultant with government and business relationships and withdrew "in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety" since his clients "could and may have business interests with the state." He said he met all requirements to run for the office.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
