Tramp printers

DEFINITION

Itinerant masters of the art of printing, these were people, primarily men, who traveled the country doing handset type, and working with printing presses. Until computers replaced them in the late 20th Century, these skilled workers were especially sought after by non-unionized printing plant operators. The term "tramp printers" was used for printers especially noted for their independent lifestyle and consistent travel. John Thomas Nolf, who became a fine art painter, was described early in his career as a "tramp printer". Source: www.discoverypress.com/trampweb/hist1.html; Courtesy Tom Shaw