The typewriter recently auctioned by Christie’s that belonged to John Updike will be displayed at the First Biennial John Updike Society Conference at Alvernia University this October 1-3, thanks to the generosity of the winning bidder.

Californian Steve Soboroff, who collects typewriters once owned by famous authors, bid $4,375 to get the Updike Olympia “electric 65c” typewriter with metal typewriter cart in order to add to a growing collection that includes typewriters once used by Ernest Hemingway, George Bernard Shaw, Jack London, Tennessee Williams, and songwriter John Lennon. Yep, that John Lennon.

So the Updike typewriter is in good company and seems to have found a good home . . . and an owner with a good heart. Soboroff contacted the Society and offered to loan it for the conference, and so it will be exhibited in Reading, Pa. this October for all to see.

An interesting story about Soboroff appears in the Palisadian-Post, which provides details not only about his collection but also about his accomplishments and standing in the community. And like Updike, he has a Harvard connection. He was honored in the past as the Harvard Business School “Business Statesman of the Year” by the Southern California chapter.