Clinton group celebrates the art of fountain pen writing

By Jill Sanchez

The next meeting of fountain pen enthusiasts is April 16 at 6 p.m. at Indian Lanes.

A small group of fountain pen enthusiasts is beginning to take shape in Clinton, where monthly meetups are bringing together people who share their interests in handwriting, ink and classic writing tools.

Club founder Richard Walters started the gathering earlier this year to connect people who enjoy fountain pens and share his knowledge of the hobby.

“I’ve been using fountain pens for quite a while,” Walters said. “The world of fountain pens is a very deep rabbit hole.”

The group meets once a month to talk about pens, try different writing tools and exchange ink samples. The meetings are relaxed and open to anyone curious about fountain pens.

“The meeting becomes whatever folks are interested in,” Walters said.

Participants often bring their pens and allow others to try them.

“We try different pens others have, if they are willing to allow sample writing sessions, [and] we swap ink samples,” he said.

At last month’s meeting, Walters also demonstrated writing techniques for members interested in improving their handwriting.

“Last time, I demonstrated some penmanship techniques for two that were interested in improvement,” he said.

The group currently meets for an hour, once a month, every third Thursday. Walters said he has noticed growth in attendance during the meetups.

“I think fountain pen enthusiasts are out there,” Walters said. “The challenge is getting the word out.”

Walters said his interest in fountain pens began with a desire to improve his handwriting.

“Actually, it really started when I wanted to improve my chicken scratch of cursive into something nice,” he explained.

He eventually began studying Spencerian penmanship, a 19th-century style of cursive writing known for its flowing, elegant letterforms.

Walters said a longtime coworker helped spark his interest in fountain pens.

“I worked with a person for twenty-five years at ERDC (U.S Army Engineer Research and Development Center).  He had a fountain pen and brought it into work. I think that was the trigger for latching me onto them.”

The coworker, Mike Stephens, later passed away from a rare blood cancer. Stephens’ wife later gave Walters one of his pens.

“Ironically, his wife wanted me to have one of his pens. That’s how I have my only vintage pen,” Walters said.

According to Walters, people are drawn to fountain pens for different reasons.

“Some people just like how they glide across the paper and feel smooth,” he said.

Others enjoy experimenting with different inks, due to them having different visual effects.

“Inks contain characteristics of shimmer, sheen, and shading — the three S’s,” he said.

Walters said the group welcomes beginners, including people who may not own a fountain pen.

“I’m open to even introduce newcomers who may not even own fountain pens to this interest group,” he said.

His goal is to make the meetings approachable for anyone interested in writing or calligraphy.

“If you are even remotely learning about the world of fountain pens, calligraphy, inks, penmanship, etc., come join us for an hour. It’s free,” he said.

Walters said he believes the group will continue to grow as more people learn about it.

Already, he has seen the community connections the meetings create.

“Even just now, I’ve connected a person wanting to sell a vintage pen… with a vintage collector,” he said. “I knew good things like this would come from regular meetings.”

The next Clinton Fountain Pen meet-up is scheduled for April 16, starting at 6 p.m. at Indian Lanes.