When a PBS crew came to the School of Journalism in December to investigate an Oregon man's claims that his typewriter once belonged to war correspondent Ernie Pyle, many were curious to know what the show's investigators would find. They were told they would have to wait until summer to find out.

July 16, viewers of the show History Detectives learned that a Corona 3 typewriter owned by Eric Warlick of Portland, Ore., did not belong to the famed war correspondent.

The show, which uses a variety of investigative skills to determine the provenance of people's curiosities and antiques, airs new episodes all summer. The Ernie Pyle typewriter story was the fourth of the new season.

A History Detectives crew visited Ernie Pyle Hall in December to interview associate professor Owen V. Johnson about Pyle's letters. For many years, Johnson has studied and written about Pyle. The team also wanted to see the typewriter on display in the Ernie Pyle Lounge, which has been verified as one that did belong to the journalist.

During the session, Johnson showed the crew letters Pyle had typed on various typewriters and demonstrated the school's typewriter. Johnson told the crew that the Oregon typewriter was the kind Pyle could have used, one that was easily portable and in common use at that time.

The History Detectives found that much of the Oregon man's story about his typewriter was true, but forensic experts determined that none of the letters Johnson provided were typed on the Oregon typewriter.


Learn more:
Visit the History Detectives Web site to read a transcript of the show.

Read about the History Detectives' visit in December.