It depends which period and country we are talking about, obviously, but I bet each country had it's developing period when there was only the state run TV station. We were unlucky to live under strict control as information was constantly suppressed, blocked.
Looks like your mom was loyal to her typewriter. I can understand that as after a certain age change is not really needed, not accepted. I see that with my dad.
Wow, I've never seen a typewriter shop, but I can understand, some writers need to live the and experience the real feeling, like in the movies.