Shopping in D.C. and Ballmer

Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, offer diverse and welcoming pen communities.

- BY BARRY GABAY

In recent years, the Washington D.C.-Baltimore, Maryland, metro area emerged as an active and important hub for the writing instruments community and the whole stationery culture. The region is home to a high percentage of educated people associated with government, think tanks, universities, museums, and cultural centers, and this often translates as an affection for handheld writing instruments. The area hosts two major pen shows (Washington D.C. Fountain Pen Supershow and Baltimore-Washington International Pen Show). The DC Metro Pen Crew is one of the largest and most active in the country, hosting outreach programs and weekly live and live-streamed meetings, and volunteering at pen shows and community events. Finally, though perhaps key to the pen presence in this area, are its pen shops.

The New Fahrney’s

Since its founding in 1929, Fahrney’s has had several locations, and its new home will be on the F Street side of the historic Willard Hotel, returning to a prior Fahrney's location from 1950 to the early 1970s. It’s one of this country’s most famous and reputable pen shops. have been a customer for more than 45 years. Repair has always been a hallmark of Fahrney's service. The late Chuck Edwards, known widely as the Pen Doctor, wore a white lab coat while examining, diagnosing, and repairing pens either mailed or hand delivered to the store. His reputation among Montblanc fans is legendary.