File this under the "strange and unexpected return of the long-lost": A blog called the Clog reported on Sept. 7 that a Paul Landacre printing press, which was stolen in Echo Park in the 1920s or '30s, has turned up in Carson at the International Printing Museum. The news was passed along to Chicken Corner by LADWP architect Scott Fajack.

According to the Clog blog, which left us with a cliff hanger:

The Clark Library's Head Cataloger was at the International Printing Museum in Carson, CA to celebrate 100 Years of Wood Type with the Southern California chapter of the American Printing History Association. If you've never been there, you should know that there are literally hundreds of printing presses, a few linotype machine, monotype casters, acres of moveable type and other typographic goodies. They have classes, demonstrations, a small yet impressive reference library, and an army of knowledgeable volunteers. What's even better? Most of the presses on display to the public are in working order.

On this particular Saturday in August, the Washington hand-press (no. 473) manufactured by the Cincinnati firm, C. Foster & Bro., was set up for attendees to try their hand at the pull. During the time it took to ink up the forme, it was revealed that this particular press was once owned by the "famous Los Angeles-based wood engraver, Paul Landacre."

Paul Landacre is one of Echo Park's brightest lights from the 1930s and beyond. The Moran Street bungalow where he died, on the site of the former Semi-tropical Spiritualists Tract -- nown just above the 2 Freeway -- became a historic landmark a few years ago.