Lost Mechanical Comptometer Factories Of Chicago: Forgotten Calculator Workshops
Have you ever wondered about the lost mechanical comptometer factories of Chicago? These forgotten workshops once buzzed with activity, producing early calculators that revolutionized business operations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chicago became a hub for these innovative devices. Skilled workers crafted each machine with precision, making Chicago a leader in the calculator industry. Today, many of these factories have vanished, leaving behind only memories and a few scattered relics. This article dives into the history of these fascinating places, exploring how they shaped the city and the world of computation. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these hidden gems.
The Rise of Mechanical Comptometers in Chicago
Chicago once buzzed with the hum of mechanical comptometer factories. These early calculators revolutionized business operations, making complex calculations easier and faster. Let's take a stroll through the forgotten workshops that once thrived in this bustling city.
The Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
The Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company was a pioneer in the world of mechanical calculators. Founded in 1889, this company played a crucial role in the development and production of the comptometer.
- Felt & Tarrant Factory: Located at 211 W. Monroe Street, this factory was the heart of the company's operations. It was here that the first practical key-driven calculator was produced, changing the landscape of business calculations forever.
The Comptometer's Impact on Business
The introduction of the comptometer had a significant impact on various industries. Businesses could now perform calculations with unprecedented speed and accuracy, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company: Situated at 2301 S. Indiana Avenue, this factory was another key player in the mechanical calculator industry. Burroughs produced a range of adding machines that complemented the comptometer, further streamlining business operations.
The Decline of Mechanical Comptometers
As technology advanced, the demand for mechanical comptometers began to wane. The rise of electronic calculators in the mid-20th century marked the beginning of the end for these once-revolutionary devices.
- Victor Adding Machine Company: Located at 3900 N. Rockwell Street, Victor was one of the last companies to produce mechanical calculators. Despite their efforts to innovate, they couldn't compete with the emerging electronic alternatives.
The Legacy of Chicago's Comptometer Factories
Though the factories have long since closed, their legacy lives on. The mechanical comptometer paved the way for modern computing, and the ingenuity of these early manufacturers remains a testament to human innovation.
Comptometer Building: Found at 561 W. Jackson Boulevard, this building once housed the offices and production facilities of the Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. Today, it stands as a reminder of Chicago's rich industrial history.
National Cash Register Company: At 1735 W. Diversey Parkway, this factory produced a variety of mechanical devices, including the comptometer. Their contributions to the industry helped shape the future of business technology.
Forgotten Workshops and Their Stories
Many smaller workshops also contributed to the comptometer industry. These lesser-known factories played a vital role in the development and production of mechanical calculators.
Monroe Calculating Machine Company: Located at 2200 S. Michigan Avenue, Monroe was known for its high-quality calculators. Though not as famous as Felt & Tarrant, their machines were widely used in businesses across the country.
Marchant Calculating Machine Company: At 1500 W. Carroll Avenue, Marchant produced some of the most advanced mechanical calculators of their time. Their innovative designs set new standards for accuracy and reliability.
The End of an Era
The mechanical comptometer era may have ended, but its impact on the world of business and technology is undeniable. These forgotten factories and workshops played a crucial role in shaping the tools we use today.
Remington Rand: Situated at 1800 W. Grace Street, Remington Rand was one of the last companies to produce mechanical calculators before transitioning to electronic models. Their legacy continues in the form of modern computing devices.
Smith Corona Marchant (SCM): Located at 2500 W. Bradley Place, SCM was a major player in the mechanical calculator industry. Their contributions helped bridge the gap between mechanical and electronic computing.
Comptograph Company: At 1200 W. Harrison Street, this company produced some of the earliest mechanical calculators. Their innovations laid the groundwork for future developments in the field of business technology.
The Legacy of Chicago's Comptometer Factories
Chicago's Comptometer factories played a crucial role in the history of mechanical calculators. These workshops were once bustling hubs of innovation and industry. They produced machines that revolutionized business operations, making calculations faster and more accurate. Though these factories have faded into obscurity, their impact remains significant.
Walking through Chicago today, it's hard to imagine the city as a center for such technological advancements. Yet, the legacy of these forgotten workshops lives on in the devices we use daily. Modern calculators, computers, and even smartphones owe a debt to the pioneering work done in those factories.
Remembering the Comptometer factories helps us appreciate the strides made in technology. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving history. These forgotten workshops may no longer exist, but their contributions continue to shape our world.
