Lost Mechanical Comptometer Factories Of St. Louis: Forgotten Calculator Workshops

St. Louis, once a bustling hub for industry, holds many secrets from its past. Among these are the lost mechanical comptometer factories that once dotted the city. These factories produced early calculators, revolutionizing how businesses handled complex calculations. Imagine a time before digital devices, when workers relied on these mechanical marvels to keep things running smoothly. The factories not only provided jobs but also contributed to the technological advancements of their era. Today, few remember these workshops or their impact. Let's take a step back in time to uncover the story of St. Louis's forgotten calculator workshops.

The Rise of Mechanical Comptometers in St. Louis

St. Louis once thrived as a hub for mechanical comptometer production. These early calculators revolutionized business operations, making complex calculations faster and more accurate. Let's explore the forgotten factories that once buzzed with innovation.

1. Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company

Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company stood as a pioneer in the world of mechanical calculators. Founded by Dorr E. Felt and Robert Tarrant, this factory produced the first commercially successful comptometer.

• Location: Originally located on Pine Street, the factory later moved to a larger facility on Washington Avenue.
• Significance: Introduced the first key-driven calculator, changing the landscape of business accounting.
• Legacy: Though the factory no longer exists, its impact on the calculator industry remains significant.

2. Burroughs Adding Machine Company

Burroughs Adding Machine Company, another giant in the mechanical calculator industry, had a significant presence in St. Louis. Known for their robust and reliable machines, Burroughs played a crucial role in the city's industrial growth.

• Location: Situated on North Broadway, the factory was a landmark of industrial prowess.
• Significance: Produced a wide range of adding machines and calculators, catering to various business needs.
• Legacy: The factory's closure marked the end of an era, but its contributions to mechanical computing are still remembered.

3. Monroe Calculating Machine Company

Monroe Calculating Machine Company brought innovation and competition to the mechanical calculator market in St. Louis. Their machines were known for their precision and ease of use.

• Location: Located on Olive Street, Monroe's factory was a bustling center of activity.
• Significance: Introduced calculators with unique features, setting new standards in the industry.
• Legacy: Though the factory is gone, Monroe's influence on calculator design and functionality persists.

4. Marchant Calculating Machine Company

Marchant Calculating Machine Company added diversity to St. Louis's mechanical calculator industry. Their machines were popular for their speed and accuracy, making them a favorite among businesses.

• Location: Found on Locust Street, the factory was a key player in the local economy.
• Significance: Known for producing high-speed calculators that improved business efficiency.
• Legacy: The factory's contributions to mechanical computing are still appreciated by historians and enthusiasts.

5. Victor Adding Machine Company

Victor Adding Machine Company, though lesser-known, played a vital role in the mechanical calculator scene in St. Louis. Their machines were reliable and affordable, making them accessible to smaller businesses.

• Location: Based on Market Street, Victor's factory was a symbol of industrial growth.
• Significance: Offered cost-effective solutions for businesses, expanding the reach of mechanical calculators.
• Legacy: The factory's impact on making calculators more accessible is still recognized today.

6. Sundstrand Adding Machine Company

Sundstrand Adding Machine Company brought innovation and quality to the mechanical calculator market in St. Louis. Their machines were known for their durability and advanced features.

• Location: Located on Grand Boulevard, Sundstrand's factory was a hub of technological advancement.
• Significance: Introduced calculators with advanced functionalities, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
• Legacy: The factory's contributions to mechanical computing continue to be celebrated by technology historians.

7. Dalton Adding Machine Company

Dalton Adding Machine Company, a significant player in the mechanical calculator industry, had a notable presence in St. Louis. Their machines were known for their reliability and user-friendly design.

• Location: Situated on Chouteau Avenue, Dalton's factory was a center of innovation.
• Significance: Produced calculators that were easy to use, making them popular among businesses.
• Legacy: The factory's influence on calculator design and functionality remains a point of reference for modern computing devices.

Remembering St. Louis' Calculator Legacy

St. Louis once thrived with mechanical comptometer factories. These workshops played a crucial role in the early days of calculating machines. They were the backbone of many businesses, making complex calculations simpler and faster.

Today, these factories are mostly forgotten. However, their impact on technology and business remains significant. They paved the way for modern calculators and computers. The innovation and hard work of those who built and operated these machines should not be overlooked.

Exploring the history of these factories gives us a glimpse into a time when St. Louis was a hub of technological advancement. It reminds us of the city's contribution to the world of computing. As we move forward, let's not forget the mechanical comptometer factories that once made St. Louis a center of innovation.