Yup I know all about comptometers and the old Monroe mechanical calculators too. I worked in sales for Burroughs Corp in 60's and 70's.
And get this - that first electronic calculator which is similar in function (not size) to those you now often get free as an advertising promo for banks etc -- size = 8x12, 4 function (+ - x /), 1 memory register - $1,695.
And you know what- we sold a ton of then at that price.
So glad somebody remembers the comptometer!
Like I said granddaughter was amazed.
Remember the Bomar brain?
Yeah my company, Webster Electric, part of AT&T, knew they had toget away from comptometer sand I was the first to get a calculater! Indeed it cost over a thousand bucks per my aging memory!,
Funny met someone who’knows a comptometer!
The chemistry class I took in my freshman year at college was the first to eschew slide rules in favor of calculators.
Calculators were only available in a few places, and this was in the L.A. area. I found mine at an office supply store in Whittier. It was a Texas Instruments four function calculator with a memory key, an integral ni-cad battery pack, and a charger. It was used, so I only paid $40.00 — half price.
The next summer they were selling calculator wristwatches with similar functionality at the La Mirada Swap Meet for five dollars.