Work

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

Telegraph message, printed in Morse code, transcribed and signed by Samuel F. B. Morse.
Description
Telegraph message, printed in Morse code, transcribed and signed by Samuel F. B. Morse. This message was transmitted from Baltimore, Maryland, to Washington, D.C., over the nation's first long-distance telegraph line.
In 1843, Congress allocated $30,000 for Morse (1791-1872) to build an electric telegraph line between Washington and Baltimore. Morse and his partner, Alfred Vail (1807-1859), completed the forty-mile line in May 1844. For the first transmissions, they used a quotation from the Bible, Numbers 23:23: "What hath God wrought," suggested by Annie G. Ellsworth (1826-1900), daughter of Patent Commissioner Henry L. Ellsworth (1791-1858) who was present at the event on 24 May. Morse, in the Capitol, sent the message to Vail at the B&O Railroad's Pratt Street Station in Baltimore. Vail then sent a return message confirming the message he had received.
The original message transmitted by Morse from Washington to Baltimore, dated 24 May 1844, is in the collections of the Library of Congress. The original confirmation message from Vail to Morse is in the collections of the Connecticut Historical Society.
This tape, dated 25 May, is a personal souvenir transmitted by Vail in Baltimore to Morse in Washington the day following the inaugural transmissions. The handwriting on the tape is that of Morse himself. Found in Morse’s papers after his death the tape was donated to the Smithsonian in 1900 by his son Edward, where it has been displayed in many exhibitions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844-05-25
1844-05-24
associated date
1844-05-24
donated
1900-04-18
associated person
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese
maker
Morse, Samuel Finley Breese
ID Number
EM.001028
catalog number
001028
accession number
65555
Pronto Systems, Inc. introduced its Pronto Series 16 microcomputer in 1983. It represented the high end of business computing of its era.
Description
Pronto Systems, Inc. introduced its Pronto Series 16 microcomputer in 1983. It represented the high end of business computing of its era. The Pronto pioneered innovative design features, including a tilting and swiveling monitor, a small foot print, a streamlined and adjustable keyboard, and an expandable cord that allowed the processor to be stored as much as six feet away from the monitor. These features won a 1983 design award from Industrial Design Magazine. The computer offered the first tower system—a design that later became common in the industry. This index number covers the tower.
Inside, the Pronto 16 was a powerful machine designed for the full range of business applications. It had a 16-bit Intel 80186 microprocessor. It was shipped with MS-DOS 2.0. It had 128 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 1 MB. The standard hard drive was 5.6 MB, and it was removable. The computer had dual 800 KB floppy drives (5 ¼"), dual serial ports, one parallel port, and a high-resolution monochrome monitor. Users could buy a color monitor as an option. The base price was $3,000.
Over 1,000 systems were sold from 1983 to 1987. The company had to file for bankruptcy when the stock market crashed while the company was in the process of going public through an Initial Public Offering.
The donors of this example of the Pronto 16 were both associated with the firm that made it. Henry Gasbarro was founder, executive vice president, and chief technology officer of Pronto. He created the company in 1982. Skip Hansen, vice president of engineering, was responsible for the hardware design, software,and the high-resolution graphics capability that the system had.
See the other parts of acquisition 2001.0255 as well as 2001.3082.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983-1987
maker
PRONTO Computers, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0255.01
catalog number
2001.0255.01
accession number
2001.0255
Data General was primarily a mini-computer company. But in 1984, it introduced the Data General/One (DG-1), a breakthrough personal computer laptop.
Description
Data General was primarily a mini-computer company. But in 1984, it introduced the Data General/One (DG-1), a breakthrough personal computer laptop. The Data General/One weighed nine pounds, ran MS-DOS, had dual 3 ½" diskettes, a 79-key full stroke keyboard, 128 KB to 512 KB of RAM, and a monochrome LCD screen. It ran on a CMOS 80C88 processor. Unlike other "luggable" computers of the era, the DG-1 was light enough to carry on travel, but also powerful enough to emulate a desktop.
The DG-1 enjoyed only mediocre success. Its 3 ½" diskettes were slightly ahead of their time, and much popular software was not available in 3 ½" format. Adding to the problem, software copyright protection made copying into the 3 ½" format difficult. In addition, the DG-1 base price was relatively high at $2,895, and the real cost tended to be even higher, because users generally needed both more RAM and an external 5 ¼" drive to run disks from their desktop machines.
This example is a Model No. 2203 with serial number Q0026418.
The carrying case for the Data General/One (1995.0069.02) is divided into two sections. One contains the laptop-sized computer and a part for the floppy drive. the other contains:
1. two power cords
2. a modem cable
3. three 3 1/2" diskettes in a plastic fox. The diskettes all have a paper label that reads: Data General. One has no further marks. A second is marked: DATA GENERAL/ONE PERSONAL SYSTEM (/) MS-DOS REV 2.11 (/) DATA GENERAL CORPORATION (/) 1984 (/) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (/) MICROSOFT CORPORATION (/) 1981 1982 1983 (/) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A third is marked: DATA GENERAL / ONE PERSONAL SYSTEM (/) HOW TO USE YOUR DATA GENERAL/ONE. It is copyrighted 1984
4. a spiral-bound Data General One Owner's Manual, Dated September, 1984. The manual contains a loose sheet and a sheet and an owner's manual for the carrying case.
5. six miscellaneous documents on the computer in an envelope marked: Limited Warranty and Service Booklet
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984
maker
Data General Corporation
ID Number
1995.0069.01
accession number
1995.0069
catalog number
1995.0069.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks. A guage in the center of each sidestick told the compositor how far the quoin could be extended.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-08-12
maker
Gosorn, George T.
ID Number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
In the early 1980s, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) was the second largest computer company in the United States, following IBM, and was the leading producer of minicomputers.
Description
In the early 1980s, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) was the second largest computer company in the United States, following IBM, and was the leading producer of minicomputers. DEC had missed the initial development of personal computers, but decided to enter the market with a 16 bit machine. In 1982, it introduced the DEC Rainbow 100, for a price of $2,500.
The Rainbow 100 had both a Z-80 and an Intel 8088 microprocessor that ran at 4 MHz. It had 64 KB or RAM and 24 KB of ROM and had two built in floppy drives that could accommodate 400 KB single-sided quad density disks. It had three operating systems: MS-DOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M. Users made a selection by a menu at boot time. This portion - CPU - sat on a floor stand. For the monitor, see 1994.0078.01.2. For the keyboard, see 1994.0078.01.3. For related documentation, see 1994.3022.
The Rainbow could be used for word processing, spreadsheets, and games, although it had a monochrome screen. In addition to operating as a stand-alone computer, the Rainbow worked effectively as a VT-100 or VT-220 terminal emulator on larger machines, such as DEC's minicomputers. Although the Rainbow was a powerful and effective personal computer, it was not fully compatible with IBM systems, and eventually was overshadowed and undersold by IBM clones.
According to the donor, Steve Lubar, writing at the time he gave the machine to the museum, "purchased the Rainbow 100 in 1984, through my wife, Lisa Thoerle,who was then an employee of Digital Equipment Corporation.There was a large employee discount, perhaps almost 50%,(if I remember right!) which made the machine affordable,and close in price to more common PCs.
At the time,I was employed as a historian in the Department of
History of Science and Technology,working on the Engines of Change exhibition and a variety of scholarly papers. I used the Rainbow for word processing mostly, using WordStar software,and as a VT-100 terminal, using the built-in emulation, to call bulletin boards. I always used the machine in its CP/M mode, mostly because I found
that the only software I had for the MS-DOS mode(an early version of WordPerfect) was dreadful. Lisa used the machine a bit; she had a
C compiler,but found the machine too slow to use to do any serious
work. (She was used to VAXs and PDP-11s).
I used the Rainbow until 1988 or 1989,when I purchased a
Macintosh SE.The Rainbow,it was clear by that point, was a
technological deadend,too expensive to upgrade,and too
idiosyncratic to take advantage of the ever-cheaper prices on
hardware upgrades then available for IBM-standard PCs."
Reference:
Accession File 1994.0078.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1982
maker
Digital Equipment Corporation
ID Number
1994.0078.01.1
accession number
1994.0078
catalog number
1994.0078.01.1
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333. The patent details a machine for sawing type from a solid block of letters by first cutting a strip of letters from the block, then notching the strip, and finally cutting apart the letters. The block could be cast by Smith's patent of 1859.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
patent date
1861-02-05
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.031333
patent number
031333
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.031333
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202. Nutting (1803-1887) was one of the first generation of American lithographers, working at the profession as early as 1826. Later in his life he was also an art teacher, and published a series of art teaching manuals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-09-22
patentee
Nutting, Benjamin F.
maker
Nutting, Benjamin F.
ID Number
GA.22843
accession number
249602
patent number
155202
catalog number
22843
GA*22843
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
patent date
1890-07-29
maker
Fausel, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.432994
accession number
089797
patent number
432994
catalog number
GA*87979.432994
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs. The invention was granted patent number 493850.
Tonal photomechanical reproductions had an objectionable coarseness because of the perceptible pattern of the halftone screen. By this invention, screened plates-either bearing an image or blank-were printed several times slightly out of register with each other, softening the effect of the screen. The key impression of the image would be made first in a dark ink with a heavy body, and then the other impressions in paler or lighter-bodied inks. To imitate sepia photographs, later impressions were made in brown tinted inks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1893
patent date
1893-03-21
patentee
Woodward, Charles B.
ID Number
GA.89797.493850
patent number
493850
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.493850
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration. A flexible glue sheet, cast from the surface of a plate ruled with parallel lines, was inked and then pressed over an image to shade it. The invention was granted patent number 214493. The model consists of a very fragile pack of samples.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-22
maker
Day, Jr., Benjamin Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.214493
accession number
089797
patent number
214493
catalog number
GA*89797.214493
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222. The model consists of three photogravure specimens.
John Wesley Hyatt (born 1837) started his working life as a printer. Early in his career, he took out a patent for a composition for artificial ivory billiard balls, which led him to the invention of celluloid in 1868. In 1869 Hyatt and his brother Isaac founded the Celluloid Manufacturing Company. He held some 250 patents, mostly concerned with the use of celluloid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-08-31
maker
Lefferts, Marshall C.
Hyatt, John W.
ID Number
GA.89797.348222
accession number
089797
patent number
348222
catalog number
GA*89797.348222
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376. Model consists of two photogravure specimens.
The patent rights were assigned to the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York. Marshall Clifford Lefferts (born 1848) first worked with the American Telegraph Company. In 1870 he joined with the new Celluloid Manufacturing Company, of which he became president in 1890.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-07-27
patentee
Lefferts, Marshall C.
ID Number
GA.89797.346376
accession number
089797
patent number
346376
catalog number
GA*89797.346376
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833. The inventor called his process Multograph, or Stulograph. The model consists of a stencil frame and an envelope of papers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
maker
Nickerson, Samuel S.
ID Number
GA.89797.215833
accession number
089797
patent number
215833
catalog number
GA*89797.215833
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
maker
Allen, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.039872
accession number
089797
patent number
039872
catalog number
GA*89797.039872
The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound).
Description
The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound). When it was released in September of 1986—Apple's 10th anniversary—at the price of $999 (without a monitor—or $1498 with an RGB monitor), the Apple II GS competed against other computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST.
The Apple II GS used the Western Design Center 65816 16 bit microprocessor, which ran at 2.8 Mhz. It had 256 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8 MB. There were seven slots to accommodate an expansion of memory. It was the first computer to utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) which linked standard input device such as keyboards, mice, and graphics tablets. This made it possible for Apple to sell a single set of peripherals that both the Apple Computer and later the Macintosh could use. The IIGS display had a 600 X 200 pixel mode with 2-bit palletized cooler and a 320 X 200 pixel mode with a 4-bit palletized color. The Apple II GS could display 256 colors on the screen. Its ProDOS 16 as system software allowed users to handle any number of open files at the same time.
The IIGS seemed well positioned to capture a large market. However, by the time it was released, Apple was putting its energy into developing the Macintosh and the IIGS suffered from limited marketing. Apple discontinued the line in December 1992.
This example of the Apple IIGS is model number A26000, Serial number A2S2-E80113DA2S6000. For related documentation, see 1998.3062.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1986
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1998.0199.01
catalog number
1998.0199.01
accession number
1998.0199
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort.
Description (Brief)
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort. Jillian Gross led a team from Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes in Louisiana.
Description
This hard hat was worn by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Hard hats are used for head protection on construction and other work sites. This hat has a lightweight shell with suspension straps inside that absorbs shock from falling objects. It is made by MSA Incorporated.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.39
catalog number
2005.0276.39
accession number
2005.0276
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events.
Description (Brief)
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This fire engine panel came from the Franklin Engine Company No. 12 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active as a hand engine company from 1792 until 1863 when it acquired a steam fire engine. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The painting “Franklin with Loaf of Bread” is attributed to David Rent Etter and dates to around 1830. The painting depicts the young Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. As recounted in his autobiography, he mistakenly bought more bread than he could eat and gave the extra loaves to a poor woman and child. Benjamin Franklin was well known for organizing the first volunteer fire company in Philadelphia, and his image and his name were popular among the city’s fire companies. By invoking Franklin, volunteer firemen linked themselves to the progenitor of their trade, as well as someone who played a key role in the Revolution and securing America’s freedom. This painting and its companion piece (object 2005.0233.0307) would have adorned either side of the company’s engine.
Location
Currently not on view (screws)
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1830
depicted
Franklin, Benjamin
artist attribution
Etter, David Rent
ID Number
2005.0233.0018
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0018
Ira Wertman, a farmer in Andreas, Pennsylvania, raised fruits and vegetables and peddled them with this truck to retired coal miners near Allentown. He also used the truck to take produce to market and haul supplies from town to the farm.
Description
Ira Wertman, a farmer in Andreas, Pennsylvania, raised fruits and vegetables and peddled them with this truck to retired coal miners near Allentown. He also used the truck to take produce to market and haul supplies from town to the farm. Pickup trucks have been versatile aids to a wide range of agricultural, personal, and business activities. Early pickup trucks were modified automobiles, but postwar models were larger, more powerful, and able to carry heavier loads. Some postwar pickups were used in building suburban communities. Others were used for recreational purposes such as camping, hunting, and fishing. By the 1990s, many people purchased pickups for everyday driving.
date made
1949
maker
General Motors Corporation
ID Number
1999.0057.01
accession number
1999.0057
catalog number
1999.0057.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.11
catalog number
1997.0198.11
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-03
maker
Hix, Albert E.
patentee
Hix, Albert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.192624
accession number
089797
patent number
192624
catalog number
GA*89797.192624
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day. The trees in the distance are dimly seen through the tremulous air, and the pine twigs droop from the eaves of the but as if a fire had scorched them. The hoofs of the horse are buried in burning dust, and the boots of the men are loaded with powdered earth. By the tall pine in the back-ground, a little tent seems to be vainly seeking the shadow, while over all glares a hot sky, without a cloud to relieve the weary eyes. The parched ground and arid appearance of the landscape was characteristic of the country about Petersburg, where the constant movements of troops crushed out vegetation. Forests, houses, and fences were swept away, and the fields were transformed into vast commons, where the winds raised clouds of sand, and covered everything with the sacred soil. On these glaring deserts, with no covering but the shelter tent and withered brush, the army toiled and fought through many months, filling the valleys with graves, and sapping the vigor of men in the prime of life. Many are the dead that might now be living but for the poison of those torrid days, and all through the land are feeble veterans, who look back upon that campaign as does the pilgrim on his journeyings across the great Sahara.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-08
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.27
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.27
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
In such rude manner did the lusty artificers of the corps carry on their needful trades, doing much good work under the scorching rays of the southern sun. At one time the majority of these hardy workmen were detailed from the ranks, with extra pay and allowances, but when every soldier was needed behind his musket, skilled men were hired for such duty, and some of the soldiers ordered back to their regiments. On the right of the view is the stocks, a neat contrivance, to facilitate the shoeing of mules, an operation which those self-willed animals had a decided objection to undergo. Time being precious, the farriers could not be expected to waste much in the exercise of their persuasive abilities. The refractory mule was led into the stocks, often by the seductive display of a peck of oats, suddenly to find himself suspended in air upon a huge belly-band. Four stout fellows seizing his feet, fastened them securely with thongs in the required position, and while impotent rage convulsed his frame, rapidly nailed on the shoes, finally releasing the hybrid in a state of wretched uncertainty as to the intents and purposes of his masters.
The tent fly, with its partial walls of loose bricks, covers the forge. Around it are the wheel and harness-makers, evidently resting, with pleasing expectations of forming a prominent feature of the photograph, while the contrabands have assumed positions of determined fixedness, worthy of the occasion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.20
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.20
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the United States around 1875. There is a large shield-shaped recess in the center of the frontpiece with a large white number “6” inside. One banner at the top of the frontpiece and two at the bottom contain white leather lettering that reads “VIGILANT/STEAM/FIRE Co.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1494
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1494
Northstar developed from a computer store called "The Original Kentucky Fried Computer." It changed its name due to impending litigation by Kentucky Fried Chicken. The company's first product was a Floating Point Math Board for S-100 computers.
Description
Northstar developed from a computer store called "The Original Kentucky Fried Computer." It changed its name due to impending litigation by Kentucky Fried Chicken. The company's first product was a Floating Point Math Board for S-100 computers. They then developed an inexpensive floppy drive system. This led the way to the Horizon, one of the first computers with built in floppy drives.
Announced in November 1977, the Horizon was sold in a wooden cabinet, as opposed to the more usual metal or plastic. The initial price was $1,899 assembled and $1,599 unassembled. The Horizon ran on a Z-80 microprocessor that ran at 4 MHz. It contained 16 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 64 KB and 1 KB of ROM. The operating system was both CP/M and Northstar DOS. The machine was among the first to offer floppy drives, and customers could order one or two 90 KB 5 ¼" drives. Northstar was also one of the first machines to offer a hard disk drive. This was called an HD-18, and had 18 megabytes on an 18" platter. The Northstar Horizon was suited for business, education, and software development applications.
This particular machine was donated to the Smithsonian by Peter A. McWilliams. He used it in writing The Word Processing Book: A Short Course in Computer Literacy (1982). When it sold well, McWilliams wrote The Personal Computer Book, (1983), which became a runaway bestseller. This was his first computer.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1977
maker
Northstar
ID Number
1989.0354.01
catalog number
1989.0354.01
accession number
1989.0354

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