Sholes and Glidden typewriter

From Curiosity to Industry Standard: The Sholes and Glidden Typewriter

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter is a fascinating journey from a crude invention to the industry standard that transformed offices and households.

A Turbulent Beginning

Imagine you’re in 1867, witnessing the birth of an idea that would change how people communicate. Christopher Latham Sholes, with help from Samuel W. Soule and Carlos S. Glidden, embarked on a quest to create something revolutionary – a machine that could print letters at the touch of a key. But was it just a fleeting curiosity or destined for greatness?

The Early Struggles

Work began in 1867, but Soule left shortly after, replaced by James Densmore who provided financial backing. The machine was acquired by Remington and Sons in early 1873 and refined before its market release on July 1, 1874. It’s like a startup facing numerous challenges – from funding to finding the right team – but with persistence, it can turn into something remarkable.

From Upper-Case Only to Industry Standard

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter evolved from printing only upper-case letters to becoming an industry standard. But what about those early deficiencies? How did they overcome the limitations of being a ‘blind writer’? The machine received an unenthusiastic reception but eventually became common in offices due to the need for expedient correspondence.

Women’s Entry into Clerical Work

The typewriter played a significant role in women’s entry into the clerical workplace. Many were hired to operate these devices, and it was a game-changer. How did this machine help break down barriers? It assisted women’s entry into the workforce, increasing from less than 4% in 1874 to approximately 75% by 1900 due to low wages and higher earning potential of typing and stenography positions.

Influences and Innovations

The development of the typewriter was influenced by earlier printing machines, including Sholes’ 1866 page number machine and the ‘Pterotype’ machine described in Scientific American. Mathias Schwalbach helped construct a telegraph machine’s key that printed letters. The machine was completed in 1867 and tested with acquaintances before being sold to James Densmore for $600.

The Road to Success

A patent was granted in 1868, but Densmore was unimpressed with the device’s flaws. An improved model was designed in 1869, using work from other inventors like Charles Thurber. Prototypes were sent to professionals and feedback led to further development. Western Union ordered several machines in 1870, but declined to purchase the rights. The machine was manufactured in 1871 with revisions to improve durability and performance.

Remington’s Involvement

But it wasn’t until Remington got involved that things really took off. Executive Henry H. Benedict impressed Philo Remington, leading to a contract for 1,000 machines. Production began in September 1874, but early models were returned for adjustments. Only 400 typewriters had been sold by December 1874 due to high price and poor reliability.

Design Improvements

However, after design improvements, including a hand lever and typing upper and lowercase characters, Remington outsourced marketing to E. & T. Fairbanks & Company in 1878. The company introduced the Remington No. 2 model, which remedied significant drawbacks of its predecessor.

The Cylindrical Platen

Interestingly, the cylindrical platen became ‘an indispensable part of every standard [typewriter]’ by the end of 1872. Although the machine possessed a cylindrical platen and what was essentially a QWERTY keyboard, two design elements that would later become essential were lacking: the ability to write in upper and lowercase letters and ‘visible’ print.

The QWERTY Keyboard

The QWERTY keyboard, so named for the first six characters of the uppermost alphabetic row, was invented during the course of the typewriter’s development. The mechanics of the machine made alphabetical arrangement problematic, leading to reordering of keys using analysis of letter frequency and trial and error.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter emerged in a business environment that required quick and legible messages due to industrialization and new communications technologies. The public initially reacted with skepticism, viewing the machine as unfamiliar and potentially impersonal. However, the association of women with the typewriter may have contributed to its acceptance into the household.

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter is a testament to innovation and perseverance. From a crude curiosity to an industry standard, it transformed offices and households. Its legacy lives on in every modern keyboard we use today.