Give 'em A Kick

We take computers for granted. We text, talk, do research and spend too much time sitting on our duffs in front of them. It wasn’t always like that. In 1966 a major change in the way newspapers are produced was previewed. The first computerized typesetting machine was field tested at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. C.W. Sneddon, the owner, was always eager to try new technology and IBM accepted his offer.

IBM combined a keystroke capture system with a Selectric typewriter and added a punch tape controlled printer. It was an adaptation of a device used in some attorney’s and doctor’s offices. A...