1990.3.1-2

New Hall Braillewriter

(.1) Braille writer, which weighs 11 pounds, has a conventional keyboard with back spacing lever on the right side of the base. Paper is wrapped around a central wooden roller and held in place by a rubber traction roller. The braille writer uses 11 1/2 in. wide paper with 41 cells to the line. The inscription on the metal plate reads: "The New Hall Braillewriter, Manufactured at the American Printing House for the Blind. Serial No. 1804 Louisville, Ky." (.2) Case is of black leather-like material, has metal corner reinforcement, and clasps.

H-6.102 W-15.551 D-10.039 inches

1951

American Printing House for the Blind

Louisville, KY

Designed to be suitable for school use, the New Hall resulted from APH research that tested existing writers for durability, simplicity, and cost. Commercial typewriter parts were used to keep costs low and simplify repairs. Introduced originally in 1941, the New Hall was an updated version of the original 1892 Hall Braillewriter. A line spacer, back spacer, margin regulator and carriage release were added. The frame was cast in one piece and the carriage welded into one unit. The placement of the die box made it possible to write to the very bottom of the sheet. It was named the New Hall Braillewriter to keep Frank Hall's name associated with the appliance that he gave to the blind. The machine sold for $52.50 in 1950. The New Hall was discontinued in 1972.

APH Collection, 1990.3