1995.2a-b

Foundation Writer

(a) braille writer has six black braille keys and a aluminum spacing key. There are black roller knobs on either end of the paper roller, and two folding arms extend from the back of the braille writer to support the paper. A plate on the top of the machine reads "Designed And Developed By American Foundation For The Blind, Inc. New York, N.Y." Lettering on the front, above the keys, reads "American Foundation For The Blind, Inc. New York, N.Y." and below the keys reads "Manufactured for the Foundation by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc." A plate on the back reads "Licensed By Underwood Elliott Fisher Company."
(b) carrying case: wood with black leather-like covering; fastens with two locking metal clasps; black plastic handle.

1933-1947

L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc.

The Foundation Writer was developed by AFB in their experimental shop in 1932. The Foundation contracted with Smith & Corona to manufacture their machine. AFB had purchased the braillewriter and stereograph making departments from Cooper Engineering in Chicago in the late 1920s. They discontinued the production of the old Hall Braillewriter, and decided to redesign the writer completely. Their machine featured a carriage return and line-space lever, a back space key, and margin stops similar to those found on standard typewriters. The keyboard resembled that of the Hall. Most of the writer's housing and parts were constructed from polished aluminum and stainless steel, giving it a streamlined "modern look." Production ended in 1947 after a total production of around 2,000 machines.

Gift of Pinellas County Schools, 1995.2