1999.56.1a-b

Foundation Writer

Braille writer has six black, plastic braille keys and a stainless steel spacing key; black roller knobs on either end of the paper roller; and two folding arms that can extend from the back to support paper. Stamped in black lettering above the keys: "American Foundation For The Blind, Inc. New York, N.Y." and below the keys: "Manufactured for the Foundation by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters, Inc." A plate on the back reads "Licensed By Underwood Elliott Fisher Company" and stamped below is "Serial No. 611." Red dymo-label tape affixed to front edge of braillewriter reads: "Presented to St. Louis CWD, 1964."
Case is made of wood with black leatherette covering, aluminum clasps, and leather handle.

H-7 W-18 D-9.5 inches

1933-1947

L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters

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 Freddie Peaco, 1999.56