1994.13.10

McElroy's Point Writer

This machine is one of the earliest upward writing devices. Uniform line and cell spacing could be obtained by a combination metal carrier and detent system. A wooden pulley moved the embossing carriage from left to right. New York Point was produced when the hollow styli forced the paper onto the New York point matrix which was composed of a copper strip attached to the base. Maximum size paper used was 9 x 11 in. Note in accession folder: "#19, Tafel."

H-4 W-12.5 D-16 inches

ca. 1890

Tafel Brothers; American Printing House for the Blind

Louisville, KY

James F. McElroy, the superintendent of the Michigan School for the Blind (1880-1887), patented his writing machine for the blind in 1888. APH purchased the rights to this machine for $300 in 1887 and had 47 produced in 1888. The writer was listed in the APH catalog from 1889-1893. This machine is number 19.

Loaned by the Perkins School for the Blind, 1994.13