Ilion High School - Class of 1974

Source pdf file is here Herkimer NY Evening Telegram 1973 02523.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Photo Caption - 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF A TYPEWRITER - Hundreds of persons visited the gala celebration on Saturday surrounding the 100th anniversary of the manufacture of the first typewriter in Ilion. Featured speaker was Mrs. Thomas Gallagher, (second from right) granddaughter of H.H. Benedict, who was instrumental in getting Remington Arms to manufacture the first typewriter in 1873. From left: Thomas Gallagher; Mrs. Jane Spellman, chairman, Mrs. Gallagher; and H. Paul Draheim of the Herkimer County Historical Society.

Ilion Celebration Notes Typewriter Centennial

ILION - Hundreds of area residents turned out Saturday in a joint celebration of the first commercial typewriter produced here 100 years ago and the 121st anniversary of the village.

The centennial observance marked the manufacture of the Remington No. 1, developed in September of 1873.

On hand to report on that first commercial typewriter was Mrs Thomas Gallagher of Kirkland, the former Gamble Benedict, granddaughter of Henry Harper Benedict. Benedict was successful in getting Philo Remington to manufacture the first typewriter.

Mrs. Gallagher presented a profile entitled, "My Grandfather H.H. Benedict." She said she never knew her grandfather, but became acquainted with him through books and stories told to her by her grandmother.

She said he was known as "that man with that foolish machine, the typewriter."

As a philanthropist, Benedict donated a fortune to many medical and educational institutions, but because of his modesty, he denied the use of his name on plaques in recognition of his generosity, she said.

According to Mrs. Jane Spellman, centennial chairman, the story of the "writing machine," dates back to 1714. The first practical typewriter, however dates back only to 1866 when Christopher Latham Sholes, editor, printer, political scientist, credited with its development, in Milwaukee, Wis.

Then, in 1873, Sholes, with several friends realized that more exacting work had to be done. The search for someone to do the "exacting work", ended with E. Remington & Sons, Ilion, she said.

Remington put a team of mechanics, led by William K. Jenne to work on the machine and it developed quickly.

Sholes, who became known as the "father of the typewriter", was said to have uttered on his deathbed, "I feel I have done something for the women who have always had to work so hard."

Mrs Sepllman called the men involved in the invention persons of vision and courage.

"Memorabilia of Old Plant," was presented by William M. Miller, who retired 10 years ago, after 40 years with the Remington Typewriter Company.

After describing a number of anecdotes about manufacturing procedures, employees and supervision, Miller ave recognition to many of the old timers, whose dedication kept the produciton of the typewriter alive, he said.

Speaking on, "Typewriter Today," were Edson Moshier, a retired vice-president of engineering at SCM Corp., Jamesville; Douglas Brookins, Sperry Remington Bluebell, Pa. and K. L. Dillingham of IBM, Poughkeepsie.

Master of Ceremonies was Jack Manley, former mayor and presently attorney for the Urban Renewal Agency. Also speaking was Mayor James Garnsey who introduced members of the Village Board and Urban Renewal Agency.

During the ceremonies, Victor Norman, chairman of the county legislature, presented a Sandy Demeree, Little Falls High School student, who placed first in the speed typing test conducted throughout county schools.

Rev. Maurice C. Mitchell, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church offered the invocation, while Rev Gregory Mulhall, pastor of the Church of Annunciation, offered the benediction.

"The Story of the Typewriter," a movie, was presented at 15-minute intervals in the Remington Room of Ilion Free Public Library.