Writing devices for the blind collection

Creator:

Perkins School for the Blind

Date Range:

Circa 1880 to 1921, bulk 1900 to 1920

Call Number:

AG10

Abstract:

Collection of writing tools used by the blind or visually impaired, circa 1880 to 1921. These tools include writing guides and frames, as well as a German braille writer. A digital exhibit of this entire collection is available on Flickr.

Extent:

11 boxes (3.5 linear feet)

Language:

English and German

Processed by:

Jen Hale, 2016

Biographical/Historical notes:

Writing frames and guides are tools designed for aiding in handwriting without sight. They often hold paper in place and provide guides for writing in straight lines with equal spacing. Some guides, such as the C. G. Hill’s Writing Guide in this collection, use three dimensional ridges to create tactile lines. The Automatic Writer featured in this collection was designed for use  in the dark or low light, those who are unable to write sitting up, and those who are blind. The O.C. Frost Device to Facilitate Writing by the Blind is an example of one designed specifically for use by the blind.   

Sources of information:

Frost, O.C. “Device to Facilitate Writing by the Blind.” Patent 980,623. 3 January 1911. Google Patents. Web. Accessed 7 October 2016.

“Writing without Sight.” Advertisement in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, vol. 10, 1901, Google Books. Web. Accessed 7 October 2016.

Restrictions:

None

Copyright:

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Perkins School for the Blind, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Credit line/Citation:

AG10 Writing Devices for the Blind Collection. Perkins School for the Blind Archives, Watertown, MA.

Scope/Contents:

This collection provides samples, many in mint condition, of several writing tools used by those who are blind and visually impaired, circa 1880 to 1921. The collection includes a braille typewriter, and several writing guides and frames, including a pin-type board with pin-type pieces.  

Arrangement:

2 Series, 12 boxes, each device boxed separately.
Series 1: Writing Guides and Slates, circa 1880-1921
Series 2: Braille Writer Machine, circa 1900

Related collections:

Writing Devices for the Blind Collection digital collection on Flickr

AG14 Howe Press Collection. Perkins School for the Blind Archives, Watertown, MA.

Reading and Writing Photographs and Appliances digital collections on Flickr

​Printing and Writing for the Blind, Smithsonian Exhibition Loan Items digital collections on Flickr

Container List:

Series 1: Writing Guides and Slates, circa 1880-1921

• ​B1: C. G. Hill’s Writing Guide, undated
• B2: Pin-type board, undated [see box 3 for lid and guide]
• B3: Pin-type board lid and guide, undated [see box 2 for board]
• B4: Spencerian writing guide, undated
• B5: Writing guide for round hand, undated
• B6: Writing frame for Hebold writing, circa 1880
• B7: The Automatic Writer writing guide, circa 1897
• B8: Orin C. Frost writing guide, circa 1911
• B9: Rhoad’s writing guide, circa 1911
• B10: A.E. Tremaine writing guide, circa 1917
• B11: P.J. Doody writing guide, circa 1921

Series 2: Braillewriter Machine, circa 1900

• B12: Picht Steglitz braillewriter, circa 1900  

Subject headings:

• Perkins School for the Blind.
• Perkins School for the Blind–History.
• Writing materials and instruments
• Blind–Printing and writing systems