Good Old Apple Days
Billy Merle
My best Apple II story was my boss whom could remember multiple 10
page basic programs and make upgrades from feedback in his mind before
signing up for time reserve log on our single Apple II. The Apple was
kept on a tiny typewriter stand with casters to roll between office
areas.
Naturally the printer was an Epson dot matrix 8 or 9 pin printer and
pin feed of continuous paper. If we ordered correctly the paper has a
edge to tear off the pin feed edges. Discovered MicroCenter Computer
Store from that Epson as they sold ribbons at $0.67 each from Dayton,
Ohio headquarters.
Our secretary was nearing retirement but was a great learner of using
the Apple to create many utility items for the site. She was very
sensitive to the 5-14 inch floppy disk care and protection.
Our boss had a fun streak running through his persona. He stripped a
duplicate 5-1/4 inch floppy of the protective sleeve and put that bare
floppy back in the secretary's main floppy drive while she was on
smoke break outside. She returned, finished her work, shut down and
pulled out the bare floppy with her fingers and screamed loud enough
to be heard though-out the building. She was OK as that was not the
first joke our boss had or would pull in his climb up the ladder.
Separate old timer story is the AppleSiders club in Cincinnati
originally met in university medical college with Apple II. They held
annual AppleVentions which Woz was guest twice during my membership.
Currently they meet in a retirement home. Lot of great stories there
of old times and relating to current Mac usage. Suspect this is one
of the great modern uses of Apple technology and products - my
thoughts not support by their purposes.
Trust my Mac times will help in keeping my brain functioning.
Billy