Chronology - 1960s

1960

Scott Campbell, 'WAT' For Ever Student-Oriented Compilers and Computing at the University of Waterloo, 1957-1967 (Toronto: University of Toronto, 2003), 4-5.

James Scott, Of Mud and Dreams: University of Waterloo 1957-1967, (Toronto: The Ryerson University Press, 1967), 51-53, 127-128.

Kenneth McLaughlin, Waterloo: the Unconventional Founding of an Unconventional University (Waterloo: University of Waterlooo, 1997), 65.

Under Stanton's direction, UW also saw the first use of a computer in 1960. Stanton brought in a Bendix G-15, an early model digital computer, on a trial basis in early to mid-January. He tested the machine's ability to do advanced mathematics by making the Bendix salesman program the machine to solve complicated formulas. Stanton would then solve the same problem by hand and compared his own result to that of the machine. Shortly thereafter Stanton urged that a committee be struck to find a suitable computer for UW's needs. Basil Myers, Chairman of Electrical Engineering, became the head of the university computer committee.

In February, Myers recommended the lease of an IBM 1620 to President Hagey

Since final delivery of the IBM 1620 could not occur for roughly one year, Wes Graham, who was familiar with IBM product lines and inventory, recommended the temporary use of an IBM 610 digital computer which could be shipped immediately.

On July 1, 1960, the IBM 610 was installed, and J.D. Lawson a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics was appointed Supervisor of the Computing Centre.

Kesavan, Myers and Lawson are shown left to right with the IBM 1620 equipped with a paper tape reader.
Kesavan, Myers and Lawson are shown left to right with the IBM 1620 equipped with a paper tape reader.

UW Special Collections. GA 133-911. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 4.1: UW Files to 1973. Wes Graham, History of the Computer Committee Activities, (NP:1960-1961), 1.UW Special Collection, 79-0018-26.

On July 25, 1960, the University Computer Committee appointed Basil Myers as Director of the University Computing Centre and Ralph Stanton as the Supervisor of the Computing Centre.

UW Special Collections. GA 133-911. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 4.1: UW Files to 1973. Wes Graham, History of the Computer Committee Activities, (NP:1960-1961), 1.

On November 3, 1960, Dr. H.K. Kesavan was appointed joint Supervisor of the Digital Computing Centre to assist Mr. J.D. Lawson, a UW lecturer in 1960. At that time, the Computer Committee submitted a tentative budget that estimated the University's expenditures on computer facilities would be $50,000. More than 4/5 of the budget went to analog computing facilities.

UW Special Collections. GA 133-911. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 4.1: UW Files to 1973. Wes Graham, History of the Computer Committee Activities, (NP: 1960-1961), 2.

As members of the University Computer Committee, Myers and Lawson recommended the purchase of the machine to President Hagey, largely on the advice of Wes Graham who In 1960 and 1961sat on the university's computer committee where his knowledge of IBM products and procedures proved very valuable.

Wes Graham in the

Wes Graham in the "Red Room" in later years. Private Collection.

In 1960, UW began teaching computer science courses to students in mathematics, science, and engineering at the undergraduate level. Several courses were also being taught at the graduate level.

UW Special Collections. GA 133-601. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 3.1: Works Manuscripts. Wes Graham, A Brief History of Digital Computation, (NP): 1966, 1.

Don Cowan Don Cowan
Two early photos of Don Cowan at UW. UW Special Collections / Don Cowan.

Don Cowan, a graduate of Engineering Physics at the University of Toronto, a program in which Ralph Stanton taught before coming to Waterloo, arrived at UW on September 15, 1960 to serve as an instructor and to begin graduate studies. Cowan completed his Ph.D. at Waterloo and served as the first Chair of the Department of Computer Science

UW Special Collections. GA 133-601. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 3.1: Works Manuscripts. Wes Graham, A Brief History of Digital Computation, (NP): 1966, 1.

UW Special Collections. GA 133-601. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 3.1: Works Manuscripts. Wes Graham, A Brief History of Digital Computation, (NP): 1966, 1, 5.
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