Ralph Stanton's textbook, Numerical Methods for Science and Engineering (Prentice Hall, 1961) was the first undergraduate textbook used at UW to include a chapter on computing. Not only did this text book make computer applications relevant in other fields but it began to identify Waterloo as an institution where applied numerical analysis was seen as an important part of the academic tradition.
Private Collection.
On February 6, 1961, the University Computer Committee decided to tentatively charge a fee $20 per hour of computer time when the machine was being used for supported academic research.
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.
On the same day, the committee also recommended that the university order auxiliary input equipment for use with the IBM 1620 digital computer. The order consisted of four type 026 Printing Key Punches and one type 063 Tape Punch. The total monthly charge for the equipment including punch cards was $180.75.
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.
On March 3, 1961, the Committee made arrangements for the university to join the 1620 Users Group.
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.
On April 17, 1961, the IBM 1620 arrived on campus. It was rented from IBM with substantial educational discounts and came with a price tag of $672.00 per month.
Cory Burgener "An Interview with J. Wesley Graham" Department of Computing Services University of Waterloo: 25th Anniversary Issue. (October 1982), 2.
Scott Campbell, 'WAT' For Ever Student-Oriented Compilers and Computing at the University of Waterloo, 1957-1967 (Toronto: University of Toronto, 2003), 11.
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.
Prof. Wes Graham (standing) and Doug Lawson, lecturer, operating the IBM 1620. As a member of the University Computer Committee, Graham recommended the purchase of the IBM 1620 over the Bendix G-15. Private Collection.
In September 1961, the IBM 610 computer was returned to IBM.
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.
On December 1, 1961, the committee estimated the cost of the IBM 1620 computer and its peripherals to be $922.00 per month. They claimed that their budget, of $11,070, exactly covered the amount excluding sales tax.
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), 3.
In 1961, IBM was pleased to note UW's purchase and extensive use of the model 1620. Throughout the years, IBM and UW nurtured a vital partnership and UW continued to be featured in IBM publications and advertisements. This IBM Publication features Doug Lawson and Wes Graham of UW with Tom McNulty, Manager of IBM's Kitchener Office.
Photo courtesy of UW Special Collections. GA 133-58. Wes Graham Fonds. Series 1.2: Biographical: Articles.
