Podcast Summary: Paul Harvey - Calculator Contest
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television and the family all sat around the radio and listened to the shows of the time like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
- Episode: Paul Harvey - Calculator Contest
- Release Date: April 23, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Paul Harvey - Calculator Contest," listeners are transported back to the mid-1970s in Melbourne, Australia. The story revolves around a fascinating publicity stunt orchestrated by a department store owner aiming to showcase the superiority of the burgeoning pocket calculator technology over traditional adding machines. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode delves into the intricacies of the contest, the participants involved, and the surprising outcome that left an enduring mark on technological perceptions.
The Contest Setup
The narrative begins in 1976, a pivotal time when electronic pocket calculators were emerging as revolutionary gadgets. The department store owner, flush with a surplus of these calculators, envisioned a demonstration to highlight their efficiency. To achieve this, he conceived a public competition pitting one of his electronic pocket calculators against an "outdated" adding machine—a device familiar to many but considered obsolete in the face of new technology.
Notable Quote:
"The store owner wanted to demonstrate the efficiency of the device, so he decided to stage a public competition between one of his calculators and an outdated adding machine."
(00:30)
Selecting the Competitors
To lend credibility to the contest, the store owner enlisted Donald Presser, a transplanted American and the head of the Australian subsidiary of a New York-based calculator firm. Presser's expertise made him an ideal choice to represent the pocket calculator. The next step was to find a worthy opponent to operate the adding machine, leading them to Johnson Lowe, the operations manager for a Melbourne air dispatch company.
Notable Quote:
"Don was a transplanted American head of the Australian subsidiary of a New York based calculator firm... And Don agreed."
(02:10)
The Competition Unfolds
On the designated day, both competitors arrived at the department store to greet a curious audience. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as spectators gathered to witness the clash between old and new technologies.
First Round: The competition commenced with the first mathematical problem. Both men swiftly entered the data into their respective devices—Presser with his electronic calculator and Lowe with his adding machine. As expected, the pocket calculator outperformed the adding machine, solving the problem more quickly.
Notable Quote:
"With facile fingers, the two men keyed in and computed the data on their separate instruments... The pocket calculator had won."
(04:15)
Subsequent Rounds: However, the tide turned in the subsequent rounds. On the second problem, Lowe's adding machine delivered the correct answer with remarkable speed, surprising both Presser and the audience. This unexpected victory set the stage for a stunning turnaround, as Lowe's adding machine continued to outperform the calculator in the remaining eight problems.
Notable Quote:
"With the answer already submitted, and the answer was correct. The adding machine had won."
(06:40)
The Unexpected Outcome
After nine more rounds, the adding machine emerged victorious in eight of them, leaving the pocket calculator behind in a surprising defeat. The crowd was left in awe, questioning the reliability and efficiency of the modern electronic device they had presumed to be superior.
Notable Quote:
"The adding machine had won nine out of 10 times... the crowd was stunned."
(09:25)
The Reveal: An Ancient Abacus
The climax of the story unveils a twist that recontextualizes the entire contest. The "outdated" adding machine used by Johnson Lowe was, in fact, a 12th-century Chinese abacus—a device centuries old, crafted from water buffalo horn and wooden beads. This revelation underscores the remarkable efficiency and timelessness of the abacus, challenging the perception of technological advancement at the time.
Notable Quote:
"The math match... ended up endorsing instead a gizmo made of water buffalo horn and wooden beads, a 12th century Chinese abacus, a pocket calculator 800 years old."
(12:50)
Reflections on Technological Progress
The episode concludes by reflecting on the evolution of calculators and technology since 1976. While pocket calculators have become more affordable and advanced, integrating numerous functions and miniaturizing components, the story serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of how sometimes, older technologies can rival or surpass modern innovations in unexpected ways.
Notable Quote:
"Few years back, you couldn't touch a battery operated pocket calculator for under $100... comparable equipment is sometimes given away."
(10:35)
Conclusion
"Paul Harvey - Calculator Contest" is a captivating episode that blends nostalgia with a clever anecdote about technological competition. Through the lens of a simple public contest, Harold's Old Time Radio delivers insights into the dynamics between innovation and tradition, leaving listeners with a memorable story that highlights the enduring efficacy of ancient technologies in a modern world.
This summary captures the essence of the "Paul Harvey - Calculator Contest" episode, providing a comprehensive overview enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to enhance understanding and engagement.