My profession throughout my life was that of a legal secretary. It has been both interesting and amazing to witness how office equipment has evolved over my 59 years in this occupation.

Tools of the Trade, by Decade

1950s

• Manual Typewriters – The primary tool for all correspondence.
• Mimeograph & Spirit Duplicators – Produced bulk copies.
• Rotary Dial Telephones – Standard desk communication.
• Dictation Machines – Using wax cylinders or early magnetic tape.
• Adding Machines – Mechanical devices for accounting.
• Filing Cabinets – The paper empire of every office.
• Punch Clocks – Employee timekeeping.