Dobie Yearbook Roundup #4: The Rise of Computers, the Demise of the Sliderule

In 1971 the slide rule still hadn't been made obsolete by the scientific calculator (which was on the horizon in 1974). But as the slide rule photos waned, the computer photos began to proliferate.

The only time "computer" shows up in the 1971 book is a short note on the new computer math class offered at Dobie:

In 1974 a new club formed, although the photo doesn't make it seem terribly welcoming . . .

1975: Just look at that newfangled gadget!

But side by side in the yearbook with the computer nerds? 

The slide rule club had almost as many members.

1976

and the Slide Rule Group grew!

but it was also the final year the club would ever make an appearance in a Dobie yearbook as just a slide rule club.

By 1977 the desk-sized machines with their corded phones nested in their cradles were standard gear.

In 1978 there was the "Number Sense and Slide Rule Club" and the Komputer Kore Club, whose name must have kept the "C"lub spelling to avoid any unfortunate abbreviations.

In 1979, there is no other math club around the 4 member Komputer Kore group

In 1981, there was finally a monitor! And giant 5" actually floppy disk drives.

1982 and Apple II

  

1983:

1984

1985:

The computer was so routine, it didn't even show up in any photos in the 1986 or 1987 yearbooks.

1988

1989