The history of the cash register begins in a saloon in Dayton, Ohio. Based on an idea from a tool that counted the revolutions of a steamship’s propeller, James Ritty invented the first cash register in 1879 as a way of stopping his employees from pilfering his profits. With the help of his brother, John Ritty, the cash register was patented in 1882 as Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier. Shown below are some cash registers and other office machines displayed in museum exhibits.
Deschutes Historical Museum, Bend, Oregon
Shown above is a 1906 two-drawer National Cash Register.
Shown above is a more recent cash register, also made by National.
Presby House Museum, Goldendale, Washington
Wenatchee Valley Museum, Wenatchee, Washington
Sherman County Historical Museum in Moro, Oregon
Swan River Tavern, Swan Valley Historical Museum, Condon, Montana
Travelers’ Rest State Park, Lolo, Montana
Historical Society Museum, Poulsbro, Washington
This isn’t a cash register, but a check writer.
East Benton County Museum, Kennewick, Washington
Shown above is an adding machine.
Museums 201
This series shows similar displays from several museums. More photo tours from this series:
Museums 201: Wood-fired kitchen ranges (photo diary)
Museums 201: Gas stations and garages (photo diary)
Museums 201: Electric ranges and refrigerators (photo diary)
Museums 201: Antique farming equipment (photo diary)
Museums 201: Quilts (photo diary)
Museums 201: Shoes (photo diary)
Museums 201: Kitchens (photo diary)
Museums 201: Bicycles (photo diary)