Collections Catch of the Week – Counter for Vacuum Closing Machine

The āCollections Catch of the Weekā blogs showcase artifacts from our collection that are not normally seen in our displays. This seasonās blogs are submitted by our 2019 summer Collections Assistant Enid. Be sure to check back weekly to see what exciting finds she has chosen from the collections!Ā
This weekās collections catch is from Veeder Root Incorporated, a company well-known for producing counting computing devicesĀ inĀ theĀ 1900s.
Manufactured specifically for the Vacuum Closing Machine āK-101545-1ā, this counter was used to track the number of cans that passed through the sealer on the canning line.Ā Every passing can would trigger the arm of the counter, incrementingĀ theĀ tally onĀ itsĀ display.Ā The design of the counter was patented at the time of its invention, and itĀ prevented common mechanicalĀ and miscountingĀ errors.Ā
The artifact was donated by Harry Czepil, an engineer who had worked in several canneries along the West coast, one of which was the Imperial Cannery in Steveston. An expert with machines, he also helped assemble our very own Canning Line exhibit here at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.Ā While this artifact is not currently on display, there is another attached to the vacuum sealer machine in the exhibit, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!Ā
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