1930's Drum Scanning - How Photographs Were Transmitted by Wire: Spot News (1937)

I started my photo career as a PJ in the late 60’s. The shots I made for the wire services were transmitted the same way but the scanner was much faster then.

The print was a specified size with borders of a certain width and the borders triggered the progression of the scan. Each revolution, the white border would trigger the scanner to move to the next line. Captions were typed out and taped to a wider border at the bottom of the print. As the print was scanned it would come up on a receiving unit next to the transmitter. Text was transmitted and received by teletype machines.
 
Fascinating stuff! Sadly, the history of the stunt plane seems to begin and end with its registration in 1936.
 
The entire process was fascinating and at least in my area that technology continued into the 70’s. In the 50’s into the 80’s letter presses were used to print news papers and actually used today for some types of publishing.

Type setting was done on a linotype machine which was amazing to watch. Very complex all mechanical machine that required art and wizardry to operate. Until a few years ago one of our lical printers still had two linotype machines and the old guy that owned the shop set type on them. For someone that appreciates typography hot led has a very pleasing and nostalgic look.
 
x-ray said:
The entire process was fascinating and at least in my area that technology continued into the 70’s. In the 50’s into the 80’s letter presses were used to print news papers and actually used today for some types of publishing.

Type setting was done on a linotype machine which was amazing to watch. Very complex all mechanical machine that required art and wizardry to operate. Until a few years ago one of our lical printers still had two linotype machines and the old guy that owned the shop set type on them. For someone that appreciates typography hot led has a very pleasing and nostalgic look.
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I swept the floors at a printing factory as an after school job and they had several of those linotype machines ...I was fascinated by them. One of the operators typed my name and gave me the hot lead block once it had cooled down a bit. I was impressed! :)
 
Fascinating process for the time and even more fascinating explanation how it worked. Thanks for sharing!
 
Keith said:
I swept the floors at a printing factory as an after school job and they had several of those linotype machines ...I was fascinated by them. One of the operators typed my name and gave me the hot lead block once it had cooled down a bit. I was impressed! :)
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That’s a real treasure now.

A few years ago I had a printer contact me wanting to use one of my photos. He was part of a linotype group of enthusiasts that own and set type on them and then print their piece on a vintage letter press. They get together once a year and exchange one piece they produce to show their art. Each member get a piece of each members work, kinda like the print swaps. And yes I let him use it in exchange for one of the pieces.

I compare a linotype machine to setting type on a thrashing machine that operates like a helicopter. They really are amazing.
 
I was a Boston Globe paperboy for a short time in the 70's and can still remember the aroma of fresh ink and newsprint from freshly delivered paper bundles, and memories assembling the various sections of the Sunday papers.

This picture and article brings back memories:
www.wbur.org

Not All Change Is Progress: Why The Globe Should Bring Back Paperboys (And Girls)

As the Boston Globe struggles with its home-delivery service, I might suggest that the newspaper’s executives consider recruiting a small army of boys and girls on bikes.
www.wbur.org www.wbur.org
 
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