David Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
In 1977, my wife Annie and I opened the first public access microcomputer center. The Marin Computer Center was a nonprofit org in a library of a repurposed elementary school. We started with 9 Processor Technology Sol-20s and one Equinox. Eventually we had 40 micros (Atari, Apple II, TRS-80, Pet) people could rent for $1.50/hr. So many Marin kids got turned onto computers and went on to do great things. Jump to page 7 of this 1978 People’s Computers article by Annie
http://www.loopcntr.net/repository/1018.pdf
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023
@DavidBFox ah this is just fantastic. I always wondered what the MCC looked like during its heyday. this is even cozier than i had imagined!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 lots of plants, a couch, vaulted ceiling with a lending library in a loft area at the top. And our dog an baby!
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023
@DavidBFox that sounds incredible. i've heard you talk about the MCC so many times over the years, and it sounded like exactly the kind of space so sorely needed out here.
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 we really wanted it to feel like a family space, not a computer room. And non-techy Annie taught most of the beginning programming classes (BASIC) from the point of view that people knew nothing about coding or computers. Very friendly.
Show threadvga256
@DavidBFox the photos do so much to express that sense of family-friendliness. it reminds me of my favourite library as a kid - full of kids programs, and other kids ☺️
Mar 19, 2023 at 8:14pmWeb
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 Exactly! The space was originally a library so keeping the vibe wasn’t too difficult.
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023

@DavidBFox ah ha haa perfect :D the upstairs loft sounds adorable.

i am still so enamoured by the idea of a non-profit community-based approach to computing/learning/programming. years in academia sure made me realize how any mention of computing automagically became "how can I make some money doing this?"... grassroots learning-computing-for-the-joy-of-it is still sorely needed!

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 Well, now most people have a computer, even if it's just a mobile phone. Back then, no one did. We saw our role as midwifing the computer era... introducing people to them in a non-threatening manner. At the start, 1-2 kids in our field trips had ever seen or touched a computer. Four years later, 90% had. We figured this was a temporary solution, until computers were pervasive enough that the Center wouldn't be needed.