1950s Computer, photo courtesy Archives of Michigan

In their June 2008 Image of the Month, the Archives of Michigan explains:

This image shows how far computer technology has advanced! Although undated, it was probably taken during the last half of the 1950s. The Michigan State Highway Department offices would seem the likely setting. (The words “Department of Transportation” are stamped on the reverse side. The Michigan State Highway Department is a predecessor agency of the Michigan DOT.)

A logo reading “Bendix Computer” appears on the machine. Having conducted some research, this author believes the computer to be a Bendix model G-15. Paul E. Cerruzi, in his book A History of Modern Computing (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1998 ) notes that Harry Huskey developed the Bendix G-15 at Detroit’s Wayne State University in 1953. Cerruzi notes that the G-15 “was regarded as difficult to program, but for those who could program it, it was very fast.” He adds that the first models were delivered in 1956, at a “basic price of $45,000.” (Click History of Modern Computing to access an electronic copy of this book through ANSWER, the Library of Michigan’s online catalog.)

Click through to read the rest and be sure to view it bigger to appreciate the awesome computing power (and that amazing hair style). You can also check out Wikipedia’s info on the Bendix Corporation.