 
First Cash Register
James S. Ritty, of Dayton, in 1879 invented the
cash register, simplifying business transactions for the world’s storekeepers
and consumers. John H. Patterson bought the patent on that first machine, known
as "Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier," made improvements, and founded the National
Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio.
Before the widespread use of cash registers it was
difficult for merchants to have a clear record of what they had sold and what
their profits were. In addition to serving as a place to store money from
transactions, it also provided a system for keeping track of profit and loss and
determining a shop's balance at the end of a business day.
Patterson's Legacy
 Patterson
also made progress in terms of developing and training a sales force. He
developed selling techniques that are used to this day, and also implemented
employee training. National Cash Register opened its "School of Instruction" for
salesmen in 1893. Patterson was also concerned about health and education
programs for employees and attempted to create positive work environments.
He developed many programs along these lines including: neighborhood improvement
programs, recreational opportunities, and continuing education.
 Patterson
was an avid photographer as well. He captured images from around the
world. Many of which are currently available at the
Montgomery County
Historical Society. Over 1.5 million
images were left by Patterson and his successors -- including 100,000 glass
plate negatives and 68,000 magic lantern slides. The society has published a
book,
"Dayton Comes of Age,"
which features 156 images carefully chosen from glass plate negatives dating
from 1897 to 1922, the year of Patterson’s death.
Did You Know?
- In 1906,
Charles F. Kettering designed the first cash register that was powered by
an electric motor.
- In 1974, the National Cash Register Company
changed its name to NCR Corporation.
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