The RESISTORS: A New Jersey Barn, Early Computing, and a Vision of the Future
Before the internet, before personal computers were commonplace, a group of teenagers in a New Jersey barn were already imagining – and building towards – the digital future. This group, known as the RESISTORS, offers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of the computing revolution. Their story reveals how a passion for technology, fostered in an unlikely setting, helped shape the world we certainly know today.
A Hub of Innovation: Kagan’s Barn
In the late 1960s and early 70s, Claude Kagan’s barn in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, wasn’t filled with hay. It was packed with computers, electronic components, and the radiant minds of the RESISTORS. This wasn’t a formal organization, but a collective of high school students captivated by the possibilities of computing.
They weren’t just playing with existing technology. They were creating. They built their own devices, experimented with programming, and debated the future of information technology. Key figures included founders Howard Eisenberg and Steve Sarno,alongside John Levine and others.
A precursor to Cyberspace
For many who later encountered the early days of computing,the RESISTORS’ activities foreshadowed the interconnected world of cyberspace. They envisioned a future where information flowed freely and individuals could easily navigate a complex digital landscape. This vision, remarkably prescient for the time, laid the groundwork for many innovations to come.
Computer Lib/Dream Machines and Lasting Influence
As the 1970s progressed, the RESISTORS gradually dispersed as members headed to college. However, their ideas didn’t disappear.Many of the concepts discussed during their “bull sessions” with Nelson found their way into the influential book, Computer Lib/Dream Machines by Ted Nelson. John Levine recalls, “There was certainly very little in that book that we hadn’t already heard about before it appeared.”
The impact of the RESISTORS extends far beyond a single book. Their members went on to achieve significant success in the tech industry. Consider these examples:
* Len Bosack: Co-founded Cisco systems, a global networking giant.
* Cynthia Dwork: A Harvard professor who made pioneering contributions to cryptography, essential for secure online communication.
* Steve Kirsch: Invented the optical mouse and became a prosperous tech entrepreneur.
These are just a few examples of how the seeds planted in Kagan’s barn blossomed into real-world innovation.
A Lasting Legacy
What’s particularly striking is the enduring connection among RESISTORS members. More than half a century later, many remain in contact, and proudly list their participation in the group on their résumés. Courtships blossomed, and at least two members eventually married.
Their activities weren’t just a youthful hobby; they left a lasting echo in the world of computing.
The Dawn of the Personal Computer
The RESISTORS’ vision became reality with the rise of the personal computer in the early 1970s.These machines quickly transitioned from laboratory tools to consumer goods, finding their way into homes across the country. By 1982, Time magazine cemented this revolution by naming the PC ”Machine of the Year.”
however, even as the PC became mainstream, the core ideas about accessible computing and interconnectedness – the very ideas debated in a New Jersey barn – remained central to the technological transformation.
The future had arrived, but a group of teens had already seen it, lived it, and helped build it.
Further Reading:
* Learn more about Len Bosack: https://www.computer.org/profiles/len-bosack
* Explore Cynthia Dwork’s work: https://dwork.seas.harvard.edu/
* Read about Steve Kirsch: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/steve-kirsch
*This article is adapted from the author
