Harry Huskey and Mrs. Huskey interview: April 19, 1973
Bobbi Mapstone · 1999
This interview expands upon the discussion of the Institute for Numerical Analysis (INA) in the preceding interview of March 9, 1972. Begins discussion with Huskey's involvement with the Institute for Numerical Analysis (INA) and how how it influenced computing and people. The INA was founded to foster work in computational mathematics and with the idea that new computing machines could do more interesting and significant things. At INA, Huskey helped build the Standards Western Automatic Computer (SWAC) which was dedicated in August of 1950. The SWAC was used primarily by people at the Institute and local aircraft companies. The Institute contributed a significant amount of numerical research, and made programming computers easier. The SWAC itself contributed it's unique design from the point of view of the command structure, it had space saving programs. The SWAC also demonstrated that a computer could be built and by a smaller establishment and without a great deal of money. The INA also afforded mathematicians an opportunity to come and use the SWAC to run programs. Recalls individuals who did early work in programming languages such as SWAPAC, PACT, and BACAIC. Comments on his time at Wayne State University where he worked on the Bendix G-15, its programming language, INTERCOM, and other characteristics that set it apart from the EDVAC and SWAC. During Huskey's tenure at INA, he maintained a relationship with Electrodata in Pasadena where he lectured once a week and he was involved in some consulting jobs. Comments on his experiences in other countries where he helped set up computers. Those mentioned in the interview include John Curtiss, Sam Alexander, Harry Larson, Ragnor Thorensen, Bill Gunning, Ed Lacey, David Rutland, Mike Malkenoff, Joe Weizenbaum, and Floyd Steele.