Tech History Today – Feb. 16

In 1880 – the American Society of Mechanical Engineers was founded when 30 engineers from eight states met in the New York editorial offices of the American Machinist

In 1968 – The first-ever 911 call was placed by Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite from Haleyville City Hall to U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill at the city's police station.

In 1978 – After a particularly harsh January gave them plenty of time for programming, Ward Christensen and Randy Suess completed the Computerized Bulletin Board System (CBBS) in Chicago. It was the first BBS.