SAGE AN-FSQ-7 Right Arithmetic unit,
1960,
International Business Machines Corp.,
Acc. no. 1983.0012.001

With the sheer number of and weight of components in each command centre and throughout the NORAD system, the SAGE computer represented faith in grand military technologies of the Cold War era. Movies such as Dr. Strangelove presented large control rooms that loomed over military personnel. In fact, the SAGE system, with its large gray units, round yellow consoles and multi-coloured command elements, had a large influence on popular culture up until the 1980s. SAGE parts served as props in dozens of Hollywood films.

sturgeon.css.psu.edu/~mloewen/Q7/

Photos and text by Laura Gurnham, volunteer with the Centre for Community Service Learning, University of Ottawa. Undertaken for the 4th year history seminar, HIS 4151A, United States at War Since 1898.