Point Pleasant, West Virginia

 

 

Austin Jones spent his early years in Roane County, West Virginia. After High School, he went to work for IBM Corporation in 1959.

 

For the next thirty-one years he serviced many of IBM's smaller products. The first several years were spent servicing the IBM Selectric typewriter. The Selectric technology was applied to the printing industry in 1965 when the IBM Selectric Composer was announced. He spent the next few years supporting this product in many ways. This product allowed Austin to become involved with the world of print.

 

In the mid 60's Letterpress printing was being phased out in favor of the newer and more popular method of Offset. This experience allowed for the interest in Letterpress preservation. When IBM entered the world of the personal computer, Austin purchased one of the original IBM PC's. Over the next several years he continued to gain knowledge and expertise in all facets of the PC and Mini Computer world. Austin retired from IBM in 1990 and relocated to Point Pleasant West Virginia.

 

Today, Austin and wife Jean are kept busy operating prints by AJ. prints by AJ is a business started in 1981 when they began attending art & craft fairs. Over these years involvement has ranged from all aspects of photography to a commitment to letterpress preservation. This interest in preservation brings with it the opportunity to lecture on these subjects on many occasions.

 

Since retirement from IBM, support for PC software and hardware has been added. His knowledge of the computer from the hardware area brings a unique perspective to understanding the computer in a practical way. Balancing a life of Art & Craft Shows, speaking engagements, museum consulting, and supporting computers provides for a most interesting and varied perspective on the needs for the computer in todays world.

 

Austin is well prepared to share his experiences and knowledge of computer history and printing history as they relate to today's world. This interest in the history of these fields has given rise to a sincere commitment to preserving our heritage in all areas.

 

APA #587