Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier

1921 National Cash Register

The local hot spot in Dayton in the 1870’s was a saloon called The Pony House.  James Ritty, owner of the saloon, was tired of the dishonesty of his bartenders who were pocketing some of his profits and had an idea of a way to solve the problem.  In 1879 after many trials and errors, he was satisfied with his product and applied for a patent.  The result was  “Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier” which became the prototype for the cash registers used  today.  In fact, the National Cash Register Company of Dayton bought the rights to the patent and became the largest manufacturer of cash registers in the world.

The Canal Commission Museum has a National Cash Register electric model made in 1921 and used locally by Lion Clothing, one of the oldest continuing businesses in Delphos.  It was donated by Ralph and Ruth Fetter, one-time owners of the store. The outside shell is made of oak and an oak-veneered metal and there are 4 drawers to accommodate 4 different sales clerks.   The cash register is located on the second floor as part of our General Store.  We also have later model cash registers used by the Delphos Herald and Stallkamp Drugs.

Published in the Delphos Herald May 12, 2012