During the late 1970s, a band of teenage whiz kids from Princeton, New Jersey combined to form the greatest force in rock history. They nicknamed themselves together the RESISTORS, and they were committed to disruption. Under the leadership of Member Engineer Claude Kagan, this chapter flourished. It grew into this dynamic center of young talent looking to dive into this wild west frontier world of computer technology. Kagan’s expertise and resources had a huge impact on their experiences. He was gracious enough to open his barn to the teens for the initial meetings to brainstorm and build their projects.
The RESISTORS fostered an inclusive, cohesive relatedness between members that deepened each person’s experience. They provided teenagers opportunities to access cutting-edge computing technology that was difficult to come by at the time. They dove headfirst into coding and many more tech activities. Their entrepreneurial journey provided a springboard for future tech ventures, leading to the eventual creation of Cisco Systems by Len Bosack, one of their own.
Claude Kagan’s Influence
Claude Kagan was the spark that formed the nucleus around which RESISTORS first gathered. Building on his engineering pedigree, Kagan played a key role in fostering local technology entrepreneurship. His thoughtful encouragement and generosity in sharing his IMBA-bred wisdom and tools made him an irreplaceable mentor to the cadre.
Kagan was unapologetically gay, and that was no secret to anybody. Regardless, the collaborative’s working dynamic, vibrant culture, and playful spirit were clear and contagious. His adoption by the community was indicative of a welcoming environment that fostered creativity and innovation among its constituents.
In an encouraging show of solidarity, Kagan extended the use of his barn as a workshop space for the RESISTORS. This rustic setting became a sanctuary for brainstorming sessions and hands-on project work, fostering an environment where young minds could thrive.
“Some people are too proud to ask children for information. This is dumb. Information is where you find it.” – Ted Nelson
The RESISTORS were granted fabulous access to historical artifacts thanks to Kagan. This collection featured a surplus IBM paper tape punch and analog telephone exchange equipment. These resources gave the group extraordinary opportunities to try out many different technologies, which was critical to their learning.
Advanced Equipment and Programming
The most important resource at their disposal was a PDP-8 machine donated by Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC). Valued at $15,000 or more in today’s dollars, this computer quickly became the hub of their programming activities. The RESISTORS leveraged cutting-edge technologies to carry out innovative programs in TRAC. This unique programming language was created by Calvin Mooers way back in 1959.
The PDP-8 allowed the group to explore computing in ways that would have otherwise been impossible. Through the use of another DEC PDP-8 machine remotely accessed via teletype over phone lines, they vastly broadened their programming capabilities and technical know-how. Having unfettered access to other teenagers’ lives was potentially a more significant game-changer. They were excited about the potential of computer science with the advent of personal computers.
“The future of mankind was at the computer screen,” – Ted Nelson
The RESISTORS weren’t only in learning mode. They were on creative mode as well. They honed their craft on the latest programming languages, eagerly bringing their projects to life and demonstrating impressive creativity, initiative, and a love for technology.
A Legacy of Innovation
Len Bosack had to be one of the most brilliant minds on the RESISTORS. He went on to co-found Cisco Systems, a company that fundamentally transformed the way networking technology connected the world. His experiences living in this marginalized group are instrumental to his drive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The friendships formed among RESISTORS carried over outside the realm of technology. It created bonds that lasted well into their adult years. John R. Levine shared his reflections on their youth: “We were so nerdy that it didn’t occur to us that girls [would] be any different in terms of what they could do.” This yearning captures the naivety and the eagerness of youth, as well as a period when national consciousness was bursting at the seams with technological advancement.
Though their commitment to the RESISTORS learning experience was admirable, the RESISTORS found time for schoolhouse hijinks and merriment. They leaned into their weirdness and shared experience, overcoming adversity with laughter. Jean Hunter aptly remarked on their competitive spirit: “beating people over the head to make them give you a turn.”
As they pursued their passion for computing, the RESISTORS contributed significantly to technological advancements and set a precedent for collaborative learning in tech communities.