Vintage 1915 Filing Extension Tubes in Action

This historical photograph features a set of filing extension tubes, capturing a moment in time from approximately 1915 to 1920. Taken by a photographer associated with the Bain News Service, this image exemplifies the type of equipment used in early twentieth-century offices to manage paperwork efficiently. Filing extension tubes like these were essential for organizing documents and materials at a time when industries were rapidly expanding, and record-keeping became more complex.

During this period, businesses relied on innovative storage solutions to keep track of burgeoning amounts of information. The use of filing extension tubes indicates a shift toward more systematic approaches in document management—an evolution that mirrored the broader industrial advancements of the time. The design of these tubes also reflects the principles of simplicity and functionality that guided office equipment design in the early 1900s, enabling workers to better access and manage their files.

The photograph not only serves as a visual record of these specific tools but also provides insight into the everyday workings of offices in the early 20th century. As we look at this image, we glimpse a time when the organization was key to efficiency, helping businesses navigate the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.