When my father brought home our first Apple II, it came from Computer Systems & Software, an authorized Apple dealer. Back then, this was one of the only ways to get an Apple product: there was no online ordering, few mail-order opportunities, and definitely no Apple Stores, which didn’t debut until 2001.
When Apple opened its first retail stores, doing so cut out the middleman — small businessmen such as the proprietor of Computer Systems & Software. That competition, combined with the advent of Internet sales, made it difficult for mom-and-pop, brick-and-mortar shops to stay in business. It was unpleasant but unexpected when CS&S closed up shop some time ago.
The next victim appears to be one of CS&S’s contemporaries. Tekserve has served New York City since 1987, providing sales and service to consumers and businesses alike. And while Tekserve will continue to exist, its quaint retail outlet — featuring not only classic computers, but “ancient radios, an antique Coke machine… massive old RCA microphones… and a stereoscope with hundreds of photographs” may soon be closing shop.
As reported by Jeremiah Moss, Tekserve will be reducing or eliminating its consumer retail presence this fall. They will continue to sell and service products for small- and medium-sized business clients, so the company as a whole is not going away. But a lot of employees, services, and artifacts are likely to disappear as a result of this transition.
I visited Tekserve in 2012 and received a behind-the-scenes tour, resulting in the below photo gallery. It’s a damn fine place with a heritage of and respect for Apple products — including the Apple II — that you don’t often find. If you can visit the store before their September transition, please do.
The PowerBook 1400cs — my first Macintosh. I replaced it a year later with a PowerBook G3 ("Wallstreet") which, courtesy its ADB and SCSI ports, made an excellent Apple II emulator.
The PowerBook 1400cs — my first Macintosh. I replaced it a year later with a PowerBook G3 ("Wallstreet") which, courtesy its ADB and SCSI ports, made an excellent Apple II emulator.
Here are some familiar faces.
Here are some familiar faces.
The downstairs classroom is populated with an array of classic Apple systems.
The downstairs classroom is populated with an array of classic Apple systems.
Tekserve had a Father's Day contest: "Get your photo taken with whatever product in our store you'd like to give your dad, and you could win it!"
Tekserve had a Father's Day contest: "Get your photo taken with whatever product in our store you'd like to give your dad, and you could win it!"
There's always an innovative use for older technology!
There's always an innovative use for older technology!
The story is that the Sands donated these doors to Frank Sinatra, and Tekserve won them in an auction.
The story is that the Sands donated these doors to Frank Sinatra, and Tekserve won them in an auction.
A series of classic figures were captioned to advertise Tekserve.
A series of classic figures were captioned to advertise Tekserve.
Sage advice on both sides.
Sage advice on both sides.
This hole puncher is designed to make your old data unreadable.
This hole puncher is designed to make your old data unreadable.
Need a video adapter or six?
Need a video adapter or six?
There's no backspace key here, so think before you type!
There's no backspace key here, so think before you type!
Who doesn't love classic cabinet art?
Who doesn't love classic cabinet art?
This pinball machine was buried under detritus but was declared operational by the staff.
This pinball machine was buried under detritus but was declared operational by the staff.
Where hard drives go to die.
Where hard drives go to die.
As I descended into the basement and rounded the stairwell corner, I was greeted by an old friend!
As I descended into the basement and rounded the stairwell corner, I was greeted by an old friend!
Crap, now all those people are going to have to find somewhere else to ram their unsent tweets.