RES History - February 1974 - April 1974

Rochester History

A Sampling from the Archives of the Rochester Engineering Society...1897 - 1974 by Lee M. Loomis

Continuing with the historical sampling of the earlier writings on behalf of the Rochester Engineering Society, the years following "The Great War", into and through the “Great Depression”, continued to be a time of reaching out for the maturing Society, both locally and nationally. The meeting minutes describe a series of technical discussions and presentations intended to broaden the technical horizons of the membership (especially the CE's, ME's and EE's). The RES affiliated itself with a number of National technical societies, adopted local Affiliated Societies, frequently held joint meetings with them and continued taking action on a growing list of public matters. Certain issues of standardization, some crucial to public safety, became the responsibility of the RES and its affiliates. In the pervasive economic downturn of the “Great Depression”, the magazine offered classified advertising for unemployed engineers, technicians and draftsmen and took other steps to try to deal with the crisis. Still, it continued its effort to shape the function, focus and infrastructure of the City of Rochester, and beyond. World War, again affected the Society, taking away many of its leaders while providing opportunities for others to step forward to fill these vacancies. In an effort to provide even greater perspective on the happenings and concerns of the day, a synopsis, featuring selected items from "The Rochester Engineer" has become an integral part of this series. The Second World War and the Korean Conflict are now history, and the Vietnam War has recently become a focal point. These experiences have changed the face and, no doubt, the future of the community. The Rochester municipal leadership and the industrial community have become immersed in the cold-war, growth economy.

February 13, 1974 (Board Meeting, Chamber of Commerce)

The Board approved ten applications for Regular Membership and two applications for Junior Membership. Despite society expenses being reported as greater than budgeted, the Board approved the purchase of a new IBM “Selectric” typewriter (@$540) to replace the currently malfunctioning IBM “Executive” (circa 1956). Editor's note: The RES purchased its first typewriter in 1906. A meeting, jointly sponsored by the RES and ASME, was announced to be held at the RG&E Employee Center, to hear a presentation by representatives of Westinghouse Electric Company on the recent disabling malfunction of the steam generator at the R.E. Ginna nuclear power plant. Reporting for the RES Transportation Task Force, Dr. Richard Kenyon announced that Report #1, the work plan and schedule of the Transportation Study, would be presented soon. Plans for the Engineers Joint Dinner, including presenter, RG&E CEO, Francis E. Drake, Jr., and “1973 RES Engineer of the Year”, Alexander M. Beebe, Jr. on February 21st, were complete. The Board approved a motion to change the title “RES Executive Secretary” to “Executive Director”.

“The Rochester Engineer” (February 1974)

It was announced that William French, manager of the Kodak Park Patent Department, would present “Proposed Changes on the Patent Laws” at the February RES Luncheon. March and April RES Luncheons would include: “Recruiting Minority Students into the Engineering Profession” by James A. Mason, Xerox Corporation, “The Energy Crisis” by Dr. Myron Trybus, Xerox Corporation, “Lasers and Holography” by Kenneth Snow, Xerox Corporation and “The Outlook for the Economy” by Dr. Harold Passer, Eastman Kodak Company. Two RES evening seminars were announced: “Environmental Impact” by Dr. Herman S. Forest of SUNY Geneseo, ($40) at RIT, and “Appraisal of Professional Performance” by Dr. Felix M. Lopez of Long Island University, ($40) at the Industrial Management Council.

March 13, 1974 (Board Meeting, Chamber of Commerce)

This meeting’s attendees included new Executive Directorelect, Edwin F. Stevens. The Board approved applications for three Regular Members, one Associate Member and one Junior Member. RES Director John M. Robertson reported that plans were moving ahead for RES participation in the St. John Fisher College Science Teachers’ Exhibit Days, to be held in May. The Nominating Committee presented a slate of officer for the 1974-75 year including: President – Dr. Richard A. Kenyon, 1st VP – John F. Schickler, 2nd VP – John M. Corson, Secretary – George G. Landberg, Treasurer – Howard R. Jaquith. It was also noted that Mr. Schickler had declined ascension to the presidency due to, “other heavy responsibilities”, so Dr. Kenyon had agreed to move into the presidency, ahead of schedule. Mr. Corson reported that the American Gas Association’s application to become an RES Affiliate had been found in order, and he recommended approval by the Board. This was approved unanimously by the Board. RES President Mark Sluis announced that he would be representing the Society at Bernard F. Perry’s upcoming retirement party, making a presentation from the RES at that event.

“The Rochester Engineer” (March 1974)

This issue featured a report on “The State of the RES” by President Mark H. Sluis. Included was a progress report on the goals and objectives he had presented to the Board, and to the RES Membership, last Fall. Specifically, Mark described the increased participation by RES Affiliates in the decisions at Board meetings, the recent report of the RES Transportation Study Task Force, introduction of two new evening short courses on topics of interest to engineers and scientists and the fact that the RES now has 31 Affiliates and an individual membership count of 750.

April 3, 1974 (Board Meeting, University Club)

The Board approved two new applications for Regular Membership. Second VP, Dr. Richard A. Kenyon, reposted that he, Past President James A. Clark and new RES Executive Director, Edwin F. Stevens had recently held productive meetings with County Manager Lucien Morin and Legislature President, Joseph Ferrari and also with Mayor Thomas Ryan and Acting Public Works Commissioner Edward Watson. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss ways in which the RES could help the County and the City by providing advice on matters for which engineering competence is needed. RES Director John Robertson reported that, with assistance from RES Director Myron Tribus, arrangements had been made with Corning Glass Works for the loan of a fiber optics display, for use in the RES booth at the upcoming Science Teachers Conference, at St. John Fisher College.

Subsequent articles in this series will describe the RES' continuing outreach to other technical societies as it considered its role in this and the larger community, along with more of the activities of the RES as it moved to be of greater service to its membership, especially those suffering from current economic crises, and adopted a greater role in shaping the future of the City and its environs. Noted also, will be the contributions made by RES members in the struggle to meet the challenges coming out of World War II and the Korean Conflict, as well as a hoped-for period of post-war growth and prosperity. These articles will also feature an impressive array of RES activities in support of post-war re-emergence of Rochester area industry, and the ensuing prosperity of the second-half of the 20th Century.

We welcome your questions and comments on this series.