RES History - June - September 1973

Rochester History

A Sampling from the Archives of the Rochester Engineering Society...1897 - 1973 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.

June 6, 1973 (Annual Meeting, Island Valley Golf Club, attendance – 41 members and their guests)

Following a round of afternoon golf and an excellent dinner, Richard D. Boutros, Executive VP of Mixing Equipment Company, delivered an enlightening presentation, “Ancient Engineer and Art”. Born, raised and educated in Egypt, Dick’s personal background allowed him to weave Egyptian architecture, history and art into a detailed description of how Egypt’s history, art and culture have influenced its impact on the Near East.

June 27, 1973 (Board Meeting, Chamber of Commerce)

The Board approved the applications of four Regular Members and three Junior Members. A budget of $31,000 was approved, including a $3,000 deficit. Dr. Richard A. Kenyon introduced Dr. Paul Wojciechowski and Donald Bergmann, Co-Chairs of the RES Transportation Committee. He then announced that the Transportation Committee would be needing fund from the RES during the coming year. He was assured, by a consensus of those present that, when funding for a transportation study was required, the RES Board would provide it. Gordon Keenan of RG&E was introduced and, as the new chair of the Engineers' Week Committee, announced that fourteen RES Affiliated Societies had been represented at the first meeting of this committee. It was announced that Peter DiPasquale had accepted chairmanship of this committee, and that Richard E. Rice of Midtown Holdings had agreed to chair a committee to review a proposed new City of Rochester zoning ordinance, but that it does not expect to engage in any advocacy of specific provisions of this ordinance.

“The Rochester Engineer” (June 1973)

Hundreds of prospective future engineers attended “Science Seminar Days”, sponsored by the NY State Science Teachers Assn., at St. John Fisher College. The RES booth at this event was manned by Dr. Richard Kenyon, and others from local Rochester industry and academia. The RES display also included a slide presentation of “Operation RESOURCE”. This issue included an introductory article by James L. King, President of the Rochester Section of the American Society for Quality Control, the 30th RES Affiliate Society. The U of R announced the establishment of a new course of study, Geomechanics. According to U of R Assoc. Prof. Alfred Clark, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Sciences, “This course, leading to a bachelor of science degree, will emphasize a qualitative approach to the natural sciences, and it will be especially valuable to students who want training that will enable them to attack environmental problems.”

August 8, 1973 (Board Meeting, University Club)

The Board approved the applications of two new Regular Members. Dr. Richard A. Kenyon, Chair of the RES Transportation Study Task Force, reported that several meetings had been held, in preparation for a Transportation Symposium, in the Spring of 1974. This event would be comprised of 40 – 50 technical papers, presented over a fourday symposium program. It was reported that, in conversations with US Congressman Barber B. Conable, the RES had been encouraged to apply for a National Science Foundation Grant to study issues in the control of Great Lakes levels. RES Director, John Robertson, reported that RES Member Daniel Turner of General Railway Signal Corporation had agreed to chair the RES Membership Committee, and that a plan was under development to expand RES membership. John Robertson then reported that progress had been by the RES Public Information Committee in expanding presentations of the “Operation RESOURCE” report toward implementing recommendations for solid waste management in Rochester and Monroe County. Mr. James L. King, President of the Rochester Chapter of the American Society for Quality Control, introduced his group to the Board and expressed their pleasure at having become the 30th RES Affiliate Society.

September 12, 1973 (Board Meeting, Chamber of Commerce)

The Board approved two applications for Regular Membership. A proposal by Elias Tonias of the Rochester Section of ASCE, that the RES endorse a proposed Monroe County ordinance regarding drainage was referred to the RES Civic Affairs Committee for study and a recommendation. Dr. Kenyon reported that the Transportation Task Force had begun its work and would be seeking financial support from outside sources. The RES luncheon Committee reported that there would be fourteen luncheons held at the Chamber of Commerce, during the 1973-74 year. It was reported that the RES Program Coordination Committee had received a request for assistance from the Society of Logistics Engineers (SLE); its membership had dropped recently to less than 30 members. The consensus of the Board was that, while they were sympathetic, it would be the responsibility of the SLE Chapter to develop and present specific points on which such assistance could be given.

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.