Dr. Anne Milbrooke will conduct research and write a biography. Her topic is Frederick B. Rentschler (1887-1956), an influential manufacturer of aviation equipment from 1919 to 1956. She will investigate what Rentschler did, the environment in which he acted, the people with whom he interacted, the reasons given for his actions, and the effects of his actions. Among the themes she will explore are the relationships among individual and institution, management and manufacturing, engineering and innovation, corporation and Congress, and aviation and American society. Rentschler's story begins with his early industrial background in Hamilton, Ohio, and his transition to aviation through Army assignments during World War I and subsequent appointments at the Wright Aeronautical Corporation. In 1925 he founded the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company, and a few years later he joined William E. Boeing in organizing United Aircraft & Transport Corporation. In 1934 Rentschler organized United Aircraft Corporation. From corporate headquarters he managed the Pratt & Whitney, Chance Vought, Hamilton Standard, and Sikorsky manufacturing divisions. He dealt with military customers and the Congress that also had commercial customers. Rentschler was chairman of United Aircraft Corporation until his death in 1956. Interactive activities over a two-year period include: teaching courses entitled "Women in Science and Technology," "The American Century of Science and Technology," and "Made in the USA - a History of Manufacturing. Dr. Milbrooke will present seminars on her research.
