David
Nelson Crosthwait Jr., an African-American pioneer in the field of heating and
air conditioning, is best known for heating up Radio City Music Hall.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May
27, 1898, David Nelson Crosthwaite Jr. studied mechanical engineering at Purdue
University before taking a job with the C.A. Dunham Company (now Dunham-Bush,
Inc.). At Dunham, Crosthwait conducted innovative research, and designed the
heat system for Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. He held 119 patents—39
in the U.S. and 80 internationally—all in relation to heating, cooling and
temperature regulating technology.
Engineer, inventor and writer David
Nelson Crosthwait Jr. was born on May 27, 1898, in Nashville, Tennessee. An
African-American pioneer in the field of heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning, Crosthwait attended Purdue University, where he studied
mechanical engineering. After graduating in 1913, he took a job with the C.A.
Dunham Company (now known as Dunham-Bush, Inc.).
During his time with the C.A. Dunham
Company, David Crosthwait held many positions, including director of research.
While at Dunham, he conducted research in several areas, including heat
transfer and steam transport. His work led to many innovations in HVAC devices
and technology, and he held more than 30 U.S. patents. Crosthwait designed HVAC
systems, and the heating system at Radio City Music Hall in New York City is
perhaps the best-known example of his work.
Besides research, product development
and HVAC system design, Crosthwait also advanced his field by writing articles
and revising sections of several editions of American Society of
Heating and Ventilation Engineers Guide. Crosthwait's accomplishments were
recognized by many in his field: He won a medal from the National Technological
Association in the 1930s and was made a fellow of the American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers in 1971—making him the
first African American to receive the honor.
Crosthwait officially retired from
Dunham in 1969, after serving as an advisor since 1930. He died on February 25,
1976, in West Lafayette, Indiana.
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