Wilhem Melas engineering sketchbooks
Creation: 1897-1908Abstract
Wilhelm Melas (1869-1916) was an engineer and inventor who specialized in the design of furnaces and other industrial machines. He designed plant and foundry layouts, as well as developed materials for railroad stations. This collection consists of more than 700 drawings related to Melas’ work as an engineer, as well as a compilation of project notes, reference material, and data. This collection would be useful to researchers interested in industrial design, especially related to steel and iron production.
Dates
- Creation: 1897-1908
Extent
0.5 Linear Foot
Biographical Note
Wilhelm Melas (1869-1916) was an engineer and inventor who specialized in the design of furnaces and other industrial machines. Melas arrived in the United States from Austria-Hungary in 1896 and became a naturalized citizen in 1905. Melas' work as an engineer was based in Philadelphia, where he designed machines for companies including the Pennsylvania Railroad, Baldwin Locomotive Works, and Hoopes & Townsend. He also served as the chief engineer for the Gruson Iron Works in Chester, Pennsylvania. Melas held patents for a crucible melting furnace and an air aspirator.
Melas married Elizabeth Duesterbeck (1882-1955) in 1901. The couple had three children, including engineer William Melas (1902-1986).
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of more than 700 drawings related to Melas’ work as an engineer, as well as a compilation of project notes, reference material, and data. The drawings were stored in three loose portfolios by Melas (not retained for preservation purposes). Designs include work for companies including Fairmount Park Transportation Company, Pennsylvania Railroad, Philadelphia Roll & Machine Company, and Baldwin Locomotive Works. This collection would be useful to researchers interested in industrial design, especially related to steel and iron production.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.
Language of Materials
English
German
Additional Description
Provenance Note
Gift of Albert and Jean Sandecki.
Subjects
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title:
- Wilhelm Melas engineering sketchbooks
- Author:
- Paige Bartello
- Date:
- 2023
- Description rules:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description:
- English
- Script of description:
- Latin
Repository Details
Repository Details
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
