These Historical Figures Made Their Mark on the Heating and Cooling World
Everyone knows about Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Barack Obama. But what about David Crosthwait, Alice Parker, and Lewis Latimer? While these innovators aren’t household names, soon they could be. Each of these people played an integral role in the development of the HVAC industry as people know it today.
Here, interested parties can learn all about these iconic figures and how they changed the course of history. In five minutes or less, they can expand their knowledge of Black History Month.
David Crosthwait (1898-1976)
In the early 20th century, it was virtually unheard of for African-Americans to achieve notoriety in the sciences – let alone attend college. But that’s exactly what David Crosthwait did. Admittedly, not much is known about his early life. However, historians know that he was born in 1898 in Nashville, Tennessee.
When he was just 15 years old, he received a Bachelor of Sciences. A few years later, he would get a master’s degree from Purdue University. Crosthwait specialized in researching air conditioning and heating units. When he wasn’t inventing or researching streamlined technologies, he wrote instruction manuals.
Here are some fast facts to know:
- Crosthwait received over 100 patents during his lifetime, both in and out of the United States.
- He invented vacuum pumps, boilers, and thermostats for large buildings.
- Toward the end of his life, he taught at Purdue University.
Crosthwait passed away in 1976 when he was 77 years old. A year before he passed away, Purdue University awarded him an honorary doctorate.
Alice Parker (1885-1920)
Admittedly, not much is known about Alice Parker’s life before she began her career. That’s because the lives of Black women inventors weren’t documented before the 20th century. However, here’s what historians do know:
- Parker was an incredibly intelligent woman who graduated from Howard University in 1910. At the time, the historic college admitted both African-American men and women.
- Parker got the inspiration for her most iconic invention while she was living in New Jersey. She wondered whether there was a safe, cost-effective way to heat the home without fire. Through her efforts, she invented a furnace powered by natural gas––an engineering marvel at the time.
- Ultimately, Parker’s furnace never made it into people’s homes because of safety concerns. However, it served as the basis of modern-day HVAC systems.
Parker disappeared from the history books in 1920. No one is really sure what happened to her. Speculation is that she passed away in a fire or from heatstroke.
Lewis Latimer (1848-1928)
Lewis Latimer rubbed shoulders with some of the most iconic engineers in American history, but the road to success wasn’t easy. Born to runaway slaves in 1848, Latimer’s early life was filled with uncertainty, as the Dred Scott decision put his freedom in jeopardy. The decision ruled if his family was apprehended by slave catchers, they would be put back into slavery. He never dreamed he would become a Black inventor.
Here are some of the most notable parts of his career:
- Lewis invented an improved toilet system for rail cars, working alongside Charles M. Brown.
- Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone) contracted Lewis to create sketchings of his groundbreaking product.
- Lewis was an integral part of the U.S. Electric Lighting Company in the late 1800s. The company was run by Thomas A. Edison’s rival, Hiram Maxim.
Lewis passed away in 1928. The home where he lived is now considered a historical preservation site.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC loves sharing fun facts about African-American inventors. These professionals specialize in HVAC systems and other home improvement ventures. Call today for reliable HVAC service in Manchester, NH.
