David Crosthwait - Black Inventor

David Crosthwait Jr. was an African American inventor and mechanical engineer who made significant contributions to the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. His inventions have had a lasting impact on the way we heat and cool our buildings today.

Crosthwait was born on September 19, 1898, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the second of four children and grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a teacher, and his mother was a homemaker. Crosthwait was a bright student and excelled in his studies, earning a scholarship to attend Purdue University.

At Purdue, Crosthwait studied mechanical engineering and was one of only a handful of black students on campus. He faced discrimination and segregation but persevered and graduated in 1923 with a Bachelor's degree. He then went on to earn a Master's degree in engineering from the same university.

After completing his education, Crosthwait worked for a number of companies, including the C.A. Dunham Company, which was a major manufacturer of HVAC systems. It was there that Crosthwait made his most significant contributions to the field.

Crosthwait was tasked with finding a way to make HVAC systems more efficient and cost-effective. He realized that the key to improving HVAC systems was to better understand how heat was transferred in buildings. He conducted extensive research on this topic and invented several devices that would improve the performance of HVAC systems.

One of Crosthwait's most important inventions was the steam heating system with temperature controls. This system allowed building owners to precisely control the temperature in their buildings, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient. He also invented a thermostat that would adjust the temperature automatically, depending on the time of day and the season.

Crosthwait was also instrumental in developing the first air conditioning system for a large building. He worked on the system for the Rockefeller Center in New York City, which was completed in 1937. This was a major achievement, as air conditioning systems were still in their infancy at the time.

Despite his many achievements, Crosthwait faced discrimination and racism throughout his career. He was often denied promotions and opportunities because of his race. However, he continued to work hard and make valuable contributions to his field.

In recognition of his contributions, Crosthwait was awarded the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers' highest honor, the F. Paul Anderson Award, in 1975. He died on February 25, 1976, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

David Crosthwait's legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and innovation. His inventions have had a lasting impact on the HVAC industry and have improved the lives of millions of people around the world. He is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of human ingenuity.