Guide to the Harry Phillips Davis Collection, 1915-1944 AIS.1964.21
Arrangement
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Harry Phillips Davis Collection
Creator
Davis, Harry Phillips
Collection Number
AIS.1964.21
Extent
1.87 Linear Feet(4 boxes)
Date
1915-1944
Abstract
Harry Phillips Davis was a mechanical and electrical engineer who worked for the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. He eventually rose to the position of Vice-President in charge of Manufacturing and Engineering for Westinghouse. During his tenure, Davis helped bring about the first commercial radio station in the United States, KDKA. His papers consist of memorandum, correspondence, biographical information, clippings and material from his estate.
Language
English
.
Author
ASC staff. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process in February 2002.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Biography
Harry Phillips Davis was born on July 31, 1868 in Somersworth, New Hampshire. He received his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1890 and B.S. in electrical engineering in 1891. In 1892 Davis married Agnes Taylor.
After starting his career at the Thompson Houston Co. in 1891, Davis resigned and moved to East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to work for Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Davis presented Westinghouse Management with an opportunity to develop what is known as "electrical detail apparatus," which are devices such as switches, insulators and rheostats.
In 1892 Davis was appointed to organize and develop Westinghouse's Detail Engineering Department. In 1909 Davis was named the Manager of Engineering for Westinghouse and was elected to the post of Vice-President in charge of Manufacturing and Engineering in 1911.
Davis was known for his ability to complete assigned tasks quickly and under budget. Some of the projects include Hoosac Tunnel, St. Clair Tunnel and the electrification of the Pennsylvania Railroad Terminal. Davis also completed a massive managerial task during World War I, supervising the conversion of Westinghouse's Pittsburgh plant from electrical manufacturing to the production of munitions.
Davis is perhaps best known as a pioneer in the radio field. According to the National Radio Club's website, Davis saw the possibilities of radio broadcasting for mass communications. He approved the creation of KDKA, which went into service on November 2, 1920.
KDKA was largely the result of the work of Frank Conrad, an engineer at the Westinghouse company. Conrad began experimenting with broadcasting radio programs from his home in Wilkinsburg, PA in 1916 and continued throughout World War I. Interest in the programs rose and a local merchant advertised radio receivers on Conrad's broadcasts. Davis recognized the commercial possibilities and led an effort to build a studio and a more powerful transmitter on the roof of the Westinghouse K building in East Pittsburgh. His efforts to promote radio extended to his participation in the creation of the Public Broadcasting Company. This company combined the radio stations of Westinghouse, General Electric and the Radio Corporation of America. Davis served as chairman of the board of directors of the National Broadcasting Company at the time of his death.
Davis died on September 10, 1931 in Pittsburgh, and is buried in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Scope and Content Notes
The Harry Phillips Davis Collection is divided into eight series contained in four boxes. Among the material in the collection are correspondence, memorandum, newspaper and magazine clippings, news releases, photographs and speeches.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
The material was a gift of Sherburne B. Rockwell, Jr. on March 2, 1964.
Previous Citation
Harry Phillips Davis Collection, 1915-1944, AIS.1964.21, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
Harry Phillips Davis Collection, 1915-1944, AIS.1964.21, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Processing Information
This collection was processed by ASC Staff.
Copyright
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects
Personal Names
Aylesworth, Merlin Hall
Byrd, Richard Evelyn -- Correspondence
Davis, Harry Phillips
Harbord, James G. (James Guthrie) -- Correspondence
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