David Crosthwait facts for kids

David N. Crosthwait Jr. (born May 27, 1898 – died February 25, 1976) was an amazing African-American engineer, inventor, and writer. He was an expert in how air moves around, how to cool buildings (air conditioning), and how heat travels. David Crosthwait designed the heating systems for really big buildings like Rockefeller Center and New York's Radio City Music Hall.

In 1975, he received a special honorary doctorate degree from Purdue University. He was also the first African American to become a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 1971. He was also named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Who Was David Crosthwait?

David N. Crosthwait Jr. was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent his childhood growing up in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked hard in school and earned two degrees from Purdue University. He got his first degree in 1913 and a master's degree in engineering in 1920.

What Did Crosthwait Invent?

David Crosthwait was very skilled in understanding air flow, central air conditioning, and how heat moves. He used this knowledge to create many different systems. These included heating systems, ways to cool things down (refrigeration), devices to control temperature, and vacuum pumps.

He held 39 patents in the United States for his inventions. He also had 80 patents in other countries around the world. In the 1920s and 1930s, he invented a special vacuum pump, a boiler, and a thermostat control. These inventions helped make heating systems work much better in large buildings.

Famous Buildings He Helped Heat

Some of his most impressive achievements were designing the heating systems for two very famous buildings. These were the Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Imagine how many people stay warm in those places because of his work!

He also wrote and updated important guides and manuals. These books explained how to heat and cool buildings using water. They also covered standards and rules for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.

Later Life and Legacy

David Crosthwait retired from his engineering work in 1971. After retiring, he shared his knowledge by teaching at Purdue University. He taught a course about steam heating and control systems.

In 1975, Purdue University gave him a special honorary doctorate degree to celebrate his achievements. He passed away one year later, in 1976. His work continues to impact how buildings are heated and cooled today.