United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

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ABNER DO! BLEDAY Class of L842 Vthletics Vlthough cadets frequently see in the future the possi- liilily for great accomplishments. Aimer Douhleda) insured himself of undying lame while still at the icademy. In the Spring Hi 1839, at C ooperstown, New York, liis ingenuitj produced the Greal American Pastime. The universal popu- larit) of baseball toda) is largel) the result I the contribu- tion nf the youth who one hundred and twenty years ago codified its present rules. General Doubleday ' s professional record was commend- able: he fought gallantly in both the Mexican and Civil Wars. and he had the distinction of aiming the first Union artillery piece in the defense of Fort Sumter. His greatest contribu- tion, however, was that for which he is enshrined at the Baseball Hall of Fame — he was the originator of a sport that has become an integral part of our American tradition. The national pastime today and in the past. 13

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GEORGE WHISTLER Class of 11519 — Engineering George Whistler, father of the artist, found the oppor- tunity to apply his abilit) when the War Department sum- moned him to help the B Railroad expand its rail system through difficult country between the Potomac and the Ohio. To solve effectively the many problems he en- countered, he developed a system of horizontal contour lines which enabled him to survey and map the region. His system has now been universally adopted in mapping. Whistler also developed several fine locomotives, and supervised the ((instruction of the first passenger railroad system in this country. When his fame spread to foreign shores. Czar Nicholas of Russia invited him to build a railroad between St. Peters- burg and Moscow. He went to Russia with full hopes and great ideas, and even the numerous obstacles placed in his path by incompetent officials were insufficient to thwart his diligence. Whistlers last effort was given to Russia. where he ended a brilliant career. 12

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ROBERT E. WOOD Class of 1900 — Business The career of Robert E. Wood, ex-president of the board l Sears, Roebuck and Company, has been characterized by his execution of challenging tasks. The high sense of duty he applied in the business field, combined with an exactness and thoroughness that went far beyond mere mechanical efficiency, is best exemplified by his own words: Business must account for its stewardship not only on the balance sheet, but also in the matters of social responsibility. ' General Wood aided in the construction of the Panama Canal from 1905 to 1910. holding the positions of Quarter- master. Chief Quartermaster, and Directors of the Panama Canal Railroad. In World War I he went to France as a Colonel in the Rainbow Division to serve on the General Staff at Choumont. He was later recalled to the United States to become Acting Chief Quartermaster, after which he was Director of Storage and Traffic of the Arm). In 1955 General Wood was elected to the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame. He was cited for developing the concept of the suburban shopping center, for his introduction of American mass distribution techniques into international commerce, and for his enlightened outlook on labor-man- agement relations. A result of General Wood ' s ingenuity. 14