Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 18 text:

JOHN J. DONOVAN C AML to Montana in 1882 as rodman for the Northern Pacific R. R., and con¬ tinued with them in Montana and Washington until 1888,— my most important work being Engineer in Charge of the heavy mountain work of the Cascade Division and Montana Branch Line. Removed to Washington in the latter part of 1888, and settled in Bellingham Bay, where 1 have since lived. There were 500 people here when I came; now there are 33,000. Have been Chief Engineer and Manager of various mining and electrical companies, all of which have done fairly well, and have contributed their share toward the growth of the city and country. Nine years ago I became interested in a lumber company, which has grown so rapidly that a year ago I resigned from other companies to give it all of my time. We operate 23 miles of rail¬ road, 3 logging camps, 5 mills with 600 men and over. Have been a member of the American Society of C. E. for many years, am on the council of the National Economic League, and take interest in social and economic questions. Was married in 1888 and have three children, seventeen, fifteen and thirteen years of age.

Page 20 text:

HENRY 5. DOWNt D IRECTLY after leaving the ’Tech, was some months with the Howe 5cale Co., Rutland, Vermont, as machinist. Then entered the employ of the Simonds Mfg. Co., of Fitchburg Massachusetts, as draftsman. After two years I was transferred to the Simonds Rolling Machine Co., of the same city, and remained with them as Superintendent until about 1888. In that year, with several others, formed the National Hot Water Heater Co., manufacturing the Spence Hot Water Heater. Was with this firm as Vice-President until 1893, when the cyclone of hard times which struck the country caught me without sufficient anchorage, and landed me as salesman for the American Boiler Co. In 1895 was engaged by the American Radi¬ ator Co. as their representative in Europe. Six years prior to this, I made my home in Chicago, but since 1895 have been an exile in Europe, making my headquarters in London. Was married in 1885, and as a proof that I am still a good citizen of God’s Own Country and a worthy member of the Alumni, have sent my elder boy to the Worcester ’Tech.