Henry Thomason was the Valedictorian of his P.M.A. class of 1879. He was trained as a doctor and served in the US Military. In 1898, he enlisted in the Spanish American War as Major and Surgeon in the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He served as an...
“When Duty Calls, ‘Tis Ours to Obey”. The Hanley Hose Company, incorporated in 1869, is a Chester institution. In 1886 the city gives Hanley what is reportedly its first steam-powered fire engine.
Electric Lights Installed, 1886. Chester’s Edison Electric Light Company installs lights in Old Main in 1886. Pictured is the Assembly Hall in Old Main, c. 1902.
Baldt Anchor Founded, 1901. The company’s first product is the Baldt Stockless Anchor, patented in 1896. Baldt Anchor becomes one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of anchors and chain.
Sun Ship Company Opens, 1916. Sun Ship is founded to produce tankers and freighters for Sun Oil. The company immediately purchases the Robert Wetherill & Co. plant for making tools. During World War II, Sun becomes Chester’s leading employer.
Aberfoyle Manufacturing Company Building, 1927. Since before the Civil War, textile mills play an important role in Chester’s economy. Founded in 1888, Aberfoyle becomes the largest textile mill in the city.
“What Chester Makes, Makes Chester”. This slogan, famous throughout the county, is mounted on top of the Philadelphia Electric Company building in 1926. It proudly reflects the prosperity brought to the city by companies such as Sun Ship, Scott...
George Bjotvedt graduated from PMC in 1951, and began his tour of duty in Korea in 1952. When he reached Korea, he and his peers were randomly assigned to infantry divisions. Bjotvedt served with the 65th Puerto Rican Regiment, gaining a smattering...
Sun Ship Booms from War Contracts. By 1943, Sun Ship employs 35,000 people, becoming the nation’s leading shipbuilding company. National attention focuses on Sun’s Yard No.4, created to employ only African American workers. Some praise the...
World War, 1939-1945 -- Education and the war; Pennsylvania Military College; Army Specialized Training Program (U.S.)
In Chapter 16 - Cadet Life 1930-1954, Moll discusses the climate at PMC during Word War II and how the ASTP, ASTRP and later Veterans students shaped the student body. Moll, C.R. (1954). A History of Pennsylvania Military College 1821-1954....
Pershing Rifles Drill Team Begins, 1952 . PMC is granted a charter in the National Society of Pershing Rifles as Company Q, Fifth Regiment (Co. Q-5). In their first competition in 1953, Co. Q-5 wins 2 of the 3 first-place trophies. In 1959, they...
Burton Hill Mustin was born February 8, 1884, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from PMC in 1903 with a degree in civil engineering, an 88.7 average and received the Eastern Alumni Association Marksmanship Medal. At PMC Mustin...
Born in 1907 in Chester, PA, John R. Hanna resided at 1123 Upland St. until age 10, when his family moved to Swarthmore. Hanna graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1926 and PMC in 1930. While at PMC, he was a star guard on the football team...
