Archives on the radio: Edwin Gibson

Join us this Saturday morning when the Drawings + Documents Archive archivist will be with Olon Dotson, Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning professor, and Gary Gibson, son of architect Edwin Gibson (1925-2011), to talk on the Harambee radio program hosted by Dr. Thomas L. Brown on Indianapolis radio station WTLC 1310. We will be talking about Edwin Gibson's impressive legacy as the first African American architect registered in Indiana, as well as Indiana's first African American State Architect. Tune in to WTLC from 9-10 a.m. to learn about an architect who succeeded despite many obstacles and the buildings he created.

To listen to our broadcast click the play button below.


Image: Edwin Gibson at the drafting table in the office of A.M. Strauss, 1940s. Edwin A. Gibson Architectural Records, Drawings + Documents Archive, Ball State University.

Byers Snow Melting Systems

For those of us who may be a little tired of shoveling snow this winter, this snow melting system from the A. M. Byers Company looks like a dream come true. The company operated out of the great steel state of Pennsylvania, with their plant located in Ambridge and main offices in Pittsburgh. The Ambridge plant opened in 1930, during the beginning throes of the Depression, and closed its doors in 1969. At the time of this publication, which we believe is 1953, they also had offices in nine additional cities around the country. The company developed a specific process that became known as the Byers Process to manufacture wrought iron in greater quantity with a more consistent quality product.

Images: Byers Wrought Iron Pipe for Snow Melting Systems, circa 1953. Trade Catalog Collection, Drawings + Documents Archive, Ball State University Libraries.