Heating history

Ed_32

Years ago I found a strange looking heating control hanging on the wall in a boiler room in Seattle and was able to get the owners to give it to me. It had a large copper spring, gears, and an electromagnet. I learned through research that it was called a damper flapper and was the first example of using a thermostat to control a coal furnace or boiler. It was patented in the late 1800's, and the one I have is stamped with the date 1906. I have done further research and have purchased a collection of the thermostats that were used with it (although from a later date), and also some original advertising from the time illustrating the advantages of the thermostat. I really believe these items deserve as a minimum documenting through video and photo's, and really should be displayed in some sort of museum. I have some videos of the damper flapper operating but they are to large to upload to this site, and I don't have a ton of time to invest but I do think this is worth sharing. At this point I would consider giving everything I have to someone who could put together some videos so this isn't lost. You can search damper flapper on google and you will see my original post as one of the few results. This company eventually merged with Honeywell, I tried to contact them some years ago but found little interest. Anyone interested in helping in any way is greatly appreciated.

nicholas bonham-carter

I recommend Dan Holohan for this job, as he has been the curator of the heating museum here, from the beginning.
How wonderful you were able to collect these very historical items!--NBC

DanHolohan

Great find! Here's some company history:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1392735

http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00051.xml

If you'd like to give it a home where many will view it for hundreds of years, it can go into our museum case at The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York. We have a growing collection of heating history there (along with a LOT of other history) and we'd be happy to display this on loan from you. Here's The Society's site: http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1392735

Ed_32

Hi Dan, Thanks for the info. I went to the website for the General Society and did not find any mention of heating history. Do you have any info on someone that I could contact there?

Ed_32

Ed_32

DanHolohan

Yes, me. I’m the V.P. Also the Chair of the Mechanics Institute.

Here's more: https://heatinghelp.com/blog/saving-history/

DanHolohan

Part of the building is a museum. I have one of the glass cases. It contains antique heating equipment as well as Gil Carlson’s original System Szer, which is now the Carlson/Holohan trophy, awarded every two years. It’s too fragile to travel so it lives on here. We’ve been collecting things since 1785.

Henry

There is one large old condo building here that has a one pipe system with a Paul vacuum system. Would you like my old book collection?

DanHolohan

Henry, that gracious gift would make a fine addition to The General Society's library, which is the second-oldest library in New York City. Those books will live on long after we're gone. Thanks.

Henry

PM me an address to send them to with a phone number. I will send them out before I leave for France next week or in August.