Boxplorations: Papers of John J. Rose, Aviation Engineer

This edition of Boxplorations explores the Papers of John J. Rose (MS-178), which date between 1914 and 1983 and consist of 1.5 linear feet of materials. The text below came from the collection finding aid, written by Stephen Kahn, circa 1988. (Click on any of the images below to view them larger.)

John J. Rose (1892-1988) was a self-educated engineer and inventor who worked primarily on aviation engine developments leading to a total of 17 patents of his own invention. He was associated with aviation propulsion systems in the Air Force from 1917 until his retirement in 1962, including work at McCook Field’s Experimental Test Center. His papers cover both personal and technical subjects, however, the bulk of the collection is devoted to work-related materials including blueprints, patents, working notes, photographs, and patents of his inventions. There are also materials that concern his family life, his involvement with his church, and his religious thought and his personal interests.

Rose conducting laboratory testing of Instant Relight on jet engines in case of blow out in flight. Patents granted. Undated. (ms178_B1F2)

Rose conducting laboratory testing of Instant Relight on jet engines in case of blow out in flight. Patents granted. Undated. (ms178_B1F2)

Rose was born in 1892, of Dutch parents. He completed school through the eighth grade. He served in World War I, training personnel in maintenance and operation of aviation engines, at the U.S. School of Military Aeronautics at Princeton University.

McCook Field, Engine Lab Personnel, 1919 or 1920. Major Hallett chief. Rose is crouched in second row on far right in white shirt and tie. (ms178_B1F2)

McCook Field, Engine Lab Personnel, 1919 or 1920. Major Hallett chief. Rose is crouched in second row on far right in white shirt and tie. (ms178_B1F2)

He was associated with aviation propulsion systems in the Air Force from 1917 until his retirement in 1962. Joining the Air Force at McCook’s Experimental Test Center as a Technician in the Power Plant Laboratory in 1919, he worked on aviation engine developments, leading to a total of 17 patents on his own inventions.

One of Rose's several patents. This one, for an Electrical Circuit Interrupter, was awarded in 1932. (ms178_B4F37)

One of Rose’s several patents. This one, for an Electrical Circuit Interrupter, was awarded in 1932. (ms178_B4F37)

He was awarded the Exceptional Citation, the highest Civil Service Award, in 1945, for his contributions to better aviation engines. He also received many other awards, one of which was the $2,000 Special Act Award for making the rapid relight of flameouts in gas turbine engines possible.

John J. Rose, left, at his retirement in 1962. (ms178_B1F2)

John J. Rose, left, at his retirement in 1962. (ms178_B1F2)

On his retirement in 1962, he held the post of Engineering Technician – ASNPFP, Propulsion Equipment Branch in the Flight Vehicle division under the Directorate of Operational Support Engineering. He died in 1988.

The John J. Rose papers fall into two main categories: personal interests and work related subjects. The files cover the period of time between 1914 until a few years before his death in 1988. The personal series include his family history, biographic materials, his correspondence related to his religious interests, various newspaper articles and the outline for his book. The larger part of the collection is devoted to the series on his work. These files detail his accomplishments in the field of aviation. They contain work related correspondence from 1914 to 1962. They contain work agreements and assignments from 1928 until 1965. These files also contain detailed notes, photographs and reports on the various projects that Rose was involved in from 1927 through 1959. The final series, Miscellaneous, consists of pamphlets, and address book and two audio tapes of Rose speaking.

(Click on the images above to enlarge them.)

View the collection finding aid (PDF) for the John J. Rose Papers (MS-178), for additional information, including complete box and folder listing, .

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