By Joanne Mendes
Title: Melvin J. Helmich collection, ca. 1921-2006
Primary Creator: Helmich, Melvin J.
Extent: 2.0 Items
Date Acquired: 02/02/2007
Subjects: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Purdue University--Alumni and alumnae
Forms of Material: Flags, Photographic prints
Languages: English
Melvin J. Helmich was born in Richmond, Indiana on September 29, 1924. He entered Purdue University in 1942 and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. He was called to service in May 1943. Helmich's service career was spent in "C" Battery, (105mm guns), 925th Field Artillery Battalion in the 100th Infantry Division, located in the European Theatre of Operations. He returned to Purdue in 1946 after working the summer on the Pennsylvania Railraod, upon discharge from the Army.
Entering Purdue in the Fall of 1946 he obtained living quarters at the Oliver Perkins Terry House at 608 Waldron Street. This facility was adjunct to Cary Hall. The house was operated as a fraternity and Mrs. Goddard was the housemother. He lived there until his graduation in 1949.
Helmich was one of the last engineers to graduate from Purdue majoring in Railway Mechanical Engineering. He accepted a job offer with Cooper-Bessemer in July 1949 and went to work in their Locomotive and Marine Engine Department. He became head of the locomotive program in 1951 and was active in it until 1960. Helmich held numerous positions within the company and retired in 1991.
Repository: Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections
Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions: There are no use restrictions on this collection.
Physical Access Note: Collection is located on site.
Acquisition Source: Melvin J. Helmich
Acquisition Method: Gift
Preferred Citation: MSA 138, Melvin J. Helmich collection, Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries
