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Chapter History: |
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Submitted 4/20/03 by Gilbert Nye, Chapter Historian
On March 31, 2003 the Historian for the San Joaquin Chapter of ASHRAE,
met with Chapter (Life) Member Frank Mitchell, P.E. for an oral history
interview. The following is the result of the interview.
In 1937, at the age of 10, Frank obtained his social security card so he
could work cleaning the shop at Westley F. Mitchell Air Conditioning (his
fathers business started by Franks grandfather John Frank Mitchell) at 1365 N.
Blackstone Avenue. He worked there in the summers and after school. Frank
graduated from high school in 1944 and entered college as a business major. At
the end of his second year he was drafted as a medic and spent 1-1/2 years in
Korea. During his time in Korea, he came across a book titled “Simplified
Design of Reinforced Concrete” was fascinated with the technical content and
decided that engineering was the career he should pursue. The mechanical branch
was the natural choice because of the family history in air conditioning.
After Franks time in the service he returned to Fresno. In 1947 Frank
married Maria Nicolas. Maria
encouraged Frank to a complete Journeyman Sheet metal Apprenticeship so there
would be a source of income. After the two-year apprenticeship, Frank aspired to
be a mechanical engineer. Frank
visited Cal Poly School of Engineering, but many of the buildings, including the
one used for the School of Engineering were Quonset type. Not being a fan of
Quonset buildings Frank selected Fresno State College and enrolled in mechanical
engineering. The college was located at the present city college site.
Ironically, the School of Engineering was housed in a Quonset building. Frank
graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1953.
During his later years in college Frank worked for Wayne Taul, mechanical
engineer. After graduation Frank went to work for Griffith Dyer Co. mechanical
contractors. In 1960 the Trane Company invited Frank to open an office in
Fresno. Also, in 1960 Frank joined ASHRAE. Meetings were held at the Outpost
(Chestnut and Olive). In 1963 Frank obtained his P.E. and advised the Trane Co.
that he planned to open his own consulting mechanical engineering firm. In 1964
the firm of John Frank Mitchell, Inc., Consulting Mechanical Engineer, opened
offices at 531 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno. In 1967 two key employees were hired,
Sam Markarian and Gilbert Nye. Dick Smith, PG&E employee, called on Frank
regularly in an effort to sell gas air conditioning.
Frank was president of the San Joaquin Chapter in 1966 - 1967. The
chapter met at the Carousel Restaurant at Olive and 99.
During the late 60's, 70's and 80's ASHRAE June Socials were a yearly
highlight. Events were held at chapter member homes such as Tom Main, Bill
Twining, Sam Markarian and Tom Harlan. These events allowed recognition of those
who lead the chapter for the previous year and passing the gavel for the next
year. Because of the social nature of the event and liberal flow of libations,
the socials produced many unprintable stories.
In 1968 the firm moved to 2157 E. Divisadero across from Community
Hospital. Mechanical systems for the Hilton Hotel and United California Bank
Building were two of the major projects designed at this location.
In 1975 Gary Hughes joined the firm. In 1980 the firm moved to 4644 W.
Jennifer in northwest Fresno where it remained for 20 years. Mark Baskin and
Mike Nichols joined the firm at this location.
Frank retired in July 2000 after providing 46 years of mechanical
engineering expertise to the HVAC industry. Many, many people had the privilege
of working with Frank during the 46 years and have fond memories of the various
aspects of the business of creating HVAC systems in the San Joaquin Valley. Frank
resides at Oakdale Heights, 7468 N. Millbrook #215, Fresno and enjoys having
visitors drop by. Take the opportunity when you have a chance.
Gilbert
Nye - Chapter Historian |
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