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Filler
October 21, 1905
Passaic City Record
Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey
What is this article about?
In 1868 or so, 23-year-old inventor George Westinghouse of Pittsburg pitched his airbrake to Commodore Vanderbilt, who dismissed it as foolish for trying to stop trains with wind. (128 characters)
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Full Text
Told of George Westinghouse.
A good story of George Westinghouse, the Pittsburg inventor and organizer, is that when he had completed his airbrake he submitted it to Commodore Vanderbilt, with the object of installing it on the Commodore's railroads. He was only 23. He was admitted to the great railroad manager's office and permitted to explain his mission while the Commodore opened his mail. Occasionally Mr. Vanderbilt uttered a grunt merely to signify that he was listening to the enthusiastic recital. When the inventor paused, Vanderbilt was ready with his decision.
"Young man," he said, "do I understand that you propose to stop a train of cars with wind?"
Westinghouse admitted that was the fact.
"Well, young man, I have no time to bother with fools," declared the Commodore.—American Illustrated Magazine.
A good story of George Westinghouse, the Pittsburg inventor and organizer, is that when he had completed his airbrake he submitted it to Commodore Vanderbilt, with the object of installing it on the Commodore's railroads. He was only 23. He was admitted to the great railroad manager's office and permitted to explain his mission while the Commodore opened his mail. Occasionally Mr. Vanderbilt uttered a grunt merely to signify that he was listening to the enthusiastic recital. When the inventor paused, Vanderbilt was ready with his decision.
"Young man," he said, "do I understand that you propose to stop a train of cars with wind?"
Westinghouse admitted that was the fact.
"Well, young man, I have no time to bother with fools," declared the Commodore.—American Illustrated Magazine.
What sub-type of article is it?
Human Interest
Curiosity
What keywords are associated?
George Westinghouse
Airbrake
Commodore Vanderbilt
Invention
Rejection
Pittsburg
What entities or persons were involved?
George Westinghouse
Commodore Vanderbilt
Where did it happen?
Pittsburg
Filler Details
Topic
George Westinghouse's Airbrake Pitch Rejected By Vanderbilt
Location
Pittsburg
Key Persons
George Westinghouse
Commodore Vanderbilt
Event Details
At age 23, George Westinghouse submitted his completed airbrake invention to Commodore Vanderbilt for installation on his railroads. While explaining, Vanderbilt listened minimally and then dismissed the idea, questioning stopping a train with wind and calling Westinghouse a fool.