History
1950s Innovations in Elevator Cab Design
This History article examines cabin-access innovations that arose from the development of operator-less elevators in the early 1950s. The founding of Elevator World, Inc. in 1953 coincided with the introduction...
Chicago Elevator First
This History article examines the city’s important role in 19th-century elevator progression. Chicago played a critical role in the development of the modern passenger elevator during the 19th century. Aspects...
John H. Jallings (1847-1935)
The first attempt to tell a more complete story of the life and career of the VT industry’s early chronicler John H. Jallings is a well-known figure in American vertical-transportation...
Miller’s Patent Screw Hoisting Machine
Examining the companies and enigmas surrounding William Miller and the inventor’s wild marketing claims The November 16, 1867, issue of Scientific American included an illustrated article titled “Improvement in Hoisting...
The Escalator at Mid-Century
This History article examines the escalator as it came into its own. The history of technical literature includes textbooks that have served multiple generations through multiple editions. One such iconic...
“Vertical Highways: The New Phase in Elevators”
An examination of Henry D. James’ article, which provided a rationale for why developers and architects should adopt running two cars in a single shaft by Dr. Lee Gray, EW...
Elevator Maintenance and Inspection: Recommendations, Regulations and Codes: 1880-1940
The beginning of an investigation exploring a global history of elevator (and escalator and moving walk) codes and standards. This article was first presented at the 2019 International Elevator &...
75 Years, 75 Floors
In this Readers’ Platform, your author reflects on when a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building. by Bud Johnson July 1945 was a great time to be alive...
How to Build Model Elevators, Part Two
Delving into another author’s approach to building model elevators in the early 20th century by Dr. Lee Gray, EW Correspondent The first part this article series explored how to build...
How to Build Model elevators, Part One
An exploration into making elevators out of a variety of boxes, rubber bands, nails, screws and string by Dr. Lee Gray, EW Correspondent Recent events have had a dramatic impact...
