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The celebrated American industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss maintained his primary residence and west coast design studio in South Pasadena.
Dreyfuss gave the world the Hoover vacuum cleaner, Bell telephone, Honeywell thermostat, John Deere Model A & B tractor, Westclock Big Ben, Polaroid SX-70 Land camera, etc.
The 20th Century Limited is considered by many to be the best-designed locomotive ever built. Dreyfuss was responsible for controlling every element of its design.
He is known locally as an early freeway fighter.
Dreyfuss offered his South Pasadena design studio as a meeting place during the early stages of the freeway fight. Dreyfuss said: “It would be suicide if we acquiesce to the California Department of Transportation to build a freeway through our city.”
Today, South Pasadena’s fight has become a national debate. Many agree that freeways are undesirable when they threaten a city’s right to exist and damage the quality of life of its residents.
Henry Dreyfuss born March 2, 1904, New York City — died Oct. 5, 1972, South Pasadena, California. With his wife Doris Marks in failing health due to liver cancer, Dreyfuss ended his life with her at their home in their garage succumbing to exhaust fumes.
Throwback Thursday is written and produced by Rick Thomas
