Traverse Area Historical Society

The goal of the Traverse Area Historical Society is to share local history of Traverse City and the Grand Traverse region.

This month's topic is:  

Professor Steven Walton of Michigan Technological University will be presenting on the history of the Parsons Corporation. The Parsons Corporation, which came to Traverse City during World War II, is a stand-out part of Traverse City's industrial history. Manufacturers of bombs and landmines for the military, pressed metal kitchen built-ins, and many of the rotor blades for the first generation of helicopters, Parsons eventually moved into fiberglass boats and engineering consulting for aerospace, naval, and data industries. Their development of numerically-controlled (NC) machining here in Traverse City is a globally notable achievement, yet one that left little footprint here; on the other hand, the development and recruitment of industrial firms to the city certainly has. Parsons epitomizes the transformation of industry in Traverse City after WWII from local to national and from consumer products to industrial and consulting work.

In addition to his presentation, Professor Walton is very interested in making contact with people who worked with various high(er) tech industries in Traverse City (Parsons, Cone Drive, Parts Manufacturing, etc.) and to hear your perceptions about how the city changed in the second half of the twentieth century.

If you are joining us via Zoom, register HERE.