Hartford, CT, July 25, 2025 - Pratt & Whitney Measurement Systems, Inc. joined members of Congress as well as state and community leaders for a building dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling, commemorating Pratt & Whitney’s original location in Hartford Connecticut.
It was at this location, 450 Capital Avenue, 100 years ago when Frederick Rentschler at the encouragement of his brother went to meet with employees of the Pratt & Whitney Company. Airplane engines before 1925 were regarded as dangerous and not reliable. Mr. Rentschler had a vision to make airplane engines larger, more practical and more dependable. At this location he found Pratt & Whitney employees with the same enthusiasm that he had and he described them as “most air minded and enthusiastic about participating in this new field”. These Connecticut residents as described by Mark Twain “could make anything a body wanted -- anything in the world, it didn't make any difference what; and if there wasn't any quick new-fangled way to make a thing, could invent one -- and do it as easy as rolling off a log.”
Combined with Mr. Rentschler’s team, they were unstoppable and in less than a year had developed a new engine of unmatched efficiency called the Wasp. The Wasp engine was completed in this building on December 24th 1925 and exhibited speed, performance and reliability that revolutionized American aviation. The Wasp engine led to the development of the Double Wasp which was a crucial component in helping the allies to victory in World War 2.
Press Contact:
Pratt and Whitney Measurement Systems, Inc.
Director, Marketing & Communication
Phone: (800) 371-7174
Email: info@prattandwhitney.com
Web site: www.prattandwhitney.com
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