WKSU News: How chemists helped win the war

From rubber to polymers a tradition lives on in Akron

WKSU's Jeff St. Clair reports

Former Firestone chemist and Rubber Division Chairman and historian Ben Kastein and his wife Helen;


	Morning Edition Host Jeff St. Clair

Without them, America and the Allies could not have won the Second World War. A group of Akron chemists developed synthetic rubber in the 1940's, one of their biggest, but not only contribution to society. Their largely unsung history is kept alive through hundreds of hours of audio recordings at the University of Akron. The Rubber Tapes bring to life the stories of the scientists, engineers, and industry leaders who helped make Akron the world's rubber capital.

Also below you'll find an extended excerpt from an interview with E.J. Thomas from the Rubber Division archives. Used with permission, 2009.

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Extended excerpt of 1969 E.J. Thomas interview

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MP3 Download (17:46)

(Click image for larger view.)

Organic chemical structures line the floor of the John S. Knight Center in Akron

Author of Rubber Mirror, Hank Inman and his wife Karen at the 2009 Rubber Division Gala

Officers of the Rubber Division at the 2009 gala

Listener Comments:

Jeff: Fantastic job on this story. I hope this wins you an award. The individuals and their families mentioned in this story are also extremly grateful for this piece. Thank you for helping the Rubber Division, ACS celebrate our 100th anniversary!

Posted by: Christopher Laursen (Akron, Ohio) on May 19, 2009 11:16AM

Excellent piece, well-edited and produced, Jeff. You captured the essence of the Rubber Division -- which is sharing of information for the common good.

Posted by: Hank Inman (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) on May 14, 2009 1:48PM

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