SAE International - Twin Cities' Section February 2005 Dinner Meeting

Meeting Date:  February 16

Celebrate SAE's Centennial Year

In the early 1900s there were dozens of automobile manufacturers in the United States, and many more worldwide. A need for patent protection, common technical design problems, and the development of engineering standards was quickly emerging. Thus SAE was born. In its inaugural year of 1905 Andrew Riker served as president, and an up-and-coming engineering talent named Henry Ford served as the society's first vice president. The initial membership figure tallied 30 engineers with dues of $10/year.

By 1916 the Society of Automobile Engineers membership had grown to 1,800. That year representatives from the American Society of Aeronautic Engineers, the Society of Tractor Engineers, and representatives from the power boating industry made a pitch to SAE for oversight of technical standards in their industries.

Out of that fateful meeting in 1916 came a new organization with new horizons. This was to be a new society representing engineers in all types of mobility-related professions. SAE member Elmer Sperry actually created the term " automotive " from Greek autos (self), and Latin motivus (of motion) origins to represent any form of self-powered vehicle. The Society of Automobile Engineers became the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the most important chapter in the SAE saga was underway.

Today, as SAE approaches its 100th anniversary, we represent the collective wisdom of nearly 85,000 engineers, technical professionals, academics, and governmental representatives in 97 countries around the globe. The Twin Cities Section plans to acknowledge SAE's 100 years of activity in the Transportation Industry with a tour of the Ellingson Car Museum in Rogers, MN and a special Video presentation on SAE's 100 year History.

There are approximately 90 vintage and custom cars on display at the Ellingson Museum, with many of them from the Muscle Car era and the 1950's. Special note: Those attending this event will receive a 12-month pass to revisit the Ellingson Museum . More information about the Museum can be found at: www.ellingsoncarmuseum.com . The Twin Cities Section will be among the first to preview the new commemorative SAE video. Mark your calendars now for this rare opportunity.

Many famous engineers joined together to form the SAE / be among the first members. Consider these names:

• Henry Ford - his many efforts brought the automotive industry into motion.
• Orville Wright - working with his brother, Wilbur, the Wright Flyer was developed and Mankind found its wings.
• Charles Kettering - simplified car use with development of the automobile's electric starter.
• Glen Curtiss - now known as the Founder of The American Aviation Industry.
• Clarence Spicer - patented the universal joint and "unchained" the automobile.

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