(1891-1994)

Louis P. (Lajos) Szanto (Hungarian/American, 1889-1965)

Loan Courtesy of the Western Reserve Historical Society

Frederick Crawford was founder of Cleveland’s TRW, Inc. (Thompson Ramo Woolridge) an automotive components, electronics and aerospace firm. The company was acquired by Northrop Grumman in 2002.

Crawford was President Calvin Coolidge’s second cousin. Born in Massachusetts and educated at Harvard, he began his career in 1916 at a machine shop on East 30th Street and Carnegie in Cleveland. He worked his way from a millwright’s helper to management and President of Steel Products which became Thompson Products.

Crawford was instrumental in bringing what would become the NASA Lewis Research Center to Cleveland in 1940. He was the incorporator of the Air Foundation which brought the air races to Cleveland. A car enthusiast, Crawford recognized the historic influence of the automobile on American culture. He combined his interest in antique cars and aviation to organize the Thompson Auto and Aviation Museum in 1937, and led the fundraising campaign to erect a structure to house his collection at the Western Reserve Historical Society, where it is on display to this day. Crawford Hall at Case Western Reserve University was named in his honor in 1969, in recognition of his efforts to develop the school as a major force in science and engineering education and research.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Louis Szanto studied at in Vienna and Budapest. After the war, he developed an international reputation for both his figure of studies, portraits, landscapes and marine views. In the depths of the Depression Szanto moved to the United States where he worked on arts projects commissioned by the Works Progress Administration. Together with fellow Hungarian artist Andrew Karoly, he collaborated on more than 30 mural projects, many in the Cleveland area.