John W. Landis Papers, 1949-1969, Ms.1969.001

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Special Collections and University Archives Staff

Repository

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Identification

Ms.1969.001

Title

John W. Landis Papers 1949-1969

Quantity

86.8 Cubic Feet, 62 boxes

Creator

Landis, John W. (John William), 1917-2013

Location

Please note: This collection is in off-site storage and requires 2-3 days notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives for more information.

Language

The materials in the collection are in English.

Abstract

The collection contains correspondence, memos, proposals, reports, and other papers relating to Landis' work with nuclear reactor projects and memberships on various committees, including the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John W. Landis Papers, Ms1969-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The John W. Landis Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1969, 1970, and 2013.

Processing Information

The John W. Landis Papers are in their original order. A non-inclusive, box-level inventory was created after the materials were donated and the inventory was updated several times. It forms the basis of the current finding aid.

Biographical Note

John W. Landis was born in 1917. He was educated at Lafayette College, the University of Rochester, and Princeton University. Landis worked for the U. S. Navy Department as a consultant in guided missiles (1946-1950), the Educational Testing Service (1948-1950), and the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (1950-1953). For many years, beginning in 1953, he was associated with the Babcock and Wilcox Company in the field of nuclear engineering. He was successively the Head of Customer Relations (1953-1955), Assistant Manager (1955-1962), and Manager (1962-1965) of the Atomic Energy Division, and later, General Manager of their Washington, D.C. operations (1965-1969). Landis died in March 2013.

Scope and Content

Landis' work at Babcock and Wilcox involved him in a number of nuclear reactor projects both in the United States and abroad. The bulk of the collection is correspondence, memoranda, proposals, studies, and reports surrounding these projects.

Other papers relate to Landis' memberships on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors (1966-1970); the Advisory Council of Virginia State Technical Services (1966-1969); the Virginia State Advisory Committee on Nuclear Energy (1956-1961); the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce (1954-1968); the Virginia Engineering Foundation of the University of Virginia (1962-1969); and the Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development (1962-1969).

In 2013, following Landis' death, an additional 4 boxes of materials were donated to Special Collections. Although not organized beyond the order in which they were received, these boxes generally contain photocopies of original materials: correspondence, reports, presentations and papers, articles by/about Landis, clippings, professional and personal writings, conference programs, notes, and teaching materials. A box-level inventory is at the bottom of the "Contents List" below.

Arrangement

The papers are in their original order. Boxes 1-21 are arranged alphabetically by subject/material type.

Boxes 22-52 contain materials related to nuclear projects. Materials are arranged by subject.

Boxes 53-58 include material relating to committees, boards, and foundations. Materials are arranged by organization.

Boxes 59-62 are unprocessed and remain in original order.

A box-level inventory is available in the "Contents List" below, but please note that descriptions of boxes are general and may be non-inclusive.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Babcock & Wilcox Company
Nuclear energy
Nuclear propulsion
Nuclear reactors
Nuclear ships
Savannah (Nuclear ship)
Science and Technology
University History
Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1944-1970)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the John W. Landis Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

Subject Files, Alphabetical

1949-1968

box 1
A-B.

Scope and Content
Accounting files for Babcock and Wilcox, Atomic Energy Division (1956-1965). Includes monthly reports on incomplete and completed contracts; memoranda; notes.

Allis-Chambers Mfg. Co.--large fast reactor design study (1964)

American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Nuclear Engineerings Division--newsletters, memoranda, etc. (1954-1964)

American Institute of Management--memoranda, etc. (1957-1961)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers--correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1955-1960)

Babcock and Wilcox--press releases (1953-1963)
box 2
B.

Scope and Content
Babcock and Wilcox--general reports, circulars, memoranda (1952-1962)

Babcock and Wilcox, Ltd. (London)--memoranda, correspondence, etc. (1954-1955)

Bailey Meter Co.--memoranda, correspondence, etc. (1955-1968)

Biology and medicine--memoranda, circulars, etc. (1955-1962). Deals with biological and medical ramifications of nuclear energy.

Budget estimates (1966-1967). Includes a file of internal circulars, "Sales in Which Washington Operations Has Played a Significant Role."
box 3
C-D.

Scope and Content
Camen procect, Livorno, Italy--memoranda, etc. (1960-1963)

Case Institute of Technology--press releases, memoranda, etc. (1957)

Combined operations reports (1960-1964)

Consolidated Edison Co.--technical and consulting services. Correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1961-1965)

Contract lists (1958-1965)

Contract policy and procedures--correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1954-1963)

Contract status reports (1960)

Critical Experiment Laboratory, Lynchburg, Va.--memoranda, correspondence, circulars (1956-1959)

Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico (CRDA), Trieste--correspondence, contract (1960)

Decontamination (laundry) symposium (1960)
box 4
E.

Scope and Content
East Central Nuclear Group--Steam-cooled breeder reactor core designs. Correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1964-1965)

Ebasco Services for AEC--Title I and II services for Advanced Test Reactor Gas-Cooled Loop. Memoranda (1963-1964)

Education and training of Babcock and Wilcox personnel--correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1953-1963)

Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace program--press releases, clippings, etc. (1953-1958)

Electrical World --correspondence, etc. (1956-1962)

Employees club--memoranda, etc. (1963-1966)

Engineering Design Facility--report, correspondence, etc. (1961-1962)
box 5
E-F.

Scope and Content
Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community)--correspondence, reports, etc. (1958-1959)

Euratom Experiemental Program--modification (1965)

Finance--correspondence, memoranda, circulars on business conditions affecting the nuclear energy industry (1954-1963)

Financial statements--correspondence, memoranda, etc., dealing with Babcock and Wilcox financial matters (1956-1959)
box 6
F-G.

Scope and Content
Financial statements--correspondence, memoranda, etc., dealing with Babcock and Wilcox financial matters (1959-1963)

Florida, University of--nuclear engineering programs. Publications, etc. (1957-1960)

Foreign reactors--correspondence, memoranda, reports, clippings (1952-1960)

Geneva Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy (1955)--correspondence, reports, publications

Geneva Conference (Second) on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy (1958)--correspondence, reports, publications

Great Lakes Conference of Railroad and Utilities Commissioners (1960)--program, etc.
box 7
H-J.

Scope and Content
Health physics--press releases, memoranda, publications on health aspects of nuclear energy (1957-1963)

Industrial Participation Program--correspondence, memoranda, reports (1953-1955)

Inter-American Nuclear Energy Symposium (1957)--correspondence, etc.

International agreements on the civil uses of atomic energy--correspondence, reports, etc. (1955-1958)

International Atomic Energy Agency--memoranda, clippings, etc. (1955-1962)

Internuclear Company, Clayton, Missouri--correspondence, memoranda (1956-1962)

Joint Committee on Atomic Energy--correspondence, memoranda, testimony, clippings, etc. (1955-1967)
box 8
L-N.

Scope and Content
Liability and insurance (with respect to the use of nuclear facilities)--correspondence, memoranda, reports, etc. (1950-1964)

Lynchburg Office--general files (1964-1966). Deals with building lease, parking, etc.

Lynchburg Central File--contains a filing coding system (1958)

Manpower requirements (1960-1964)

Materials and testing--correspondence, memoranda, reports, publications (1954-1964)

Monthly reports (Atomic Energy Division status reports) (1962-1965). Includes reports, correspondence, and memoranda.

National Association of Manufacturers--correspondence, etc. (1964-1967)

National Association of Manufacturers--printed reports (1966-1967)

Nuclear Activities Summaries--reports, correspondence, memoranda (1954-1961)

Nuclear Congresses (1958, 1959)--see Box 22

Nuclear Development Center--correspondence, memoranda, reports (1961-1964)
box 9
N-O.

Scope and Content
Nuclear power economics--correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1955-1961)

Nuclear rocketry--press releases, correspondence, reports, etc. (1961-1962)

Nuclenor Power Plant, Spain--correspondence, reports, etc. (1964-1965)

Organization (general)--personnel announcements, organizational memoranda, etc. (1958-1965)

Organization--Departmental Responsibilities. Memoranda, reports, etc. (1956-1965)

Organization--Division Operations. Memoranda, reports, etc. (1961-1962)

Organization--Division Operations Guide. Memoranda, reports, etc. (1962-1965)

Organization--External Procedures. Memoranda, reports, etc. (1957-1964)
box 10
O.

Scope and Content
Organization--Internal Procedures. Memoranda, etc. (1957-1967)

Organization--Organization Charts. Also includes memoranda, etc. (1953-1964)

Organization--Personnel Utilization. Memoranda, etc.(1957-1968)
box 11
O-P.

Scope and Content
Organization--Principles and Directives. Correspondence and memoranda. (1953-1956)

Organization--Procedures Manual. Memoranda (1958-1959)

Organization--Special Directives. Memoranda (1958-1964)

Organization and Personnel--memoranda, organization charts, etc. (1957-1964)

Patents--correspondence, memoranda, press releases, etc. (1953-1956, 1962)

Planning--memoranda (1964-1966)

Policy (U. S. Government)--reports, memoranda, testimony of Babcock and Wilcox officials before Congressional committees (1954-1957)
box 12
R.

Scope and Content
RAMPS (Resource Allocation and Multi-Project Scheduling)--memoranda, committee minutes (1964)

Reactor computation--correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1956-1962)

Reactor location and safety--correspondence, reports, memoranda (1954-1963)

Reactor roundup (general information on nuclear reactors)--newsletters, memoranda, etc. (1951-1961)

Regulations and information (AEC regulations)--circulars, memoranda (1955-1959)
box 13
R-S.

Scope and Content
Regulations and information (AEC regulations)--circulars, memoranda (1960-1963)

Research Institute Recommendations --circulars, correspondence (1956-1957)

Research reactors (general)--correspondence, memoranda (1950-1959)

Sales contracts (domestic)--correspondence, memoranda (1954-1961)

Sales contracts (government)--correspondence, memoranda (1961-1964)
box 14
S.

Scope and Content
Sales estimate summaries (1963-1964)

Sales policy--reappraisal. Report (1959)

Sales policy and procedure--correspondence, memoranda, reports (1949-1965)

Sea water conversion--reports, correspondence, memoranda (1951-1964)

Security--correspondence, memoranda, reports (1953-1961)
box 15
S.

Scope and Content
Senior staff meetings--agendas, memoranda (1957-1961)

SIR--Mark B Emergency Cooler System. Memoranda, committee minutes, etc. (1953-1958)

Site location (general)--correspondence, publications, etc., dealing especially with Memphis (1962-1966)

Slides, pictures, and films. Includes c.20 publicity photos on nuclear reactors, correspondence, memoranda (1955-1962)

Solar energy--clippings, news release (1954-1955)

Southeastern Nuclear Exchange--correspondence (1956-1957)

Special Nuclear Equipment Committee--minutes, memoranda (1961-1962)

Special nuclear material--news releases, memoranda, reports (1955-1967)

SPERT (Special Power Excursion Test Reactor)--news releases (1961)

STR Mark I and Mark II--reports, correspondence, etc. (1953-1958)

Submersible tankers--correspondence (1955-1958)
box 16
S.

Scope and Content
Ships--Sea-Land Service, Inc. Correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1966)

Ships--various companies. Correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1965-1966)

Ship propulsion (nuclear)--correspondence, memoranda, reports, etc. (1955-1968)
box 17
S.

Scope and Content
Ship propulsion (nuclear)--prospectus for a CNSGII nuclear reactor for military application (1965)

Ship propulsion (nuclear)--marine plants, Babcock and Wilcox and competitors. Correspondence, reports, etc. (1959-1964)

Ship propulsion (nuclear)--Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Meeting programs, memoranda (1959-1966)

Ship propulsion (nuclear)--"Proposal...for an Advanced Marine Demonstration Reactor," 2 volumes (1964-1965)

Ship propulsion (nuclear)--"Proposal to American Export Isbrandtsen Lines for a Consolidated Nuclear Steam Generator" (1965)
box 18
T-U.

Scope and Content
Talks by others--speeches, correspondence, memoranda (1954-1965)

Technical Papers Coordinating Committee--memoranda, etc. (1955-1963)

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission--releases, correspondence, etc. (1955-1962)

U.S. Atomic Energy Commissioners' speeches (1951-1959)
box 19
U.

Scope and Content
U.S. Atomic Energy Commissioners' speeches (1960-1968)
box 20
U.

Scope and Content
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--zero power tests on Army Core. Contract (1965)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--File #36. Correspondence, etc. dealing with U.S.S. Savannah (1963-1965)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--Yankee conversion to SSCR (Spectral Shift Control Reactor). Correspondence, memoranda, notes, reports (1962-1964)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--organization and personnel. Releases, memoranda (1951-1967)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--staff speeches. Also includes correspondence, memoranda (1953-1968)

U. S. Atomic Energy Commission--university research. Circulars listing research grants (1955-1962)
box 21
U-Y.

Scope and Content
U.S. Chamber of Commerce-- Washington Reports (1957-1962)

Waste disposal--correspondence, releases, publications, reports (1955-1961)

Yankee Atomic Energy Company--correspondence, memoranda, reports (1954-1961)

Subject Files, Nuclear Projects

1954-1969

box 22
Nuclear Congresses.

Scope and Content
1958 Nuclear Congress--correspondence, memoranda, notes, abstracts of papers, etc.

1959 Nuclear Congress--memoranda
box 23
Nuclear Plants and Systems.

Scope and Content
Nuclear steam generating systems, nuclear power plants (specific)--Babcock and Wilcox reports, specifications, and proposals. c. 20 items (c.1959-1965)
box 24
Ship Reactors.

Scope and Content
Nuclear ship reactors--Babcock and Wilcox reports, specifications, proposals. Also includes press kit for launching of the N. S. Savannah (1959); testimony from Atomic Energy Commission hearings on N.S. Savannah (1961)
box 25 box 26
Ship Reactors.

Scope and Content
Nuclear ship reactors (especially N.S. Savannah )--reports, specifications, safety studies, etc. c. 25 items (c.1959-1965)
box 27 box 28
Indian Point Reactor.

Scope and Content
Indian Point Reactor, Westchester County, New York--reports, c. 50 items (c.1959-1962); correspondence (1956-1957) concerning Indian Point.
box 29
Liquid Metal Experiment.

Scope and Content
Liquid Metal Fuel Reactor Experiment--reports, c. 40 items (1959-1961)
box 30 box 31
German Nuclear Ship.

Scope and Content
German Nuclear Ship Otto Hahn --reports, specifications, etc. (1962-1964)
box 32 box 33
Nuclear Systems.

Scope and Content
Universal Pressure Reactor System; Steam-Cooled Breeder Reactor Study; Gas Suspension Reactor; National Circulation Thermionic Reactor; Boiling Water Reactor; Steam-Cooled, Moderated, and Controlled Reactor--reports, c. 50 items (1959-1966)
box 34
SSCR.

Scope and Content
Spectral Shift Control Reactor--reports, proposals (1959-1964)
box 35 box 36
Nuclear Development.

Scope and Content
Advanced Test Reactor; Nuclear Development Center--reports
box 37
Development Companies.

Scope and Content
Atomic Power Development Associates, Michigan (originally Dow-Detroit Edison Project)--correspondence, memoranda, minutes, etc. (1954-1964)

Power Reactor Development Company, Michigan--correspondence, memoranda, contracts, etc. (1955-1963)
box 38
Nuclear Propulsion and Equipment.

Scope and Content
"Rogear" rocket engine by Henry B. Shields--typescript book, correspondence, etc. (1965-1969)

Nuclear propulsion plant and generating equipment for nuclear powered merchant ships--contract and specifications

Reappraisal summaries (1957)
box 39
Reports and Hearings.

Scope and Content
"Safety Analysis Summary of Babcock and Wilcox's CNSG Maritime Reactor"--report (1968)

"Reactor Engineering and Plant Design" by JWL--report (1957)

Nuclear Merchant Ship Reactor core--correspondence, etc. (1958-1959)

Public hearings on Nuclear Merchant Ship Reactor ( Savannah )--correspondence, etc. (1962-1963)

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission--Nuclear Merchant Ship Reactor estimates
box 40
Reports and Hearings.

Scope and Content
Miscellaneous files, including: Profit Improvement Program (1962-1965); public hearings on Indian Point Station; American Society of Naval Engineers programs (1956-1968); power survey forecast study.
box 41 box 42
N.S. Savannah .

Scope and Content
N.S. Savannah --reports. etc. c. 25 items
box 43
N.S. Savannah ; Publications.

Scope and Content
N.S. Savannah --public relations and advertising. Correspondence, memoranda, etc. (1957-1967)

Atomic Energy News Indicator (1956-1959)

Nucleonics --N.P.P. Equipment Study (1959-1960)
box 44 box 45 box 46 box 47 box 48 box 49 box 50
Babcock and Wilcox Proposals.

Scope and Content
Printed proposals for nuclear power projects, c. 200 items (c. 1958-1967)
box 51
Babcock and Wilcox Publicity; Reports.

Scope and Content
Babcock and Wilcox Monthly Advertising and Publicity portfolis (1965-1966)

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Allis-Chalmers, and Aero-Jet technical reports, c. 10 items

Argonne National Laboratory proceedings (1961)
box 52
Nuclear Industry.

Scope and Content
Nuclear industry--miscellaneous publications, c. 20 items

Committee, Board, and Foundation Files

1956-1969

box 53 box 54
Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Scope and Content
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (1958-1959). Includes correspondence; financial information; quarterly reports of the president to the Board of Visitors; typescript of annual reports of the president; minutes of the Board of Visitors (1966-1969)
box 55
Commonwealth of Virginia.

Scope and Content
Commonwealth of Virginia (1956-1969). Includes correspondence related to industrial development and nuclear energy in the state (1961-1969); minutes, reports, etc., of the Advisory Council, Virginia State Technical Servies (1966-1969); minutes, reports, etc., of the Virginia State Advisory Committee on Nuclear Energy (1956-1961); programs, brochures, etc., of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce (1954-1968); and minutes, reports, etc., of the University of Virginia and its Virginia Engineering Foundation (1957-1969).
box 56 box 57 box 58
Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development.

Scope and Content
Virginia Advisory Board on Industrial Development (1962-1969). Includes minutes; reports; correspondence; newspaper clippings (1962-1969); files of the Committee on the Commercial Code (1963-1966).

2013 Addition (unprocessed)

box 59
Subject Files: Speeches and associated correspondence, engineering research files, written reports by Landis, professional papers

Scope and Content
Includes mostly photocopies of: articles by/about Landis and reports.
box 60
Subject Files: Personal and professional correspondence, research files on engineering topics (mostly photocopies of other sources), professional papers

Scope and Content
Includes mostly photocopies and some originals of: conference programs, newsletters, press releases, certificates, meeting minutes and agendas, reports, clippings, articles by/about Landis, papers and presentations given, personal and professional correspondence, book chapter drafts, scholarship materials, and poetry.
box 61
Subject Files: Personal and professional correspondence, research files on engineering topics (mostly photocopies), professional biographical information, conference program materials, professional papers

Scope and Content
Includes mostly photocopies and some originals of: papers and presentations given, correspondence, conference programs, lecture notes, articles by and about Landis, project reports, meeting agendas, and newsletters.
box 62
Subject Files: Meeting and conference materials, professional papers, research files (mostly photocopies)

Scope and Content
Includes mostly photocopies and some originals of: articles by/about/quoting Landis, pamphlets, personal notes, lecture notes and slides, and personal memoirs.