Interview with Philip S. Fogg

Abstract

An interview February 19, 1980, with Philip S. Fogg, who was an assistant professor of business economics at Caltech from 1930 to 1938 and associate professor from 1938 to 1941. He also served as resident associate in Fleming House from 1931 to 1935 and as Caltech’s registrar from 1935 to 1941. He recalls meeting W. B. Munro, professor of history and government and member of Caltech’s Executive Council, in 1930, who hired him to teach business skills to Caltech’s engineering students. Became first resident of the newly opened Athenaeum, where he encountered visitor Albert Einstein. Recollections of R. A. Millikan, Fritz Zwicky, A. A. Noyes. Reminisces about his years as resident associate of Fleming House, and about replacing Harry Van Buskirk as registrar. Initiated visits to prospective students as part of Caltech’s admissions process. He took what turned out to be a permanent leave of absence in 1941—after helping former classmate Herbert Hoover, Jr., found Consolidated Engineering—when the company received a wartime Air Force contract. He later became its president, and name was changed to Consolidated Electrodynamics. His civic activism in Pasadena. Long friendship with Robert F. Bacher. Became advisor to the Atomic Energy Commission after WW II. Comments on his early days as a teacher at Caltech. Interest in astronomy. Recalls building, in summer 1930, a 6-inch mirror reflecting telescope whose mirror was aluminized by Caltech physicist John Strong; first reflecting mirror to have such a surface.