Meeting Date

Robert V. Ortblad, P.E., CPA

Mr. Robert Orblad, PE, CPA, is a registered civil engineer and a certified public accountant, who has a private practices consulting and setting up project accounting systems for the construction industry. He is an avid student of engineeing history, and will be presenting his stories and insights about great engineering projects and their creators.

Construction Geniuses and Scoundrels

In 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads created a nation, and the same year the French opened the Suez Canal. In 1889 the Brooklyn Bridge was completed, in 1914 the Panama Canal, and in 1935 Hoover Dam.  The characters and politics behind building of these projects are as fascinating as are their works.

Travel back in time and enjoy a visit with a cast of colorful construction characters; Marus Vitruvius, Luca Pacioli, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Sir Joseph Paxton, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Crazy Theodore Judah, James Eads, Washington Roebling, James Hill, John Stevens, Frank Crowe, and Robert Moses.  We will discover their motivations, innovations, and study their management styles. 

"The only new thing in the world is the history you don't know."

     -Harry S. Truman

Schedule

Meeting Location  

Ivar's Salmon House (Lake Union)

(please do not contact the restaurant for reservations or cancellations)

Take 1-5 to N.E. 45th Exit (#169). Go east, toward the University of Washington,

and turn right at Brooklyn Avenue. Follow Brooklyn to Pacific Street and turn

right. At stop sign, turn left. The Salmon House is one block further, on the

left, at 401 N.E. Northlake Way.

Menu

1. Alder-Smoked Keta Salmon

2. Alder-Smoked Herb-Marinated Chicken

Cost

NOTES

1. Please make reservations or cancellations by the Friday before the meeting.

2. Please pay by check payable to Puget Sound Section AIChE, or bring exact change.

3. For reservations:  

4. You can cancel by calling by noon of the Friday before the meeting. Dinner reservations "no-shows" will be billed!!