Ransom, Frederick J., 1996 September 19

The following is a Living History interview with Frederick J. Ransom conducted by Marilyn J. Somers on September 19, 1996 at his home in Dunwoody, Georgia. Mr. Ransom starts the interview by discussing his childhood in Fort Myers, Florida. He was inspired by his father to become a mechanical engineer and gained experience in mechanics by rebuilding an old Ford. Mr. Ransom also relates stories about Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone whom he met as a child during his paper route. He was attracted to Georgia Tech upon hearing of their co-op program, and their M.E. program. He found Tech to be his biggest challenge and often sacrificed his social life to study. After graduation, he was immediately hired by the Scripto Inc. and continued to work for them for the next forty-three years. During the war, Mr. Ransom designed plastic safety pins for shells and gained more engineering experience. He quotes his biggest achievement as his family. Mr. Ransom is now retired and spends time with his two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.