Merit Awards, 1948-1960

The Aurel Vaszin Papers, 1928-1979, address the accomplishments and international reputation of the Dayton designer and manufacturer of amusement rides and equipment. He is primarily remembered for introducing steel into roller coasters, increasing their size and popularity significantly, and for designing a variety of miniature, trackless trains. By following his career, the evolution of amusement parks from roller coasters, Ferris wheels and carrousels, to the large theme parks like Disneyland can be observed.

The material is arranged chronologically by type of document and contains numerous news clippings, feature articles, posed photographs, commercial postcards, and certificates of merit for trade involvements. Recent feature articles are helpful in placing Vaszin’s contributions within the scope of 20th century amusement trends, particularly when contrasted with a January, 8, 1928 article recounting his early life, pursuit and philosophy.