Preston Bassett

Preston Rogers Bassett (March 20, 1892 – April 30, 1992) was an inventor, engineer, and pioneer in instruments for aviation.

Jeanne Reed Mordorf was born November 1, 1893, in Trenton, NJ, graduated from Vassar College in 1915.

He held 35 patents awarded between 1920 and 1937, including several for improved high-intensity carbon arc lights used in anti-aircraft searchlights and movie projectors.

Bassett's many interests in addition to aviation included antique collecting, early technology, and history of Long Island and New England.

He was a keen observer of atmospheric phenomena encouraging others to look skyward to see the optical effects of clouds, raindrops, and ice crystals.

He wrote books and articles on topics ranging from Long Island Craftsmen to Shadow Bands and Searchlights.

Preston R. Bassett, from a photo that depicted the final meeting of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) on August 21, 1958. T. Keith Glennan (to the left of Bassett in the original) was sworn in as the first Administrator of NASA, and was seen here speaking to Preston R. Bassett (center—cropped to show him only), member of the NACA Committee on Aerodynamics, and Charles J. McCarthy (who was on Bassett's right), Chairman of the Board of Chance Vought Aircraft, Inc. Original photo can be seen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa_appel/4525536545/