[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 23 (Monday, February 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN RECOGNITION OF THE LATE BROOKS STEVENS

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 1995
  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened, but honored, to 
pay tribute to the late Brooks Stevens, a pioneer in industrial design 
who recently died in his and my home town of Milwaukee at the age of 
83.
  Our Nation has lost one of its most esteemed and accomplished 
citizens. But, he has left behind a legacy that will continue to touch 
our lives.
  Mr. Stevens' distinguished career extends several decades. He was a 
founder of the industrial design business in the 1930's and, along with 
13 others, met in New York to create the Society of Industrial 
Designers. Unlike the other designers, he resisted the temptation to 
move to New York, keeping his business, Brooks Stevens Design 
Associates, in the Milwaukee area.
  Without us realizing it, Mr. Stevens' accomplishments in the world of 
design affect our lives daily. His ideas have helped make our lives 
easier, simpler, and grander. And, no doubt you have used one of his 
products.
  One of Mr. Stevens' earliest successes was the prototype clothes 
dryer to which he added a window to draw attention to the function of 
the new product.
  He was also responsible for the front fender design for the 1949 
Harley-Davidson Hydraglide motorcycle, still used by the company in its 
heritage classic series of motorcycles.
  Other inventions include the Lawnboy, the world's first rotary mower; 
the Excalibur, an ornate antique-style car with a regular powerful 
engine; the Miller Beer logo; the outboard motor; civilian Jeepsters 
after World War II; the Hiawatha train, which he designed from nose to 
tail; and of course, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the famed 
advertising car.
  Mr. Stevens worked for a total of 585 clients throughout the world, 
producing 3,000 designs.
  In his later years he devoted much of his time and talent to the 
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where he spent three afternoons 
a week critiquing the work of design students. There is no doubt, 
Brooks Stevens was a national treasure. He personified the American 
spirit and the principles that have made our country great. Milwaukee 
will sorely miss his presence. But, he will continue to be an 
inspiration to all of us.


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