The History of W. C. Dillon, inventor of the Dynamometer

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The History of
W. C. Dillon,
inventor of the Dynamometer
and much more!

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Searching for gem stones along with overnight sojourns in the desert is another one of Bill Dillon's hobbies.

His varied interests undoubtedly do much to keep Dad young in mind and young in spirit. His very latest endeavors center around solar research in which he has developed a keen interest. Plans are already afoot for a line of inexpensive solar hot water heaters with greater heating ability and greater capacity than heretofore possible. Dad throws himself into each new endeavor as though he had a hundred more years ahead of him- and we, his sons, have long since realized that retirement for us is impossible while Dad is at the helm. He does indeed lead a dizzy pace and one which on more than one occasion we have been unable to keep abreast of.

"searching for lost gold mines"
Not contented with a daily working life that would leave most men a little frayed around the edges, Dad has more hobbies than there are pages in the old Johnson-Smith catalog. He is an avid rock-hound and loves to camp out on the desert. Some of the happiest times of my life, and events which I will always cherish, have taken place when he and I were out searching for lost gold mines or discovering huge trunks of petrified wood. Photography is another of Dad's hobbies, and he is quite a crackerjack at this. Lenses and cameras of every type are his, and he knows how to get the most out of them. His collection of color slides ranges from ghost towns to Hawaiian sunsets. At the moment, he is in Mexico looking for the unusual with future plans taking him on to Puerto Rico. A short time ago, Dad and I decided to take up oil painting. Nothing is impossible as far as Dad is con-cerned. His paintings thus far may not be works of true art, but he is determined, and I can note the gleam in his eye. Each Thursday evening he slips away from work with me, and we stand for three hours over a hot pallette of colors. Dad seldom sits. He has a wiry con-stitution as you may know, and with it tremendous stamina. He has great and unusual staying power.

"a constantly inquiring mind"
But these are the external aspects of a man who, in my honest opinion, is one of the last and truly greatest of early day Americans. Dad is a man who came up the hard way under many obstacles. But he had tireless am-bition, and a constantly inquiring mind-two ingredients which have enabled him to move ahead, never standing still.

As a father, he deserves a special note of thanks which we, as his sons, sincerely give him. All of his life he has set the kind of example a son would like to see in his father. He is highly religious, tolerant, kind, and understanding. He is quick to offer a helping hand in most any cause and will listen to anyone's problems. His generosity has no bounds, and his love of people and things is immeasurable. He has little desire for self-pleasure or the creation of wealth for himself. He is happiest when he is with good friends and is quick to extend his hand.

"a source of great pride"
I might add that each time Dad returns after a meeting with his fellow associates at the various Instrument So-ciety meetings, his first words are of those whom he has met for the first time and who have impressed him. It is never "I" but always "they." His acceptance as a part of each meeting is a source of great pride to him. Sur-rounded by men who have great talents, his own are submerged in genuine respect and admiration. We al-ways enjoy the recounting of his experiences and the way in which he is impressed with a particular scientific achievement by a fellow member.

Actually, I might go on quite endlessly in this way and still never be able to cover the complete story of "Willie" Dillon, the small town boy who grew up in the horse and buggy age and who expects to live to see the first man on the moon. That he will make it. there seems to be little doubt. The much larger question is whether or not his sons will make it. For it seems that Dad has apparently, (and secretly), concocted the real elixir of life. At the rate he is going, we will meet him at St. Peter's gate, and when we ask him where he has been so long, he will undoubtedly pull out an anti-gravity device and explain that it took him a little longer than usual. Thus, while the nomination for Fellow form which you have forwarded may be short on formal schooling. degrees or published books and papers, perhaps this greatly briefed summary of my Dad's life will at least shed some light on his accomplishments which will help you and other members to arrive at a decision.

Regardless of what this may be. I would like for you to know how much it means to all of us to feel that our Dad might be considered in this way. That alone is a great honor in itself. If you feel there might be any other way in which I can personally assist you in this evaluation, I hope you will please feel free to call on me. I am son number 5 among six sons and have more than a little pride myself in a father who has set a straight pace for me in some 52 years of trying to measure up to his stature!

Cordially yours,
W. C. Dillon & Company, Inc.