Kenneth Reiner (April 2, 1916 – September 12, 2011[1]) was an American industrialist, philanthropist and inventor best known for constructing Silvertop, a landmark which is recognized one of the prominent architectural works of John Lautner.[3][4] He also manufactured hair clips and Kaylock, a self-locking aircraft nut. After the World War II broke out, he invented spring steel Lady Ellen Klippies that subsequently captured 90% of market share. In 1974, he was charged with bankruptcy, leading him to sell Silvertop project.
Kenneth Reiner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 12, 1916 Brooklyn, US |
| Died | September 12, 2011 (aged 95) |
| Education | B.E.E. |
| Alma mater | Purdue University |
| Occupation(s) | Industrialist, Inventor, Philanthropist[2] |
| Notable work | Silvertop, Midtown School |
| Spouses | Helen Katherine
(m. 1940; div. 1971)Dorothy J Thomas
(m. 1971–2011) |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Rose Hartsworn (sister) |
At an apparent age of 75, he used to take part in singing lessons and later he became a prominent benefactor of Musical Theatre West, a musical theatre of Long Beach. After completing singing lessons, he along with his wife used to hosted musical salons.[1]
Biography
editHe was born in Brooklyn, New York, US on April 2, 1916. He lived in Los Angeles by the latter. He received his initial schooling from the Brooklyn Ethical Culture School and graduated from the New York Boys High School in 1933. Later in 1937, he attended Purdue University where he obtained electrical engineering degree. He went to Los Angeles and was briefly employed at Lockheed Aircraft.[5] He started Kaynar Corp in 1943, a corporation designed to manufacture bolts for the aerospace manufacturer industry.[1]
He also invented heating and cooling systems of low velocity, ceiling lights and light-transmitting electrical skylights. He constructed Midtown School in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. To construct a facility for Kaynar, Reiner hired Jack Hilmer but this project along with the construction of his Silvertop home was urned over to John Lautner.[6] The Silvertop construction was partially completed at $1 million.[7] In 2014, Luke Wood purchased the house for $8.55 million.[8]
Death
editHe died in Long Beach, California, on September 12, 2011, after a chronic condition.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Kenneth Reiner dies at 95; industrialist built landmark Silvertop home". Los Angeles Times. September 23, 2011.
- ^ Editor, Harry SaltzgaverExecutive. "Inventor, Philanthropist Reiner Dies". www.Gazettes.com.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Binkley, Christina (January 15, 2018). "Inside Beats President Luke Wood's John Lautner-Designed L.A. Home". Wall Street Journal – via www.wsj.com.
- ^ Hess, J.; Hess, A.; Lautner, J.; Weintraub, A. (1999). The Architecture of John Lautner. Universe Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8478-2222-5. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
- ^ de Wit, Wim; Alexander, Christopher James (2013). Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990. Getty Publications. p. 158. ISBN 978-1-60606-128-2.
- ^ Hess, Alan (2007). Forgotten Modern: California Houses 1940-1970. Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith. p. 73. ISBN 978-1-58685-858-2.
- ^ Kudler, Adrian Glick (September 23, 2011). "The Man Who Helped Make Lautner's Silvertop a Reality". Curbed LA.
- ^ "Hollywood Marvels at the Ghost of John Lautner at Gala Hosted by Beats' Luke Wood | Hollywood Reporter". www.hollywoodreporter.com. October 6, 2017.
- ^ Woo, Elaine; Times, Los Angeles (September 23, 2011). "Kenneth Reiner dies at 95; industrialist built landmark Silvertop home". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
Further reading
edit- Bonvicini, P. (1981). John Lautner: architettura organico-sperimentale. Universale di architettura (in Italian). Dedalo. ISBN 978-88-220-3347-5. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
- "Reiner, Kenenth, House, Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA". PCAD. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
- Rottenberg, D. (1986). Finding Our Fathers: A Guidebook to Jewish Genealogy. Genealogical Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-8063-1151-7. Retrieved September 17, 2020.