In 1984, 20 years after its founding, the Cryogenic Society of America was re-incorporated in the state of Illinois under new leadership. President Romuald (Ray) Szara explained the changes in a letter to the membership quoted in Vol. 1, No. 1 of the new CSA magazine, Cold Facts.
The headquarters had been moved to Chicago in the 1970s and then again back to California where it had originated. Cold Facts quoted Szara’s reasoning that when CSA was founded, “it made sense that headquarters be in California, since the largest supporter of the society was the aerospace industry which was concentrated there.” However, “in recent years, cryogenic activity had shifted to the Midwest, particularly the Chicago metropolitan area.
“For example, both Fermilab and Argonne National Lab are active in cryogenic research; many major universities are actively engaged in both basic and applied cryogenic research, and the area has a number of air separation plants and is a center for cryogenic food freezing—in use, in R&D and in manufacture of equipment. Several major cryogenic companies are headquartered here, two LNG peak shaving plants are within the area, as well as one of the largest manufacturers of natural gas liquefiers and storage and shipping facilities. Also, the medical industry in the Chicago area is active in the use of cryogenics in diagnostic tools, cell preservation and innovative operative techniques.”
Szara was quoted as believing that “the best is yet to come” in cryogenics and he invited members to become active in the society, to get to know one another, to communicate accomplishments and work together to meet the challenges of the future.
The new officers decided to use Cold Facts as “a tool for all those engaged in cryogenics, whatever their applications or area of interest, to exchange ideas, learn about new developments and share concerns. It will be a forum for the exchange of ideas: so write us and let us know your news!”
At the time of its reorganization, there were very few individual members beyond the founders and no sustaining members. Cold Facts was a slim publication, printed on blue paper in black and white and there were no ads, but the founders put their faith in what was just a newsletter to renew the society and be an agent of change.
CSA President Szara, who was Assistant to the Director and Cryogenic Engineer, the James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, had previously served as CSA President in 1973 and chairman of the Board of Directors in 1977. He was chairman of the Midwest chapter in 1970-71. He and James Missig, who was Board Chairman and President-Elect in 1985, had been instrumental in moving the society from California to give it new life.
Other officers were Merwin Clapp, Secretary, Claus Rode, Treasurer, and Werner K. Huget, Records Secretary. Huget’s company, Huget Advertising, was responsible for the newsletter and membership, which it was hoped would grow. His wife, Laurie Huget, a journalist and Vice President of Huget Advertising, would take on this responsibility in the coming years.
George French was Chairman of the Midwest chapter of CSA, which was the only one existing then.
The first issue of Cold Facts invited news: “Cold Facts welcomes hot news items!” It had a short book review, a call for both corporate and classified advertising, and encouraged dues payment: $30 for individuals and $200 for Corporate Sustaining Members.
There was a technical article by Szara on “The Elusive Magnetic Monopole,” and several items of “Cryogenics in the News.” This first issue also featured a calendar, and highlighted the upcoming CECE/ICMC to be held August 12-17 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There was also a Safety Alert from the Compressed Gas Association regarding ICC-9 acetylene cylinders.
