Object 5: Firebox boiler

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MSA’s massive Kewanee Boiler

"Attention! Boiler Room Helpers: Observe these regulations." This eye-catching header is printed on a large, yellow plywood sign standing vigil near the formidable Kewanee Boiler, nestled under the Canteen. For numerous decades, this vital piece of equipment was tended to by the school's own students. These voluntary helpers kept Old Main and the other campus buildings warm during the cold winters by dutifully feeding the boiler with sawdust and kindling.

Acquired in the 1920s, the Kewanee Boiler faithfully served the school community for half a century before it was finally replaced in 1970 by a newer model. Yet, even in retirement, the hulking Kewanee Boiler is an enduring symbol of the school's history.

The Kewanee Boiler Company was established in 1868 by Valerius Anderson in Kewanee, Illinois. Initially, it produced steam feed cookers, but under Anderson's vision, the company quickly expanded its range of products and went on to become the world's premier manufacturer of steel boilers. By the 1920s, the name Kewanee had become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and exceptional engineering, thus making it a fitting choice for the exacting standards of MSA.

When the Kewanee boiler was purchased, the school was grappling with the financial challenges of surging fuel costs in the aftermath of World War I. Furthermore, the dam that had been built during Charles Vawter’s tenure had begun to show signs of leakage, which led to decreased efficiency of the hydroelectric system. The introduction of the Kewanee boiler, while a significant investment during these trying times, proved to be a wise choice. It offered a reliable and, by the standards of 1920, an energy-efficient source of heat for the school. Even though this esteemed piece of equipment has since been replaced, it remains a significant artifact of MSA’s history, symbolizing a bygone era of perseverance and adaptability.