George W. Newton Oral History Interview, October 9, 2008

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
No restrictions.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Newton, George W.
Abstract:

George W. Newton was the former head of Duke's surgical instrument shop.

Contains interview tapes and transcript of an oral history interview with George W. Newton. Major subjects in this interview include Newton's experiences at Duke University, Dr. Deryl Hart, and Newton Instrument Company. This interview was conducted on 9 December 2008 by Jessica Roseberry.

Language:
English
Collection ID:
OH.NEWTONG

Background

Scope and content:

Contains interview CD and transcript of an oral history interview with George W. Newton, the former head of Duke's surgical instrument shop. Newton's experiences at Duke University, Dr. Deryl Hart, and Newton Instrument Company are the major subjects of this interview.

Biographical / historical:

Mr. George W. Newton graduated from Durham High School in 1939, showing a preference for engineering, drawing, and science classes. After graduation, he attained an apprenticeship at the Duke physics instrument shop, where he worked until 1947. By 1942, he was in charge of the physics instrument shop. In 1947, he became the head of maintenance at Durham Hosiery Mills, but still continued to produce instruments on a contract basis. In 1949, Dr. Deryl Hart asked Newton to head Duke's new surgical instrument shop for instruments specifically created for medical center needs. That same year, he also opened Newton Instrument Company, a private business that would eventually grow to be staffed by as many as 650 employees, including members of the Newton family. He retired from Newton Instrument Company in 1986. Newton has six patents under his name. He was a founding trustee of Durham Instrument Education Center, now known as Durham Technical Community College, and served as vice president and president of the board of trustees during his 26-year term of service.

Acquisition information:
Acquired; 9 October 2008.
Processing information:

Processed by Jessica Roseberry, June 2009 Encoded by Dawne Howard Lucas, June 2009

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Duke University Medical Center Library's online catalog.

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

No restrictions.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], George W. Newton Interview, Duke University Medical Center Archives.