Andre Koronski

André Koronski graduated from Drexel Institute in Design and Decoration in 1902, where he exhibited "a case of silver monograms and a fob [and] a small wood chest with brass hinges and key plate … delicate and extremely original". (Philadelphia Inquirer June 8, 1902, page 28)

In his 30s, he transferred that skill to engineering as an "Aero Draughtsman" at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He continued to craft, now with a mechanical bent: between 1913 and 1939, he filed and was awarded at least five patents for inventions. In 1913 he applied for "certain new and useful Improvements in Computing Machines…most usually referred to as adding machines", followed by a "Machine for calculating moments of inertia" (1920) and a "Fastener-setting device" (1921).

In 1925 Koronski legally changed his name to Andrew King. His wife Elizabeth (who also changed her name) testified "his Polish name hindered his advancement and they thought his physical affliction was a sufficient handicap". Koronski had contracted polio at 9 months old and was labeled "totally disabled' on his 1918 draft card.

Koronski had emmigrated to the U.S. from his birthplace of Switzerland as an infant. His and Elizabeth's new 1920 home at 407 Grove Place, still standing, is designed as a Swiss chalet. By 1935, they lived at 521 Broad Acres Rd., just outside Narberth in Penn Valley.

Updated March 26, 2023.