The United States

In the narrative tapestry of Timoshenko's life, 1922 unfurled as a year of pivotal change, bringing an end to his tenure in Zagreb and propelling him towards new horizons. The catalyst for this monumental shift was a letter that bridged continents and reunited Timoshenko with a familiar name from his past. Viktor Zelov, once a pupil of Timoshenko at the Petersburg Polytechnic and known in his native Russia as Tselovalnikov, had carved out a niche for himself in the industrial landscape of America. As the founder and president of the Viz Manufacturing Company in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Zelov's success story was a beacon of potential for Timoshenko.

However, it was Zelov's association with the Vibration Specialty Company and its president, Akimoff, who was well-acquainted with Timoshenko's groundbreaking work, that opened a new door for Timoshenko. An offer of employment from this company was the turning point, leading him to set foot in Philadelphia alone in June 1922. This journey was not just a physical relocation but a leap into the unknown, marking the beginning of a challenging chapter in Timoshenko's life.

America, in the early 1920s, was a land of contrasts—rich with opportunity, yet daunting in its vastness and cultural differences. Timoshenko found himself grappling with a mix of emotions; the promise of a new start was shadowed by feelings of depression and fear. His initial experiences in the country, particularly his work at the Vibration Specialty Company, were a far cry from the focused, academic environment he had thrived in. Despite the financial stability the job offered, Timoshenko was faced with uncertainty, sensing a palpable lack of direction for his family's future.

Amidst these challenges, Timoshenko's resolve was tested. His ultimate decision to stay in America was not made lightly. This was a choice imbued with sacrifice and hope—the sacrifice of leaving behind two of his children in Germany for the promise of a better opportunities, and the hope for a brighter future for his family. By the fall of 1922, Timoshenko made the difficult decision to send for his wife and youngest child. This critical move, however poignant, solidified his commitment to his new life in America.

From his new vantage point in Philadelphia, Timoshenko began looking for other jobs, naturally beginning with the well-known engineering schools. He records that he received no reply from any one of these. Eventually, one of his letters reached the engineering group at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in East Pittsburgh. He was identified by L. S. Jacobsen as the author of many interesting papers in applied mechanics, and it became this writer's pleasure to make the first contact with him. Soon after, Timoshenko received a formal offer to join the Westinghouse Research Laboratory.

Timoshenko's arrival at Westinghouse in 1922 marked the beginning of an extraordinary era in East Pittsburgh, during which an impressive cadre of young talent gathered. These individuals were recruited for various roles, including supporting the educational initiatives of design schools, engaging in laboratory research, consulting, and sometimes participating in design department projects. The burgeoning Westinghouse Club in Wilkinsburg became a hub of intellectual activity, organizing evening lectures and seminars in addition to the regular daytime sessions sponsored by the company. The roster of speakers at these events reads like a "Who's Who" of the era, with Timoshenko mentioning notable names such as V. Zworykin, Muromtsev, G.B. Karelitz, and J.M. Lessells, alongside contributions from Joseph Slepian, Peters, Fortesque, and many others. Timoshenko's influence led to the inclusion of O.G. Tietjens and A. Nadai in this distinguished group.

The first cohort of the Mechanical Design School boasted members like V.D. Barker, H.D. Else, L.S. Jacobsen, B.E. James, and J. Ormondroyd, with later additions including luminaries such as J.P. Den Hartog, R.E. Peterson, R.B. Smith, R.P. Kroon, M.D. Stone, and others. Although Timoshenko was a pivotal figure, it's important to recognize that this intellectual renaissance had begun before his arrival and encompassed a broader spectrum of science beyond the confines of applied mechanics. Those who participated in this movement experienced, perhaps for the first time, an excellence in teaching and a genuine culture of innovation in science and technology.

The lecture series evolved into evening courses at the Westinghouse Club, with contributions from both Timoshenko and younger colleagues on topics such as "Graphical Integration," "Bessel's Functions," "Ritz' Method," "Vector Analysis," and "Critical Speeds." The intellectual climate of East Pittsburgh during this period was heavily influenced by advancements in modern physics, drawing the interest of physicists and engineers alike. The presence of leading international scientists in Pittsburgh fostered a keen interest in contemporary scientific theories, including relativity, cosmology, quantum physics, and wave theory, under the tutelage of adept mathematicians like Slepian.

Source: National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoirs, photographs obtained from SPT's family.