The Miracle of the Can

J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of an archival/documentary film produced in 1956 by The American Can Company, we will examine the fascinating and largely unknown story of how the introduction (in the 19th Century) of the can directly affected the agricultural economy and indirectly, the overall economic development of the nation.

The development of can design to accommodate food industry needs, consolidation of the can industry (in 1901) and the evolution of can manufacturing techniques and processes will be examined thoroughly for it is an exemplary example of mass production development in the 20th Century.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Understand/appreciate the origins of can manufacturing in the United States;
• Understand/appreciate how canned foods extended the harvest season throughout the year by preservation;
• Understand/appreciate the problems with early can design and production;
• Understand/appreciate the evolution of can design and production;
• Understand/appreciate the impact of canned food on the agrarian economy and national economy; and
• Understand/appreciate the impact of the simple can on mass production.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the design and manufacture of the can and its far-ranging effects on the economy and mass production.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of an archival/documentary film produced in 1956 by the American Can Company for the purpose of educating the public as to the importance of the can in the economic life of the nation. It demonstrates the need to preserve foods throughout the year and how the can satisfied that need, but needed to be made more efficient and in greater numbers.

Course Content

TITLE: Miracle of the Can (ca.1956)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0175_Miracle_of_the_Can_18_00_46_00
DURATION: 41:56

Course Summary

They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step. In the case of the transformation of America from a farm-based economy to an industry-based economy by the middle of the 20th Century, one need only understand the origins and development of the simple tin-can to understand how this “first-step” in this great transformation was achieved. The can’s creation and development stimulated both the agrarian economy and the manufacturing economy to the benefit of all concerned.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Can_Company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68y6y8sN4bY
(Film: Food Preservation: History of Canning, ca. 1957 - 13:01)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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