Abstract The Kenneth R. Prentiss papers (1947-1970) contain correspondence, publications, reports, notes, and notebooks, mostly dealing with Prentiss's work in mechanical engineering on ventilating systems and water boiler systems for airplanes. Prentiss graduated from Purdue University with bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps, and later worked in the aerospace industry.