CONGRATULATIONS APOLLO XI
(we’re basking In your success)
As Earthmen, we are proud of Columbia and Eagle and man’s first exploration of the Moon.
We are also proud of our Masoneilan people and equipment which contributed to the successful missions of Mercury and Gemini and now Apollo XI and Astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins.
Our control valves and instruments (over 200 of them in the Apollo Launch Complex 39A) controlled the flows of Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Hydrogen, Liquid Nitrogen, Nitrogen Tetroxide, RP-I Kerosene, Aerozine 50 and Helium in a variety of services including:
- fueling all three stages of the Saturn V launch vehicle
- supplying gases under pressure to operate the many kinds of pneumatic-mechanical actuators in the launch base
- supplying the gases used to heat and cool electronic and other ground support launch equipment
- fueling the Columbia capsule’s reaction control system and the fuel cells which supplied its electrical power
- supplying the fuel aboard the Eagle lunar module which enabled its landing and takeoff
- and even storing on both the command capsule and LM the oxygen which the astronauts breathed
No, we didn’t go to the Moon.
But we’d like you to share our pride and excitement, because, most of the time, our valves and instruments do very unglamorous things—like controlling steam in electric power plants—or refining petroleum—or processing chemicals and gases—or making pulp and paper—and even brewing beer.
Now that we’ve had our brief place in the Moon, we’ll go forward to establishing our place in the Sun—as one of the largest manufacturers of automatic control valves in this World.
We’ll be back for the other Apollo missions and wherever else in the Universe you’re going.
MASONEILAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS 02062, U.S.A.
Sales and Engineering Offices in most major cities of the world and manufacturing facilities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Franco, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger
More Norwood Business History
-
Norwood Entrepreneur Quontay Turner-January 30, 2026
Quontay Turner, owner of The Emerald City Plant Shop on Washington Street, for her business success and community leadership.
-
A Black-Owned Plant Shop Blooms In The Pandemic’s Wake-June 9, 2021
Quontay Turner opened Emerald City Plant Shop in Norwood, becoming New England’s first Black woman-owned plant store, turning a pandemic leap into a thriving botanical oasis and community space.
-
Hurley’s Beer & Wine Relocates to Vanderbilt Avenue-July 17, 2015
After 16 years in South Norwood, Hurley is navigating increased competition by emphasizing community involvement and quality customer service.
-
Savers Thrift Store Grand Opening In Norwood-July 30, 2013
On July 30, 2013, Savers Thrift Store opened at 560 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood, providing affordable goods, jobs, and charitable support.
-
Boston’s Baddest Burger-August 10, 2012
Kevin Tortorella’s “Boston’s Baddest Burger” is now serving fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch options in Norwood and Boston, marking the town’s first fully licensed food truck.
-
Ruma’s Fruit & Gift Basket World Wins Businesswoman of the Year-July 10, 2010
Tracing its roots back to 1900 on the cobblestones of Haymarket Square, the Ruma family of Norwood built a century-old produce and gift basket enterprise that earned Businesswoman of the Year honors in 2010.
-
Revitalizing Norwood Center: A Town’s Rebirth-July 2, 2005
Discover how Norwood has been working to transform its central business district into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.
-
Slump in Chip Industry Hits Norwood Maker-This Day In Norwood History – July 21, 1998
Analog Devices Inc. struggled with falling revenues in 1998 as global demand for semiconductors and testing equipment plummeted. Despite the fiscal pressure, the Norwood company avoided layoffs, maintaining its workforce through the market downturn.
-
Ice-Cream Vendor Disputes Fees Demanded by Norwood Arts Council-July 18, 1991
The dispute involved allegations of intimidation, Open Meeting Law concerns, and tensions over who is permitted to sell goods on the Norwood Common.
-
Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990
A significant chapter in the history of South Norwood business and family legacy came to an end on July 20, 1990. The Butters family pharmacy, a staple in the community for over four decades, ceased operations after Helen Butters, the selectman’s mother and president of the family business, decided to sell the pharmaceutical stock and…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.