Administration Building Lobby

Receptionist Mary Louise Gosney enjoys the new Administration Building at the NACA’s Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory. The Administration Building, which was located near the front entrance to the laboratory, opened in December 1942. The staff, which had spent the previous year working in temporary offices inside the hangar, quickly occupied the new building. Lab director Raymond Sharp, the upper management team, and administrative staff had offices in the Administration Building. The structure also contained the lab’s library and auditorium. Gosney was a Chicago native who started at the lab in November 1941. Gosney’s services included welcoming visitors, arranging tours, and arranging interviews with staff members. Gosney’s “Lobby Lines” column in the lab’s newsletter Wing Tips noted the coming and goings of notable visitors and staff members. In addition to her role as receptionist, Gosney also served as the clearance officer. She would later head the entire Administrative Services Division.