Sneha Girap (Editor)

Ralph Chapin

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Residence
  
Batavia, New York

Nationality
  
United States


Title
  
Chairman / Treasurer

Name
  
Ralph Chapin

Born
  
July 3, 1915 (
1915-07-03
)

Died
  
August 8, 2000(2000-08-08) (aged 85)

Known for
  
Contributions to Rochester Zen Center. One of first Zen practitioners in the U.S.

Board member of
  
Board of R.E. Chapin Works

Ralph chapin hazelnut harvest filbert harvesting in oregon part 4


Ralph Baldwin Chapin (July 3, 1915 – August 8, 2000), was born in Batavia, New York. He graduated from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1937 with a degree in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering. He also had business dealings in Hong Kong making flashlights. In 1945 Ralph returned to Batavia and joined the R. E. Chapin Manufacturing Works, Inc., during this time he held the position of Chairman and Treasurer.

Contents

Historical significance

Sangha member of the Rochester Zen Center and one of the earliest American Zen practitioners. He joined the center in 1965. Longtime friend of Philip Kapleau. He is notable for his continued donations to the fledgling center in the 1960s. In 2000 he donated his family land near Batavia to the Rochester Zen Center. The center immediately broke ground for the retreat center. In 2007 the zendo was finally completed and regular sesshin are held there.

R.E. Chapin Manufacturing Works

Founded by his grandfather R. E. Chapin in 1884, the company originally started in the back of a hardware store in Oakfield, New York, producing kerosene oil storage containers for oil lamps. Early in 1900's, after relocating to Batavia, the company began producing hand-operated garden sprayers, and today builds household, industrial and professional sprayers for worldwide distribution.

References

Ralph Chapin Wikipedia