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Ralph Baldwin Chapin, born July 3, 1915, in Batavia, New York. In 1937 he then went on to graduate from MIT 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.
[edit] 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 1960's. In 2000 he donated his family land near Batavia New York 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.
[edit] 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 industrial and professional sprayers for world-wide distribution.
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