Taylor attended Phillips-Exeter Academy. He was a devout student, doing very well with his studies. To achieve good grades, Taylor studied many long hours. It was quite unfortunate that Taylor was to miss Harvard Law School due to bad eyes that doctors attrributed to studying in the poor light of a kerosene lamp. In later years it was realized that his eye problem was actually caused by stress, as it improved after he left Phillips. Taylor moved back home after graduating from Phillips. He realized that he should take up a trade and got a job as an apprentice machinist and pattern maker. Having spent four years learning his trade, Taylor got a job as a yard laborer at Midvale Steel Company. Taylor realized that at this point he needed to continue his education. He convinced the people at Stevens Institute of Technology to allow him to attend classes long distance. He would study in his spare time in Philadelphia and go to the school in New Jersey to take his exams. In June of 1883, Taylor graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He subsequently joined the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Midvale Steel Company The Midvale Steel Company was part of the post Civil War expansion of industrialized Philadelphia. They made steel railroad tires. Due to poor management, Midvale failed in 1873. Fortunately for Taylor, the company was sold and prospered under the direction of the new owners. There were two reasons for the success of the company. The first was that the company was able to improve their scientific processes. The second reason was they were to receive contracts to manufacture Naval gun forgings. By the 1890's, Midvale was one of the countries largest defense contracters. The company was in period of rapid growth. Taylor advanced quickly at Midvale. In eight years he would be promoted from ordinary laborer through the ranks of time keeper, machinist, gang boss, foreman, assistant engineer to chief engineer of the plant.
