Capitol Engineering Company was founded in Cambridge in 1937 by Clarence H. Chaisson, P.E. Clarence, MIT trained as a naval architect and marine engineer, started Capitol for the design and construction of air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems for industrial, commercial, and institutional clients.Clarence and Capitol specifically targeted providing air conditioning for the many movie theaters in the region. The introduction of safe, stable freon refrigerants opened up a whole new world of opportunities and soon both Clarence and Capitol became well known for their many air conditioning installation in theaters throughout New England.In 1953, upon his graduation from the University of Maine in mechanical engineering, William T. Chaisson joined his father at Capitol Engineering. Together, Bill and Clarence were designing, fabricating, and installing innovative air conditioning systems before the rest of the industry. These systems included custom designed and fabricated glycol cooled computer room air conditioners, custom built drying ovens for manufacturers, and the development of custom prewired control panels for HVAC systems.