National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry Search this
Extent:
8.5 Cubic feet (17 boxes, 1 map folder)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Catalogs
Clippings
Correspondence
Magazines (periodicals)
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Notebooks
Patents
Photographs
Date:
1852-1972
Scope and Contents note:
The collection documents the history of farm machinery in America, especially steam-powered machines, with an emphasis on tractors. The collections includes Brown's correspondence with individuals and institutions regarding his research and his collection, writings, research notes, newspaper and magizine clippings, photographs, periodicals, and trade literature. Many of Brown's writings appeared in the Iron-Men Album. Also included is a history Brown compiled on early American farm power titled, Pictorial History of Early American Farm Power, 1953.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into seven series.
Personal Materials, 1945-1952
Correspondence, 1912-1960
Photographs, 1896-1958
Writings, 1915-1958
Research Notes, 1857-1958
Newspaper and Magazine Clippings, 1898-1972
Periodicals, 1946-1960
Trade Literature, 1852-1960
Biographical/Historical note:
Bernis Bertram Brown (1888-1960) was born in Gillians, Missouri. Brown worked for the Austin-Western Road Machinery Company and was a dealer, salesmen, and repairman of farm equipment, especially steam powered engines. Brown was a regular contributor to the Iron-Men Album Magazine with articles about valves, reverse gears and various steam and gas engines.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center
Carterpillar Tractor Company Photograph Collection, NMAH.AC.0146
John K. Parlett Collection of Agricultural Ephemera, NMAH.AC.1225
Provenance:
Collected for the National Museum of American History, Division of Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.