National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering Search this
Extent:
11.3 Cubic feet (2 boxes, 40 oversize folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Blueprints
Drawings
Correspondence
Place:
Erie (Penn.)
Date:
circa 1890-1939
Summary:
This collection contains documents related to Nagle Engine and Boiler Works, including photographs, drawings, correspondence, and catalogues.
Scope and Contents:
The collection includes drawings, blueprints, correspondence, and published materials related to Nagle Engine and Boiler Works. The collection is divided into four series.
Series 1: Personal Papers, 1912-1915, includes correspondence between T.M. Nagle and various construction companies, notably Kirschner Brothers Contractors and Builders. The correspondence is primarily concerns various additions and improvements to Nagle's private property, and dates 1912-1914. The series also includes building specifications and miscellaneous notes and calculations.
Series 2: Correspondence, 1914, includes business letters exchanged between Nagle Engine and Boiler Works and its suppliers and customers.
Series 3: Catalogues/Price Lists, 1903-1926, is composed primarily of catalogues, including a leather-bound book containing blank graphing paper and several catalogues, which was given to B.P. Morse of Morse Brothers Machinery Company. Also included are price lists, circulars and bulletins, and a book of testimonials from Nagle customers. In addition, this series contains some loose sheets including ads and articles referencing Nagle products and an instruction sheet for a Hassle Oil Engine.
Series 4: Photographs, undated, is divided into folders based on subject. There are photographs featuring standard boilers, vertical and wheeled boilers, steam engines, and miscellaneous parts. One folder contains images of Nagle products printed on cardstock for use in publication.
Series 5: Drawings, 1890-1938, includes oversize blueprints, tables, and diagrams produced by Nagle Engine and Boiler Works and Pennsylvania Boiler Works. Steam engines make up the bulk of the series, although boilers and miscellaneous parts are also represented.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into five series.
Series 1: Personal Papers, 1912-1915
Series 2: Correspondence, 1914
Series 3: Catalogues and Price Lists, 1903-1926
Series 4: Photographs, undated
Series 5: Drawings, circa 1890-1938
Biographical / Historical:
Nagle Engine and Boiler Works was founded by T.M. Nagle in 1879 and incorporated in 1896. The company was based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was affiliated with Pennsylvania Boiler Works. For over fifty years, Nagle Engine and Boiler Works manufactured steam engines and boilers, including the Corliss engine model. It ceased production in 1940.
Related Materials:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collection
Trade Catalogues from Nagle Engine and Boiler Works
MC*316892, Nagle Steam Engine, Vertical Slide-valve
MC*329758, Gardner Throttling Steam Engine Governor
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
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.
