Domestic Life, Division of (NMAH, SI). Search this
Former owner:
Domestic Life, Division of (NMAH, SI). Search this
Extent:
4 Cubic feet (10 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Schedules
Sales catalogs
Date:
1977-1980
Scope and Contents note:
The collection consists of the raw materials (completed schedules and catalogues) for a survey of material of historical interest and importance associated with American furniture manufacturers. There is a folder for each of the approximately 210 furniture manufacturing companies asked to participate in the survey, filed alphabetically by company.
Nearly all of the material has been kept in the original folders (not acid free) which are filed alphabetically by company. It is in excellent condition (1988) but should be transferred to acid free folders if a decision to keep it indefinitely is made).
Arrangement:
This collection is arranged alphabetically by company name.
Biographical/Historical note:
This collection constitutes the raw materials from an attempt to survey the archival holdings of American furniture manufacturers which was undertaken by the office of Dr. Richard H. Howland, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1978-1979. The survey was intended as a preliminary study of industry owned collections and the possibility of a repository for such material. A letter and schedule were sent to approximately 210 furniture companies in the summer of 1979. In some instances follow up letters were sent in the fall. Each company was asked to complete a single page schedule and to send a catalogue if available.
Of the approximately 210 companies which received schedules, over 100 companies failed to respond. Forty five schedules were returned and more then 60 companies provided catalogues. Several companies sent brochures, pamphlets or annual reports in addition to or in lieu of catalogues. A few folders contain correspondence relating to prospective visits by the project director, or to preliminary plans for the survey.
The material received was not analyzed and no formal report was written. Funding did not materialize and the project was discontinued.
David A. Hanks, who worked on various projects under Dr. Howland's sponsorship before moving to New York in 1979 and Mrs. Johanna Rieg, a volunteer, worked on the project.
Page 5 of David Hanks paper before the Decorative Arts Archives Conference held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on October 21, 1979 refers to a report by Mrs. Rieg on the initial findings of the survey. A telephone conversation with Mrs. Rieg March 2, 1988 indicated that her statement was an informal one not a written paper. At that time the project was not far enough along for any significant data to be available.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Reproduction permission from Archives Center: fees for commercial use.
Frary Cutlery Co. ; Muller & Phipps (Hawaii), Ltd ; L. G. Hawkins & Co. (London, United Kingdom) ; Landers, Frary and Clark of Canada (Ontario) ; Muller & Phipps Africa Pty., Ltd. (Johannesburg, South Africa) Search this
Notes content:
Cutlery ; housewares ; electric appliances ; plumbing fixtures and brass goods ; "Simplex" stop and waste cocks ; bibbs ; water cooler and beer cocks ; faucets ; towel racks ; other bathroom fixtures ; tableware ; cooking knives , forks , and spoons ; "Universal" cutlery; shears ; pocket knives ; clam and oyster knives ; display cases ; World War II wartime publication ; vacuum bottles (thermoses) ; lunch kits ; fruit juice extractor ; coffee percolators ; meat choppers ; "Universal" health scales ; bathroom scales ; "Universal" super-heat range ; "Mercury" and "Speedking" ovens ; "Universal" electric appliances ; irons ; toasters ; waffle irons ; food mixers ; heating pads ; curling irons ; "Speedliner" electric ranges ; "Universal" refrigerators ; washing machines with "sterilators"; home laundry equipment ; "Coffeematic" automatic coffee maker ; blenders ; portable stoves ; vacuum cleaners ; automatic can openers ; hair dryers ; coffee mills ; putty knives ; hunting knives ; ice picks ; butcher's tools ; "Crown" coffee and drug mills ; vegetable slicers ; measuring spoons ; spring balances ; other cutlery, tableware, and appliances
Milton Bradley Co. ; Modernfold ; New Castle Products, Inc. Search this
Notes content:
1959 catalog of classic mid-20th century school furniture: chairs (plywood and metal, fiberglass and metal) ; desks ; tables ; auditorium and stadium seating
Includes:
Trade catalog
Color images
Physical description:
1 piece; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
New Castle, Indiana, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Educational institutions; equipment and supplies (includes playground equipment) Search this
Circa 1989-1990 retail catalog for seller of: women's clothing and accessories ; home accessories and furnishings ; kitchen and bath supplies ; pool and beach toys and furniture.
Includes:
Trade catalog and price lists
Color images
Physical description:
5 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Clocks and watches (including clock-making and watch-making equipment) Search this
Clothing (including hats; shoes; accessories; etc) Search this
undated catalog for products used in home and commercial building circa 1900 ; 1921 catalog of "Lumber, Millwork and Other Building Materials". Wood items: cypress shingles ; pine lath ; siding ; lawn swing kits ; fir guttering ; columns ; cabinetry ; balusters ; window frames and trims ; doors ; Venetian blinds ; shutters ; trim ; flooring ; medicine cabinets ; fireplace mantels. Asphalt and felt roofing ; plaster ; steel ceilings ; standing seam metal roofing ; corrugated metal sheets ; window glass ; store fronts and fittings ; hardware ; paint ; brushes ; carpet.
Includes:
Trade catalog and price lists
Black and white images
Physical description:
2 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Architectural designs and building materials Search this
Ceramics; pottery; glass; crystal; china; bricks; and stones Search this
One piece OVERSIZE ; Illustrated trade literature ; gas and electric globes, shades, etc. ; includes Enos' Chart of Old Cup Plates, Chart No. 9, Sandwich Glass ; lighting glassware
Includes:
Trade catalog and price lists
Black and white images
Physical description:
4 pieces; 2 boxes
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Date range:
1800s-1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Architectural designs and building materials Search this
Ceramics; pottery; glass; crystal; china; bricks; and stones Search this
UNIQUE. 1869 price list for plumbing supply (faucets, valves, cocks, stops, pipes) wholesaler. 1893 catalog of plumbing supplies - includes color plates of fancy painted porcelain sink bowls and toilets. Circa 1914 flyer for "aquameter" self-measuring flush valve for toilets.
