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Kern Dental Equipment Collection

Creator:
Kern, George Robert, 1894-1962 (cabinet maker, machinist)  Search this
Kern, George Robert, Jr., 1919-1987  Search this
Names:
Densco, Inc.  Search this
Fairfax Manufacturing Company.  Search this
Hazleton Laboratories.  Search this
Kern Laboratory Equipment Company.  Search this
Hazelton, L. W.  Search this
Henninger, R. G.  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Medical History  Search this
Extent:
3 Cubic feet (9 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Correspondence
Drawings
Patents
Blueprints
Advertisements
Date:
1936-1970
Summary:
Blueprints, drawings, patent applications, patents, product photographs, correspondence, bills and receipts, advertising, and published articles related to the Kerns' products. The bulk of the material, 1949-1958, is from George Kern's files. It primarily relates to the development and marketing of the Dentagraph and high speed dental drills before the formation of the Fairfax Manufacturing Company in 1957.
Scope and Contents:
This collection includes blueprints and drawings, patent applications, patents, product photographs, correspondence, bills and receipts, advertising, and published articles related to the Kern's products. The bulk of the material, dating from 1949 to 1958, is from George Kern's files. It primarily relates to the development and marketing of the Dentagraph and high speed dental drills before the formation of the Fairfax Manufacturing Company in 1957. Most of the FMC material document's Kern's role as a stockholder. However, a large portion of the blueprints and drawings were created by his son or other FMC employees. Several of the patents are George Kern, Jr.'s, and there are copies of other people's patents that relate to the Kerns' patents or inventing activities. The collection has been arranged in chronological order within five series.
Arrangement:
The collection is divided into five series.

Series 1: Personal Papers, 1952-1959

Series 2: Product Files, 1945-1968

Series 3: Marketing Records, 1936-1962

Series 4: Client Files, 1949-1958

Series 5: Competitor Files, 1957
Biographical / Historical:
George Robert Kern was born in 1894 and died in 1962. He was an Arlington, Va., area cabinet maker and machinist who went on to invent several pieces of dental equipment that helped revolutionize the field of dentistry in the early 1950s he was joined in these endeavors by his son, George Kern, Jr.

The elder George Kern began working with dental equipment according to his promotional material because of his own experience with poor fitting dentures. As a machinist accustomed to tight tolerances, he knew it must be possible to make dentures fit better. The result of his work was the Dentagraph and his first patent, granted in 1950. In 1948 a company, Kern laboratory, was incorporated to manufacture the Dentagraph and license the "Dentagraph Tech nic." He also sold dental laboratory benches and dental molding materials under the name Kern Laboratory Equipment Company. Kern's Dentagraph was used by the National Standards Laboratory to test denture materials and the laboratory further improved the device. Apparently Kern received the rights to produce and market this improved tool.

In the early 1950s he began working on high speed dental drills. He developed both a water turbine drill and an air turbine drill. The water turbine drill was manufactured by Bowen Company of Maryland under the trademarked name Turbo Jet. In 1957 the company acquired the rights to this tool and its trademark.

Kern and his son improved on the water turbine drill, and in 1957 formed Fairfax Manufacturing Company (FMC) to produce an air turbine drill and the improved water turbine drill. The senior Kern was a participating stockliolder, receiving stock in return for rights to his inventions. George Kern, Jr., L. W. Hazleton (President of Hazleton Laboratories, a biological (research and development company), and R. G. Henninger (General Manager of Hazleton Laboratories) were the company officers. The stockholders included dentists who also tested the companies new products. Densco, Inc., a Colorado dental equipment company, marketed Kern's products from around 1954, and in 1957 the company began to market Fairfax Manufacturing Company's products.

George R. Kern, Jr., was born in 1919. He left public school in the tenth but took courses in industrial electricity and industrial engineering. He worked for worked the National Bureau of Standards for two years building and installing laboratory equipment. In 1951 he began working at Hazelton Laboratories as Superintendent of Maintenance. He patented several pieces of

Dental equipment and specialized parts for dental equipment. He died in 1987.
Related Materials:
The Division of Medicine and Science has several examples of the Kerns' dental equipment, including a Dentagraph and a number of hand pieces.
Provenance:
Collection donated by John Kern, 1992, December 22.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Usage or copyright restrictions in effect. Contact the repository for details.
Occupation:
Cabinetmakers -- 1930-1970  Search this
Inventors -- 1930-1970  Search this
Machinists -- 1930-1970  Search this
Topic:
Dental instruments and apparatus -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dental technology -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dentures -- 1930-1970  Search this
Inventions -- 1920-2000 -- United States  Search this
Genre/Form:
Correspondence -- 20th century
Drawings -- 1930-1970
Patents -- 20th century
Blueprints -- 20th century
Advertisements -- 20th century
Citation:
Kern Dental Equipment Collection, 1936-1970, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0479
See more items in:
Kern Dental Equipment Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8366f9fcd-ba14-456a-a67c-948d22088658
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0479

Dr. R. C. Bratten Dental Collection

Creator:
Bratten, R. C., Dr. (dentist)  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Medical Sciences  Search this
Extent:
1.66 Cubic feet (5 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Ledgers (account books)
Correspondence
Financial records
Radiographs
Appointment books
Place:
Galion (Ohio) -- 1930-1970
Ohio -- 1930-1970
Date:
1930-1967
Summary:
Collection documents dentist Dr. R. C. Bratten's 50-year dental practice in Galion, Ohio.
Scope and Contents:
Collection of dental archival material, which includes patient records, photographs, catalogues, correspondence, bills, ledgers, and x-ray records.
Arrangement:
The collection is divided into four series.

Series 1: Appointment Books, 1932-1967

Series 2: Correspondence, 1930-1967

Series 3: Professional Material, 1912-1958

Series 4: Financial Materials, 1924-1961
Biographical / Historical:
Collection represents Dr. R. C. Bratten, dentist from Galion, Ohio, and his practice of over fifty years.
Provenance:
The collection was donated for Doris Bratten.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
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.
Occupation:
Dentists  Search this
Topic:
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Genre/Form:
Ledgers (account books)
Correspondence -- 20th century
Financial records -- 1930-1970
Radiographs
Appointment books -- 20th century
Citation:
Dr. R. C. Bratten Dental Collection, 1912-1967, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0022
See more items in:
Dr. R. C. Bratten Dental Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep81c54c829-52a3-42f3-ab9b-814a1175d113
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0022

New Dental School interiors [from envelope; 1 of 2] [acetate film photonegative,]

Photographer:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Creator:
Eastman Kodak Company  Search this
Names:
Howard University -- 1950-1960  Search this
Subseries Creator:
Scurlock, Robert S. (Saunders), 1917-1994  Search this
Custom Craft  Search this
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Scurlock, George H. (Hardison), 1919-2005  Search this
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Extent:
1 Item
Type:
Archival materials
Photographs
Place:
Washington (D.C.) -- 1950-1960 -- Photographs
Date:
Jan. 1955
1955
Scope and Contents:
No caption on negative.
Rows of Dental work stations with students.
General:
From NUS carton 29.
Subseries Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.

Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view negatives due to cold storage. Using negatives requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Subseries Rights:
When the Museum purchased the collection from the Estate of Robert S. Scurlock, it obtained all rights, including copyright. The earliest photographs in the collection are in the public domain because their term of copyright has expired. The Archives Center will control copyright and the use of the collection for reproduction purposes, which will be handled in accordance with its standard reproduction policy guidelines. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
African Americans in dentistry -- 1950-1960  Search this
African American universities and colleges -- 1950-1960  Search this
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dental schools -- Washington (D.C.) -- 1950-1960  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 1950-1960 -- Black-and-white negatives -- Acetate film
Subseries Citation:
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution
See more items in:
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.6: Black and white negatives in cold storage arranged by client
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.6: Black and white negatives in cold storage arranged by client / 4.6.1: Black and White Negatives Part 1 / Howard University Dental School
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep882a6b440-3b38-4897-adc9-a8826a7ee833
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0618-s04-06-ref27352

Howard University College of Dentistry [acetate film photonegative]

Photographer:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Creator:
Eastman Kodak Company (film manufacturer)  Search this
Names:
Howard University  Search this
Subseries Creator:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Scurlock, Robert S. (Saunders), 1917-1994  Search this
Custom Craft  Search this
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Scurlock, George H. (Hardison), 1919-2005  Search this
Extent:
1 Item
Container:
Box 28
Type:
Archival materials
Composite photographs
Photographs
Date:
[1961?]
Scope and Contents:
Composite of individual portraits, with title, "Class of 1945 / College of Dentistry / Howard University". Film edge imprint: "Kodak -- Safety -- Film 83".
Subseries Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.

Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view negatives due to cold storage. Using negatives requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Subseries Rights:
When the Museum purchased the collection from the Estate of Robert S. Scurlock, it obtained all rights, including copyright. The earliest photographs in the collection are in the public domain because their term of copyright has expired. The Archives Center will control copyright and the use of the collection for reproduction purposes, which will be handled in accordance with its standard reproduction policy guidelines. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
African American dentists  Search this
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
African American universities and colleges -- 1960-1970  Search this
Portraits, Group -- African Americans -- 1960-1970  Search this
Genre/Form:
Composite photographs
Photographs -- 1960-2000 -- Black-and-white negatives -- Acetate film
Subseries Citation:
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution
See more items in:
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives / 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin negatives
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8ff0fb538-b35c-4eb3-a65c-c9b325c3b034
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0618-s04-01-ref586

1947 Mid-Winter Clinic sponsored by Robert H. Freeman Dental Society and Howard University College of Dentistry [acetate film photonegative]

Photographer:
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Creator:
Ansco (film manufacturer)  Search this
Names:
Howard University  Search this
Subseries Creator:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Scurlock, Robert S. (Saunders), 1917-1994  Search this
Custom Craft  Search this
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Scurlock, George H. (Hardison), 1919-2005  Search this
Extent:
1 Item
Container:
Box 32
Type:
Archival materials
Photographs
Date:
1947
Scope and Contents:
Above caption in ink under rows of figures lined up outside the College of Medicine. Ansco Safety Film edge imprint.
Subseries Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.

Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view negatives due to cold storage. Using negatives requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Subseries Rights:
When the Museum purchased the collection from the Estate of Robert S. Scurlock, it obtained all rights, including copyright. The earliest photographs in the collection are in the public domain because their term of copyright has expired. The Archives Center will control copyright and the use of the collection for reproduction purposes, which will be handled in accordance with its standard reproduction policy guidelines. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dental schools -- Washington (D.C.) -- 1930-1940  Search this
African American universities and colleges -- 1940-1950  Search this
Portraits, Group -- 1940-1950  Search this
African Americans in dentistry -- 1940-1950  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 1940-1950 -- Black-and-white negatives -- Acetate film
Subseries Citation:
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution
See more items in:
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives / 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin negatives
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8372e1165-a105-4d78-93eb-c98f2386118a
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0618-s04-01-ref724

Howard University Dental Laboratory [acetate film photonegative]

Photographer:
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Names:
Howard University  Search this
Subseries Creator:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Scurlock, Robert S. (Saunders), 1917-1994  Search this
Custom Craft  Search this
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Scurlock, George H. (Hardison), 1919-2005  Search this
Extent:
1 Item
Container:
Box 35
Type:
Archival materials
Photographs
Date:
[ca. 1930s]
Scope and Contents:
Large room with rows of dental chairs. Ink caption on edge. Manufacturer's imprint: "Eastman--Safety--Kodak 29".
Subseries Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.

Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view negatives due to cold storage. Using negatives requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Subseries Rights:
When the Museum purchased the collection from the Estate of Robert S. Scurlock, it obtained all rights, including copyright. The earliest photographs in the collection are in the public domain because their term of copyright has expired. The Archives Center will control copyright and the use of the collection for reproduction purposes, which will be handled in accordance with its standard reproduction policy guidelines. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dental schools -- Washington (D.C.) -- 1930-1940  Search this
African Americans in dentistry -- 1930-1940  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 1930-1940 -- Black-and-white negatives -- Acetate film
Subseries Citation:
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution
See more items in:
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives / 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin negatives
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8b1d66f85-ae11-4b86-abec-e7be5e28bf14
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0618-s04-01-ref802
Online Media:

Howard University: old dental infirmary [acetate film photonegative]

Photographer:
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Names:
Howard University  Search this
Subseries Creator:
Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Scurlock, Robert S. (Saunders), 1917-1994  Search this
Custom Craft  Search this
Scurlock, Addison N., 1883-1964  Search this
Scurlock, George H. (Hardison), 1919-2005  Search this
Extent:
1 Item
Container:
Box 36
Type:
Archival materials
Photographs
Retouching
Date:
[ca. 1930s]
Scope and Contents:
Job Number: 20500
Subseries Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.

Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives. Special arrangements required to view negatives due to cold storage. Using negatives requires a three hour waiting period. Contact the Archives Center at 202-633-3270.
Subseries Rights:
When the Museum purchased the collection from the Estate of Robert S. Scurlock, it obtained all rights, including copyright. The earliest photographs in the collection are in the public domain because their term of copyright has expired. The Archives Center will control copyright and the use of the collection for reproduction purposes, which will be handled in accordance with its standard reproduction policy guidelines. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Dentistry -- 1930-1970  Search this
Dental schools -- Washington (D.C.) -- 1930-1940  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 1930-1940 -- Black-and-white negatives -- Acetate film
Retouching -- Pencil
Subseries Citation:
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution
See more items in:
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives
Scurlock Studio Records, Subseries 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin Negatives / 4.1: Black-and-White Silver Gelatin negatives
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep83724432b-1527-475b-b8bf-b686aa0cd714
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0618-s04-01-ref846
Online Media:

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