National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry Search this
Extent:
4.75 Cubic feet (13 boxes, 1 map folder)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Business records
Microfilms
Account books
Letters (correspondence)
Invoices
Date:
1856-1889
Scope and Contents:
Invoices and letters from merchants and manufacturers with whom Sharpe, Weiss and Company, and their successors, did business; and two reels of microfilm of Sharpe and Weiss's account books.
Arrangement:
This collection is divided into seven series.
Series 1: Invoices to Sharpe, Weiss & Company, 1872-1874
Series 2: Invoices to Mr. H. C. Miler, 1884-1889
Series 3: Transportation Records for Sharpe, Weiss & Company, 1856-1859
Series 4: Receipts and correspondence for Sharpe, Weiss & Company, 1863-1889
Series 5: Summaries of Coal Shipments 1856-1874
Series 6: Other company's documents including Lehigh Coal Mine Company, Breaver Meadow, Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Cumberland Broadtop, 1792-1869 (not inclusive)
Series 7:Two rolls of microfilm containing company account books 1847-1874
Biographical / Historical:
Sharpe, Leisenring and Company was formed in 1854 as a partnership of Richard Sharpe, John Leisenring, Asa Lansford Foster, George Belford, Francis Weiss and Williams Reed. Most of the partners had been associated with the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (LC&N). Weiss was the grandson of Jacob Weiss, founder of the predecessor Lehigh Coal Mine Company in 1792. Foster was a contemporary of John Leisenring, Sr., who had been brought to Mauch Chunk to run the LC&N's first company store. He founded the town's first newspaper in 1829. Most of the men had been partners in Belford, Sharpe & Company or Daniel Bertsch & Company, contract operators of the LC&N's mines at Summit Hill and Ashton (now Lansford) in the late 1840s and 1850s.
John Leisenring moved from Ashton to Eckley in 1854 and remained in charge of operations there until he was appointed Chief Engineer and Superintendent of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company in July 1860. As one of the conditions, he was required to devote full time to the LC&N's affairs, and he returned to Mauch Chunk. The firm was then reconstituted as Sharpe, Weiss & Company, which it remained until the end of 1874, when Richard Sharpe surrendered the lease and moved to Wilkes Barre. William Reed had sold out his interest in 1867, Foster had died early in the following year, and George Belford died in 1873.
At this point John Leisenring, now operating at Upper Lehigh, took over. The new firm of John Leisenring & Co. was formed on January 1, 1875, the other partners being Dr. John S. Wentz, Samuel B. Price and Daniel Bertsch, Jr. In later years, the firm appears to have been limited to John Leisenring, his sons Edward B. and John, Jr. and his sons-in-law J. S. Wentz and M.S. Kemmerer. Dr. Wentz was sent to Eckley as Superintendent. The firm was continued after John Leisenring's death until the end of 1885, when E. B. Coxe terminated the lease and assumed the operations of the mines himself. During the tenure of John Leisenring and Company the town of Eckley reached its maximum size with a population of 1500.
No records of John Leisenring & Company have survived. The Sharpe, Weiss & Company records from 1850 to 1874 were given to the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, and the village of Eckley has been restored as part of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Museum Complex.
Source
From Eleuthuerian Mills Historical Library, Wilmington, Delaware
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.
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry Search this
Extent:
0.5 Cubic feet (3 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photographs
Drawings
Specifications
Date:
1864-1865, and undated.
Scope and Contents:
Company records, including specifications, drawings and plans, photographs, and other miscellaneous archival material.
Arrangement:
1 series.
Biographical / Historical:
Mining company, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Provenance:
Collected for the National Museum of American History.
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.
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Search this
Extent:
3.5 Cubic feet
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Letters (correspondence)
Maps
Family papers
Clippings
Diaries
Baby books
Photograph albums
Christmas cards
Photographs
Date:
1880-1965.
Summary:
Papers relating to the career and life of mining engineer Nelson Dickerman: letters, photographs, clippings and diaries kept during his mining career. Much of the material is personal, rather than professional, relating to Dickerman's family and children. Family photographs include baby books.
Scope and Contents note:
This collection documents Nelson Dickerman, a mining engineer and his immediate family members, Hallie Dickerman (wife) and three daughters, Delight, Rhoda and Doris. The majority of documentation pertains to the Dickerman Family and is best represented through the black and white and photographs.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into six series.
Series 1: Biographical Materiall
Series 2: Correspondence
Series 3: Diaries
Series 4: Photographs
Series 5: Maps
Series 6: Miscellaneous
Biographical/Historical note:
Nelson Dickerman was born in 1881 in Denver, CO to Charles O. and Louise Haage Dickerman. He began mining as an assistant surveyor at Tomboy gold mines in Colorado in 1900 and in 1903, worked underground at Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mine, Idaho. Dickerman would later take a position as a metallurgist at the Ladd Metal's Company's copper smelter in Idaho. He graduated from the University of California in 1905 earning a B.S. and later that year joined the Yuba Consolidated Goldfields in Hammonton, California. Dickerman worked for a number of mining companies throughout his career as a general manager, superintendent, and vice president—Natomas Consolidated (1910); Kirtley Creek Gold Dredging Company (1911-1913); Pato Mines (Columbia), Ltd. and Nechi (Columbia), Ltd (1913-1916); Guiana Development Company and Liberty Development Company in Dutch and French Guiana (1916-1921); Cornwall, Anglo-Oriental Mining Corporation (1928-1932); and Amiranian Oil Company (1937-1938). During his career Dickerman made examinations in Chile, Argentina, British Guiana, Columbia and the United States. He worked for the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, War Production Board from 1939 to 1944 and in 1945, he joined the U.S. Bureau of Mines serving in the far east unit, foreign minerals division until 1948. He then went to work for the Central Intelligence Agency where he served until his death in February 1952.
Nelson Dickerman married Hallie Ferron on May 12, 1909; they had three daughters, Delight Dickerman, Doris Dickerman, and Rhoda Dickerman John.
Provenance:
The collection was donated to the National Museum of American History, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources by Pauline Urbanski on April 28, 1993.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research and on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
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.
The collection documents Dr. William C. Dolowy, a veterinarian, whose animal research on the drug L'Asparaginase in the 1960's is illustrative of the role of veterinary medicine in human health.
Scope and Contents:
The collection includes xerographic copies of four articles on L'Asparaginase and fourteen laboratory notebooks of research data relating to these articles.
It also includes excerpts from a diary kept by Robert Ammeraal, a co-worker at the time, several photographs taken at the time, and a letter from Robert Ammeraal to Dr. Dolowy dated August 28, 1991.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into two series.
Series 1: Materials Relating to Research on L'Asparaginase, 1966-1968, 1991
Series 2: Laboratory Research Notebooks Relating to Publications, 1966-1968
Biographical / Historical:
Dr. William C. Dolowy is a veterinarian in private practice on Mercer Island in Washington state whose animal research on the drug L'Asparaginase in the 1960's is illustrative of the role of veterinary medicine in human health. The drug has become an important chemotherapy for human leukemia. Before the use of L'Asparaginase in the treatment of human acute Lymphoblastic leukemia only 3 percent of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia survived. With the use of L'Asparaginase together with the standard medication, 95% of the such children go into remission within a month and up to 80% survive.
Provenance:
Collection donated by Dr. William C. Dolowy, August 20, 1992.
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.
Pennsylvania State Anthracite Mine Cave Commission Report
Author:
Pennsylvania State Anthracite Mine Cave Commission Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture and Mining Search this
Extent:
1.3 Cubic feet (2 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Reports
Place:
Pennsylvania
Date:
1912-1913
Summary:
Materials and 1913 report relating to the work of the Pennsylvania Sate Anthracite Mine Cave Commission.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of the Commission's report, comprising: a 352 page report, including numerous photographs and maps; one 24 page printed copy of the report; one map of the city of Scranton, dated 1912; and eight blueprints of coal field sites.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged by type of material.
Biographical / Historical:
The Pennsylvania State Anthracite Mine Cave Commission was created by an Act of the General Assembly of the state of Pennsylvania and approved by the governor, John K. Tener, on March 24, 1911.
The Commission was appointed to investigate and report on both the physical conditions and the legal rights over the anthracite coal fields at Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was also impowered, by the state legislature, to recommend appropriate legislation over the legal and proprietary land rights of landowners and miners at Scranton.
Headed by Mr. W. J. Richards of Pottsville, the Commission was to submit its report to the legislature not later than February 1, 1913. Mr. Richards was elected President of the Commission on June 12, 1911 and the Commission's report was ready on March 1, 1913.
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.
Documents relating to the business of the Swatara Railroad Company of Danville, Pennsylvania and particularly of its president, "Judge" William Donaldson. Includes receipts, bills, contracts, operating statistics, financial statements and correspondence, filed chronologically by year.
Biographical / Historical:
The Swatara and Good Spring Railroad was incorporated in 1831 with Judge William Donaldson as president. Renamed the Swatara Railroad in 1841, it was one of several lines connecting the First Pennsylvania anthracite coal field via waterways to the East Coast. Until 1848 it was powered by horses and was extended and rebuilt periodically. In 1863, Donaldson sold his interest in the Swatara to the Philadelphia & Reading Co., which renamed it the Good Spring Railroad.
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. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Coal mines and mining -- 19th century -- Pennsylvania Search this
Railroads -- 19th century -- Pennsylvania Search this
Anthracite coal industry -- 19th century -- Pennsylvania Search this
Genre/Form:
Financial statements -- 19th century
Receipts -- 19th century
Correspondence -- 19th century
Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 2
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1805-1833
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 3
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1834-1840
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 4
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1841
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 5
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1842
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 6
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1843
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 7
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1844
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 8
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1845
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 1
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1846
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 2
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1847
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 3
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1848
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 4
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1849
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 5
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1850
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 6
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1851
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Agriculture Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 7
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1852
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.
Collection 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.
Collection Citation:
Swatara Railroad Papers, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
