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Cuyler W. Brooks Papers

Creator:
Brooks, Cuyler W.  Search this
Former owner:
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:
1.3 Cubic feet (5 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Technical literature
Project files
Reports
Specifications
Articles
Contracts
Correspondence
Date:
1934-1962
Scope and Contents note:
The collection documents the engineering career of Cuyler W. Brooks, who worked on projects including dams, mills, and water and power plants, many of them overseas and particularly in South America. The papers include project files, proposals, drawings, specifications, contracts, correspondence, and articles.
Arrangement:
1 series.
Biographical/Historical note:
Electrical engineer, who worked for several corporations, including General Electric, Westinghouse, and the Army Corps of Engineers. He died in 1990.
Provenance:
Collection donated by Mrs. Cuyler W. Brooks, 1991.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research 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.
Topic:
Dams  Search this
Hydraulic engineering  Search this
Mills  Search this
Power plants  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Technical literature
Project files
Reports
Specifications
Articles
Contracts
Correspondence
Citation:
Cuyler W. Brooks Papers, 1934-1962, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1059
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8982b469a-558a-4b8c-b42a-914956c0640a
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1059

Modjeski and Masters Company Records

Creator:
Modjeski and Masters  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Names:
Masters, Frank, 1883-1974  Search this
Modjeski, Ralph, 1861-1940  Search this
Interviewer:
Vogel, Robert M.  Search this
Extent:
60 Cubic feet (140 boxes, 23 map folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Oral history
Lantern slides
Photographs
Drawings
Contracts
Letterpress books
Correspondence
Place:
Harrisburg (Penn.)
Pennsylvania
Date:
1870-1979
bulk 1900-1940
Summary:
The records document the work of consulting engineers and bridge builders, Ralph Modjeski (1861-1940) and Frank Masters (1883-1974) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Scope and Contents:
This collection documents the civil engineering career of Ralph Modjeski (1861-1940) and Frank masters (1883-1974). The materials include bound volumes and loose photographs of bridge work-in-progress; printed reports; articles, pamphlets; drawings, blue prints and tracings of bridges; letterpress books of correspondence; contracts; reports; studies of bridge materials; and glass plate negatives and lantern slides depicting bridges.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into ten series.

Series 1: Biographical Materials, 1915-1986

Series 2: Letter Press Books, 1898-1906

Series 3: Photographs, 1878-1979

Series 4: Contracts, 1895-1960

Series 5: Printed Materials, 1862-1969

Series 6: Newspaper Clippings, 1924-1941

Series 7: Lantern Slides, undated

Series 8: Glass Plate Negatives, 1906-1926

Series 9: Film Negatives, 1924, undated

Series 10: Drawings, 1901-1952
Biographical / Historical:
Rudolphe Modrzejewski was born to Helena Jadwiga Opid (d.1909) and Gustav Sinnmayer Modrzejewski (d. 1901) on January 27, 1861, in Cracow, Poland. His mother was an internationally known stage actress who went by the name Helena Modrzejewska. In 1868, Helena married Count Karol Bożenta Chłapowski. In July 1876, Helena and Rudolphe emigrated to America, where, for purposes of American citizenship, the Polish form of their surname was later changed to Modjeski (feminine form Modjeska). Modjeski became a naturalized citizen in 1883 in San Francisco, California.

In 1882, Modjeski returned to Europe to study at the Ecole Des Ponts et Chaussees and graduated in 1885 with a degree in civil engineering. Modjeski worked with prominent civil engineer and "Father of American Bridge Building," George S. Morison, on the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge over the Missouri River at Omaha as an assistant engineer. He remained with Morison from 1885 to 1892. Some of his assignments included working in the shops which produced steel sections; the design office where he advanced to chief draftsman; and as an inspector of quality control in shops that fabricated steel elements. Modjeski worked with Morison on his Willamette, Nebraska City, Sioux City, Winona, Cairo, and Memphis bridges across the Mississippi River. The Memphis bridge was the longest span cantilever in the country at the time.

In 1893, Modjeski opened a civil engineering practice in Chicago with S. Nicholson. After some financial difficulties, Nicholson and Modjeski dissolved their partnership. Modjeski's first individual large commission was the bridge at Rock Island, Illinois (1895) across the Mississippi River where he designed and supervised the construction of the bridge for the federal government and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway Company.

In 1902, Modjeski went into partnership with fellow civil engineer, Alfred Noble (1844-1914) forming the firm of Noble and Modjeski. He went into partnership with Walter Angier, under the name Modjeski and Angier, civil and inspecting engineers, between 1912 and 1924 with several offices around the United States. Angiers had worked with him beginning in 1902 on the bridge across the Mississippi at Thebes, Illinois. Modjeski partnered, in 1924, with Frank Masters (1883-1974), who had worked with him and Angiers between 1904 and 1914 on the Memphis and Louisville Bridges, forming Modjeski and Masters. Clement E. Chase and Montgomery B. Case later joined the firm as partners. In 1937, Masters assumed full control and ownership of the firm which specialized in the design and construction supervision of large bridges and other structures, rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing bridges, the design of highways and expressways, subways and wharves, the design of large and complex foundations, inspection of construction materials, and the creation of surveys, investigations and reports.

Modjeski built and/or consulted on over forty bridges in his lifetime. He built truss, steel arch, and suspension bridges. He introduced steel tower pylons in place of masonry towers and he used better grades of steel, such as new steel alloys with improved strength and durability. He also introduced advancements in the design of cable configurations and deck-stiffening beams. Some of his major projects included: the Columbia River and Willamette bridges, McKinley Bridge at St. Louis; the Celilo Railroad Bridge at Celilo, Ohio; the Thebes Bridge over the Mississippi; the Quebec Bridge over the St. Lawrence River; the Delaware River Bridge; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

On December 28, 1885, Modjeski married Felicie Benda (d. 1936) in New York and the couple had three children: Felix Bozenta Modjeski (1887); Marylka Stuart Modjeski (1894) and Charles Emmanuel John Modjeski (1896-1944). Ralph and Felicie divorced in 1931. He later married Virginia Giblyn on July 7, 1931. Modjeski died in Los Angles on June 26, 1940.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center

Bollman Truss Bridge Collection, 1852-1986 (AC1064)

Canadian Bridges Photograph Albums, 1873-1911 (AC1025)

Victor C. Darnell Bridge Construction Photographs, 1911-1913 and undated (AC1018)

Beata Drake Covered Bridge Collection, 1954-1981 (AC0998)

Ben Franklin Bridge Photograph Album, 1922-1926 (AC1029)

Hartford, Connecticut Bridge Collection, 1903-1905 (AC1066)

Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Bridge Profiles, 1877-1896 (AC1073)

Richard H. Miller Bridge Collection : postcards and slides, circa 1950-1988 and undated, #950

George S. Morison Collection, 1846-1903 (AC0978)

Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Records, 1848-1946 (bulk 1890-1929) (AC1060)

Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge Construction Photograph Album, 1883-1884 (AC1030)

David Plowden North American Bridge Photographs, 1970-1976 (AC1019)

Quebec Bridge Photograph Collection, 1905-1986 (bulk 1905-1916) (AC1026)

Railroad Bridges Construction Photograph Album, circa 1905-1914 (AC1024)

Samuel Reed Bridge Collection, 1947-1964 (AC1001)

Rip Van Winkle Bridge Photographs, 1933-1935 (AC1027)

John A. Roebling Collection,1836-1975 (bulk 1930-1950) (AC0981)

Holton Duncan Robinson Papers, 1889-1938 (AC0963)

Lucinda Rudell Covered Bridges Collection, 1942-1979 (AC1028)

Lester Shanks Collection of Covered Bridge Photographs and Ephemera, 1876-2010 (bulk 1973-2008) (AC1244)

Washington, D.C. Bridges Collection, 1900-1905 (AC01095)

Raymond E. Wilson Covered Bridge Collection, 1958-1974 (AC0999)

Materials at Other Organizations

Southern Illinois University, Morris Library Special Collections

Walter E. Angier photograph collection, 1901-1915

Walter E. Angier Vertical File Manuscript, 1924

Michigan Historical Collections, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Alfred Noble Papers, 1862-1922
Provenance:
The collection was donated by Modejeski and Masters Consulting Engineers, through Joseph J. Scherrer, October 2, 1990.
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.
Topic:
Civil engineering  Search this
Bridge failures  Search this
Bridges  Search this
Genre/Form:
Oral history -- 1950-1970
Lantern slides
Photographs -- Black-and-white negatives -- Glass
Drawings
Contracts
Letterpress books
Photographs -- 19th century
Correspondence
Citation:
Modjeski and Masters Company Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0976
See more items in:
Modjeski and Masters Company Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep827750b46-05ec-4519-8a2c-dddf6ab57d6e
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0976
Online Media:

The Foundation Company Records

Creator:
Foundation Company (The).  Search this
Names:
Chase Manhattan Bank  Search this
Ohio Edison Company.  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Extent:
9 Cubic feet (17 boxes, 28 map-folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photographs
Photograph albums
Blueprints
Sketches
Reports
Contracts
Drawings
Date:
1887-1969
Scope and Contents note:
These records include sketches, drawings, blueprints, contracts, and reports relating to highway and railroad bridges, tunnels, subways, mine shafts, canals and waterways, dams, concrete buildings, concrete construction, derricks and derrick barges, cranes, caissons and caisson construction, air locks, pumps, jacks, engines, and turbines; also photographs, photograph albums, and newspaper clippings concerning projects for office building and power plant foundations, docks, dry docks, and piers, and work for the Ohio Edison Company, Chase Manhattan Bank, and the Boston Common Underground Garage.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into two series.

Series 1: Photographs

Series 2: Drawings
Biographical/Historical note:
The Foundation Company was a New York subaqueous concrete construction firm founded in 1902. It was created to pool the knowledge of engineers who specialized in the construction of bridge piers and building foundations. The compnay was a leader in the development of the pneumatic caisson method for the construction of foundations. This method made possible the skyscrapers of New York City. Additonally, the company also worked on power houses/stations, shipyards, and docks.
Provenance:
Donated to the National Museum of History and Technology (now the National Museum of American History) in 1966.
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:
Pumping machinery  Search this
Mine shafts  Search this
Lifting-jacks  Search this
Hydraulic engineering  Search this
Air locks (Chambers)  Search this
Subways  Search this
Roads -- Design and construction  Search this
Railroads  Search this
Railroad bridges  Search this
Concrete construction  Search this
Dams  Search this
Derricks  Search this
Bridges -- Design and construction  Search this
Caissons  Search this
Canals  Search this
Concrete  Search this
Turbines  Search this
Underwater tunnels  Search this
Waterways  Search this
Engineers  Search this
Engines  Search this
Tunnels  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 20th century
Photograph albums -- 20th century
Blueprints
Sketches
Reports
Contracts
Drawings
Citation:
The Foundation Company Records, circa 1887-1962, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0974
See more items in:
The Foundation Company Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep802d7a43d-8b93-4f6b-89ac-b933b13cfd13
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0974
Online Media:

Skinner Engine Company Records

Creator:
Skinner Engine Company  Search this
Names:
Chuse Engine Company  Search this
Four Valve  Search this
Harrisburg  Search this
Nordberg Manufacturing Company  Search this
Ridgway  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
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:
29 Cubic feet (81 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Tracings
Blueprints
Correspondence
Photographs
Date:
1880-1960.
Scope and Contents:
Records of the Skinner Engine Company, Erie, Pennsylvania, manufacturers of Universal Unaflow engines, include correspondence and orders, 1905-1939, 1948-1951; drawings, blueprints, tracings, photographs, and files on Corliss engines, diesels, steam turbines, variable steam controls, and Kingsford and Stumpf stationary and marine unaflow engines, 1890-1941, 1944, 1948-1951; instruction and lubrication manuals, catalogs, sales literature, and other publications issued by the company, 1880-1960; tractor boiler patents, 1904; Stumpf patents, 1911; contracts, 1912-1917, 1934, 1941; and calculations, 1938. Also includes articles, advertisements, blueprints, bulletins, catalogs, correspondence, and photographs relating to other engine builders, including Chuse Engine Company, Harrisburg, Nordberg, Four Valve, and Ridgway, 1911-1938.
Arrangement:
1 series. Arrangement: By type of material.
Provenance:
The first portion of this collection was donated by Skinner Engine Company to the Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, National Museum of HIstory and Technology (now the National Museum of American History) in 1963. Skinner donated additional materials in 1984.
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.
Topic:
Diesel engines  Search this
Steam-turbines  Search this
Boilers  Search this
Steam-engines  Search this
Unaflow engines  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Tracings
Blueprints
Correspondence
Photographs -- 19th century
Citation:
Skinner Engine Company Records, 1880-1960, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1087
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep862055c64-2d55-4413-bfb1-8fd7f7ad2743
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1087

James Gallagher Collection

Creator:
Gallagher, James (civil engineer)  Search this
Names:
California Department of Public Works. Division of Highways  Search this
California Highway Commission.  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Extent:
0.3 Cubic feet (1 box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Booklets
Drawings
Contracts
Specifications
Manuals
Place:
California
Date:
1924-1931
Scope and Contents note:
Materials relating to bridge construction in California. Includes a set of drawings for the San Joaquin River Bridge, Mossdale, California (1924), a California Division of Highways Bridge Department Manual (1931), and booklets by the California Highway Commission containing contracts and specifications for the construction of bridges on state highways (1925-26).
Biographical / Historical:
Collection of materials concerning bridge construction in California collected by James Gallagher.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
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.
Topic:
Civil engineering  Search this
Building  Search this
Bridges -- California  Search this
Engineering  Search this
Civil engineers  Search this
Highway, road, and street constructions  Search this
Genre/Form:
Booklets
Drawings
Contracts
Specifications
Manuals
Citation:
James Gallagher Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0228
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep87ede4be8-d50e-43b7-8832-b9fa7dfd14dc
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0228

Erie City Iron Works Collection

Creator:
Erie City Iron Works.  Search this
Former owner:
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:
1 Cubic foot (3 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Correspondence
Drawings
Articles
Blueprints
Trade catalogs
Photographs
Proposals
Price lists
Date:
1869-1960
bulk 1875-1912
Summary:
The collection documents a company founded in the 1840s in Erie, Pennsylvania as Presque Isle Foundry. It changed its name to Erie City Iron Works in 1851. Erie City iron Works made engines (stationary, portable and agricultural), boilers, and circular saw mills. The documents include products through catalogs, trade literature, photographs, blueprints and drawings.
Scope and Contents:
The collection documents the Erie City Iron Works of Erie, Pennsylvania. It includes trade literature, catalogs, price lists and advertisements; drawings and blueprints; photographs of engines and boilers; and articles.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into four series.

Series 1, Catalogs/Pricelists, 1869-1953, undated

Series 2, Drawings 1884-1889; 1941-1953, undated

Series 3, Photographs, undated

Series 4, Miscellaneous, 1912, 1919, 1960
Biographical / Historical:
The Erie City Iron Works was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1840 as Presque Isle Foundry. It changed its name to Erie City Iron Works in 1851. Over its history, it experienced several name changes: Zurn Industries' Energy Division, Aalborg Industries, and Erie Power Technologies, Inc. Today, the parent company, CMI Belgium, is a global supplier of steam-generating products and services to the power industry and general industrial steam market.
Provenance:
Source of acquisition unknown. Collected by the Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, now known as the Division of Work and Industry.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use.

Researchers must handle unprotected photographs 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.
Topic:
Boilers  Search this
Engines  Search this
Steam-engines  Search this
Genre/Form:
Correspondence
Drawings
Articles
Blueprints
Trade catalogs
Photographs -- 20th century
Photographs -- 19th century
Proposals
Price lists
Citation:
Erie City Iron Works Collection, dates, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1050
See more items in:
Erie City Iron Works Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep86741dbac-99bb-4186-be28-246844d82037
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1050

Penn Station, New York, Photographs

Creator:
Pennsylvania Railroad.  Search this
Architect:
McKim, Mead & White  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
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
Names:
Pennsylvania Station  Search this
Photographer:
Dreyer, Louis H.  Search this
Extent:
10.5 Cubic feet (23 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Glass plate negatives
Photographs
Stereographs
Date:
1904-1910
Summary:
Collection documents the construction of Penn Station and the Pennsylvania Railroad's work in New York City, including the Station foundations and the East and Hudson River tunnels.
Scope and Contents:
Photographs, stereographs, and glass plate negatives documenting the construction progress of the Pennsylvania Terminal, including the Pennsylvania Station Site, from pre-existing structures through the foundation construction ; construction of Sunnyside Yard; Construction of Sunnyside Yard Power House; and all aspects of the construction of the East River tunnels. The photographs depict machinery, equipment, techniques, and the men working on the site. The collection is also strong in depicting streets, buildings and the clothes worn by people at that time.
Arrangement:
The collection is arannged into three series.

Series 1: Photographs, 1904-1909

Series 2: Steregraph Cards, 1904-1909

Series 3: Glass Plate Negatives, 1908-1910

Series 4: Contract Material Vouchers, 1907-1908
Historical:
Pennsylvania Station, also known as Penn Station, is a railroad station located in New York City between Seventh and Eighth Avenues and 31st and 33rd Streets. It was named for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), and the project was initiated and lead by Alexander Johnston Cassatt (1839-1906), the seventh president of the PRR. Cassat's vision was to contruct tunnels under the Hudson River, bringing the PRR's line into New York City which enabled Pennsylvania Railroad trains to enter from New Jersey for the first time.

"Beginning with a double-track line across New Jersey's marshy Hackensack Meadows, they would dig two tunnels through Bergen Cliffs, continue down under the mile-wide Hudson, emerging deep underneath a great terminal. From there two tunnels, each with two tracks, would continue under and through Manhattan, becoming four separate tunnels under the East River. Two would be for the LIRR (Long Island Railroad), and would thus create a through ride all the way from the mainland to Long Island. The two other tunnels would serve the PRR, whose empty trains would terminate in Sunnyside, Queens." (Jonnes, page 84)

Construction of the tunnels began in 1904 and opened for service in 1910. The architects of the station building were McKim, Mead & White. The station building was demolished (1963-1966) and Madison Square Gardens was built above the station, opening in 1968.

Sources

"Completion of the Pennsylvania Railroad Tunnels and Terminal Station," Scientific American, Vol. 102, No. 20 (MAY 14, 1910), pp. 398-401.

Historic American Buildings Survey, Engineering Record, Landscapes Survey, (HABS) No. NY-5471, "Pennsylvania Station," 1968.

Jonnes, Jill. Conquering Gotham A Gilded Age Epic: The Construction of Penn Station and Its Tunnels. New York: Viking Penguin Group, 2007.
Related Materials:
Materials at Other Organizations

New York Historical Society

McKim Mead & White Architectural Records Collection, circa 1875-1950

Columbia University, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

McKim Mead & White architectural records and drawings, 1879-1958

Progress photographs taken by L. H. Dreyer and others during the construction of the Pennsylvania Terminal, New York City, 1907-1910

Hagley Museum and Library

Pennsylvania Railroad Company records, 1813-1968
Provenance:
The photographs and stereograph cards were purchased from Charles Lloyd, III, a dealer, in 1980.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research 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.
Topic:
Railroads  Search this
Railroads -- 20th century  Search this
Railroad stations  Search this
Tunnels -- New York  Search this
Genre/Form:
Glass plate negatives
Photographs -- Black-and-white negatives -- 20th century
Photographs -- 20th century
Stereographs -- 1900-1910
Citation:
Penn Station, New York, Photographs, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1048
See more items in:
Penn Station, New York, Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8087277d0-5bf6-463e-abfe-b77174e97db9
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1048
Online Media:

T.B. Cryer Company Records

Creator:
T.B. Cryer Company  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Extent:
2.5 Cubic feet (5 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Specifications
Place:
Orange (N.J.)
West Orange (N.J.)
Rahway (N.J.)
Montclair (N.J.)
Newark (N.J.)
Date:
1890 - 1950
Scope and Contents:
These records contain plans and specifications for plumbing and heating systems installed in a residence, schools, and public buildings in Newark, Orange, West Orange, Rahway, and Montclair, New Jersey.
Arrangement:
1 series. Arrangement: By project.
Biographical / Historical:
The T.B. Cryer Company was a Newark, New Jersey, heating and ventilating contracting and engineering firm.
Provenance:
Donated to the National Museum of History and Technology (now called the National Museum of American History) in 1962.
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:
Plumbing  Search this
Heating and ventilating  Search this
Public buildings  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Specifications
Citation:
T.B. Cryer Company Records, ca. 1890-1950, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1085
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep838dfad9d-bac2-443a-bf8e-71f2efee0e33
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1085

Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Bridge Profiles

Creator:
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad.  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical Engineering  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry  Search this
Extent:
0.6 Cubic feet (2 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Place:
Ashtabula (Ohio)
Elyria (Ohio)
Goshen (Ind.)
Norwalk (Ohio)
Sandusky (Ohio)
Toledo (Ohio)
Ypsilanti (Ohio)
Date:
1880-1890
Summary:
Collection documents the location and existence of bridges for several of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway lines.
Scope and Contents note:
The collection contains scroll drawings of bridges on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. The scroll drawings were prepared for the use of engineers, and show original structures and modifications for the Detroit, Franklin, Norwalk, Ashtabula, Ypsilanti, and Sandusky, divisions.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged into one series.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
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:
Railroad bridges  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Citation:
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Bridge Profiles, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1073
See more items in:
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Bridge Profiles
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8e79121b8-d16c-41ba-b9aa-4e63446e385e
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1073

Herbert S. Grassman Papers

Creator:
Grassman, Herbert S.  Search this
Former owner:
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:
0.6 Cubic feet (3 boxes, 1 map-folder)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Contracts
Stats (copies)
Specifications
Photostats
Place:
Grand Coulee Dam (Wash.)
Hoover Dam (Ariz. and Nev.)
Detroit (Mich.)
Date:
1915-1939
Scope and Contents note:
These papers contain photographs, contracts, specifications, and reports for projects consulting engineer, Herbert Grassman worked on.
Arrangement:
The collection is divided into four series.

Series 1: Photographs, 1928-1930

Series 2: Specifications, 1927-09-17-1939

Series 3: Contracts, 1915-1931

Series 4: Reports, 1921-1942
Biographical/Historical note:
Herbert S. Grassman, Oak Park, Illinois, consulting engineer.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquistion unknown.
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.
Topic:
Dams  Search this
Tunnels  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Contracts
Stats (copies)
Specifications
Photostats
Citation:
Herbert S. Grassman Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0955
See more items in:
Herbert S. Grassman Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep81370a1e0-1510-4427-922a-ccb18230c5e3
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0955

Erasmus D. Leavitt Papers

Creator:
Calumet and Hecla Mining Company.  Search this
Leavitt, Erasmus D., 1836-1916  Search this
Former owner:
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:
20.4 Cubic feet (4 boxes, 82 folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Account books
Blueprints
Diaries
Drawings
Letterpress books
Notebooks
Scrapbooks
Place:
Upper Peninsula (Mich.)
Date:
1861-1955
Summary:
Papers document prominent nineteenth-century steam engineer Erasmus D. Leavitt.
Scope and Contents note:
The Leavitt Papers include a Civil War diary, personal account books, photographs, drawings, and engineering materials relating to steam engines.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into three series.

Series 1: Engineering Materials, 1861-1955

Series 2: Photographs, 1890s, undated

Series 3: Engineering Drawings, 1874-1906
Historical:
The Calumet and Hecla Company, which was formed in about 1866, was one of the largest mining operations in the Lake Superior region of Upper Michigan. Over 3 billion pounds of copper were removed from its extensive mines by the time operations ceased in 1939. To facilitate the work in both the mines and smelting plants, the company installed some the largest steam engines ever built. The aggregate amounted to over 55,000 horsepower.

Noted 19th century steam engineer Erasmus Darwin Leavitt was hired to design the series of huge multi-cylinder engines. Each had sufficient power to support several operations at one time. While an engine drove one of the hoists, it might also power pumping, conveying, and air compressing machinery. At the peak of operations there were at least 50 steam engines of all sizes providing power to Calumet and Hecla. Falling copper prices during the 1920s and the economic depression of the 1930s ultimately forced the mines to close. The engines were of no further use and their countless tons of cast iron and steel ended up in the scrap drives of World War II.
Biographical:
Erasmus Darwin Leavitt was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1836 and died in 1916 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was educated in the Lowell public schools, entered the machine shop of the Lowell Manufacturing Company in 1852, and served three years as an apprentice. He spent one year with Corliss and Nightingale and was later assistant foreman of the City Point works in South Boston, where he was in charge of building the engines for the flagship "Hartford." From 1859 to 1861 he was chief draftsman for Thurston, Gardiner & Co., of Providence, Rhode Island, leaving to enter the United States Navy in the summer of 1861.

Leavitt served during the Civil War and he was detailed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis as instructor in steam engineering. Resigning in 1867, he resumed the practice of mechanical engineering, making a specialty of pumping and mining machinery. He was consulting engineer of the Calumet and Hecla Mining compan from 1874 to 1904 during which time he designed the equipment. He was also consulting engineer for Henry R. Worthington, the Dickson Manufacturing Company, City of Boston and City of Cambridge, and designed the pumping engine for the City of Louisville, Kentucky. He was advisory engineer and designed machinery for the Bethlehem Steel Company and for South African mining companies. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and formerly its president; the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Mining Engineers, Boston Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Naval Engineers, an honorary member of the British Society for the Advancement of Science, life member of Franklin Institute, and member of Institution of Civil Engineers and of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain. He was also a fellow of American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In 1884 Mr. Leavitt received the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology of New Jersey. Leavitt retired from active practice in 1904. He married Annie Elisabeth Pettit in 1867, and had three daughters, Mary, Margaret and Annie.

Source

Cambridge Chronicle, March 18, 1916
Related Materials:
Materials at Other Organizations

Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections

Calumet and Hecla Mining Company Collection
Provenance:
Collection materials donated by Calumet and Hecla, Inc. in 1960 and by Thomas E. P. Rice, 1977.

The collection came to the Smithsonian in 1960 from Calumet & Hecla, Inc. In the course of a reorganization in 1952 mining had been dropped from the company name as the emphasis was on chemicals, foundry work, and forest products. Its remaining mining activites in other areas of Michigan were phased out during the 1960s and in 1968 Calumet & Hecla merged with Universal Oil Products, Inc. Late in 1970 Universal Oil Products scrapped what was left of the Calumet & Hecla physical plant and its remaining assests were auctioned off.
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:
Engines  Search this
Hoisting and conveying  Search this
Mineral industries  Search this
Mining  Search this
Pumping  Search this
Steam-engines  Search this
Waterworks  Search this
Genre/Form:
Account books
Blueprints
Diaries
Drawings
Letterpress books
Notebooks
Scrapbooks
Citation:
Erasmus D. Leavitt Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0966
See more items in:
Erasmus D. Leavitt Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8c5e7ffde-5f5f-415c-ae48-45a3c941509b
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0966

Nagle Engine and Boiler Works Records

Author:
Nagle Engine and Boiler Works  Search this
Names:
Buffalo Forge Works  Search this
Pennsylvania Boiler Works  Search this
Collector:
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.
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:
Boilers  Search this
Steam-engines  Search this
Manufacturing  Search this
Genre/Form:
Blueprints
Drawings
Correspondence -- 20th century
Citation:
Nagle Engine and Boiler Works Records, circa 1890-1939, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1083
See more items in:
Nagle Engine and Boiler Works Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d85e35ba-2f3c-4198-9197-0128811f8ba4
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1083

Division of Work and Industry Lantern Slide Collection

Creator:
Dodge Manufacturing Co.  Search this
Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence.  Search this
Former owner:
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:
18 Cubic feet (37 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photographs
Lantern slides
Date:
1886-1931.
Summary:
A collection of 19th and early 20th century lantern slides collected by the Division of Work and Industry, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Scope and Contents note:
Lantern slides relating to various engineering and mining subjects.
Arrangement:
Divided into 20 series: Hydraulic Engineering; Canals; Dodge Manufacturing Company; Materials Handling; Steam Boilers; Bridges (Metal Arch, etc.); Bridges (All Cantilever); Steam Turbines; Bridges (Suspension); Power; Architecture and Structures; Railroad Mileage Maps; Bridges (Concrete Arch and Beam); Bridges (Metal Truss); Tunneling; Machine Tools; Sheave and Bearing Manufacturing; Panama Canal; Movable Bridges. The series are further subdivided into more specific categories.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research 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.
Topic:
Power  Search this
Mining engineering  Search this
Machine-tools  Search this
Materials handling  Search this
Hydraulic engineering  Search this
Canals  Search this
Engineering  Search this
Bearings (Machinery)  Search this
Bridges  Search this
Steam-boilers  Search this
Architecture  Search this
Turbines  Search this
Tunnels  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- Lantern slides -- 19th century
Photographs -- Lantern slides -- 1900-1950
Lantern slides
Citation:
Division of Work and Industry Lantern Slide Collection, 1886-1931, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1013
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep864c4320f-954c-462f-8434-2b79c0ed7159
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1013

Niagara Falls Power Company Photographs

Creator:
Niagara Falls Power Company  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
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
Names:
Tonawanda Power Company  Search this
Extent:
7 Cubic feet (14 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Drawings
Business records
Photographs
Place:
Tonawanda (NY)
Niagara Falls (N.Y. and Ont.)
Date:
1899 - 1919
Summary:
The collection consists of bound photograph albums and loose photographs documenting the construction of the Adams Power Station (hydroelectric plant) and allied structures of the Niagara Falls Power Company, 1899-1919.
Scope and Contents:
The collection consists of bound photograph albums and loose photographs documenting the construction of the Adams Generating Station #2 (hydroelectric plant) and allied structures of the Niagara Falls Power Company, 1899-1919. The images depict generators, wheel pits, governors, plant interiors, river views, transmission lines, turbines, and unidentified people.

The albums are arranged numericaly from one to thirty. Albums 13, 19 and 20 are missing. Each photograph has a number, date, and caption located in the lower left of the image. Typescript indices are included at the beginning of each album and the full index is linked to this finding aid.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into two series.

Series 1: Photograph Albums, 1899-1919

Series 2: Photographs by Subject, 1899-1908
Biographical / Historical:
In 1853, the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power & Manufacturing Company was chartered. The company purchased the water rights and began construction of a canal (1860-1861) and was the first company to generate hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls.

The Niagara Falls Power Company was founded on September 19, 1889 after being re-organized and renamed from it's predecessor company, the Niagara River Hydraulic Tunnel, Power and Sewer Company. Edward Dean Adams, a New York financier became president of the company. Adams created a subsidiary company, the Cataract Construction Corporation to build a power tunnel before deciding on a method of power distribution. Adams also secured the help of financiers, J.P. Morgan, John Astor, and William Vanderbilt.

In 1893, alternating electrical current (AC) was selected as the standard to used and the Cataract Construction Company began using AC for power generation and transmission. From 1892 to 1894, the Niagara Falls Power Company built two powerhouses, Powerhouse #1 (1892-1894) and Powerhouse #2 (1901-1903). In 1895, the Niagara Falls Power Company began placing contracts with the Westinghouse Company for long distance electric transmission development and implementation.

In 1927, by resolution of the board of directors of the Niagara Falls Power Company, the power-houses and sub-stations were renamed in appreciation of the men who pioneered the power industry and developed it. Niagara Power Stations Number One and Two were renamed the Edward Dean Adams Statuon. Also known as the Adams Power Station. The Adams Power Station built in 1895 was not the first hydro power station at Niagara, but it was one of the largest hydroelectric power generators of it's time and it was the first large scale application of AC power in North America. General Electric and Westinghouse collaborated on the project. Engineers Thomas Evershed, George Forbes, Benjamin G. Lamme, Oliver Shallenberger, Nikola Tesla, William Stanley, Dr. Louis Bell, and Charles P. Steinmetz contributed.

Sources

http://www.edisontechcenter.org/Niagara.htm (last accessed on May 3, 2016)

Adams, Edward Dean. Niagara Power History of the Niagara Falls Power Company, 1886-1918, Volumes I-II. Niagara Falls, N.Y., printed for the Niagara Falls Power Co., 1927
Provenance:
The collection was donated to the National Museum of American History's Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (now Division of Work and Industry) by the Niagara-Mohawk Power Corporation, through E.B. Strowger, System Project Engineer in 1965.
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.
Topic:
Water-wheels  Search this
Power stations  Search this
Water-power  Search this
Power generation  Search this
Genre/Form:
Drawings
Business records -- 1900-1950
Photographs -- 1900-1920
Photographs -- 19th century
Business records -- 1850-1900
Citation:
Niagara Falls Power Company Records, 1899-1919, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0949
See more items in:
Niagara Falls Power Company Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep872c32211-9c06-4085-8f89-09659c34b79c
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0949

Erie Railroad Collection

Creator:
Erie Railroad Company  Search this
Olevsky, Walter  Search this
Donor:
ConRail  Search this
Collector:
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:
57 Cubic feet (60 boxes, 97 map-folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Blueprints
Mechanical drawings
Tracings
Glass negatives
Photographs
Drawings
Date:
circa 1880-1980
Scope and Contents:
Collection consists of six hundred sixty-eight (668) glass negatives relating to the Erie Railroad. Subjects include stations, train cars, railroad employees, employees' recreational activities, ferries, construction, street scenes, and resort hotels; drawings of structures built by the various railroads which, at the time of the donation, constituted the Consolidated Rail Corporation. Included are linen tracings, blueprints, and mechanical copies; and two cubic feet of photoprints made from negatives in the Erie Railroad Collection.
Arrangement:
The collection is divided into seven series. Series 1: Photographs

Series 2: Glass Plate Negatives Series 3: Lists Series 4: Subject Files Series 5: Specifications for Bridges, Buildings and Terminals Series 6: Drawings Series 7: Bridge Notebooks
Biographical / Historical:
The Erie Railroad was founded in 1832 by large group of investors from the Southern Tier Counties of New York. Among these investors, businessman Eleazar Lord had been among the originators and later became the first president of the company. The railroad's construction took place from 1832 to 1851 with a seven-year pause between 1842 and 1849.

At the time of its completion, the Erie Railroad was the largest railway system in the United States, both in length, 446 miles, and in gauge, six feet. Thanks to its tracks span from New Jersey to Illinois and itsabove-average gauge, it could transport larger cargo.

Throughout its history the company underwent numerous bankruptcies and merged with several companies. The first merger was in 1960 with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad creating the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. The second was in 1976 when the once-again bankrupt company merged with five other lines to create Conrail.

Source

Allegany County Historical Society, Andover, New York

https://www.alleganyhistory.org/culture/transportation/railroads/erie-railroad/1060-the-erie-railroad (Last accessed on Decemeber 3, 2019)
Provenance:
Originally collected by the National Museum of American History's Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering's reference collection.

In 1978, 668 glass plate negatives documenting Erie railroad stations were purchaed from Walter Olevsky; in 1987 drawings of structures built by the various railroads which, at the time of the donation, constituted the Consolidated Rail Corporation were donated; and in 2007, two cubic feet of photoprints and nine cubic feet of archival records were transferred from the Division of Work and Industry to the Archives Center.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research 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.
Topic:
Railroads -- Buildings and structures  Search this
Railroads -- Employees  Search this
Railroads -- Rolling-stock  Search this
Railroad tracksdrawings  Search this
Railroad stations -- United States  Search this
Railroads -- 20th century  Search this
Railroads -- 19th century  Search this
Genre/Form:
Blueprints
Mechanical drawings
Tracings
Glass negatives
Photographs -- 19th century
Photographs -- 20th century
Drawings
Citation:
Erie Railroad Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1082
See more items in:
Erie Railroad Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep867520079-bbe3-4fbe-9b75-cf3ba7872c37
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1082
Online Media:

Charles Richardson Pratt Papers

Creator:
Pratt, Charles Richardson, 1860-1935  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
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
Names:
Sprague, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
6 Cubic feet (13 boxes, 8 oversize folders)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Diaries
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Photographs
Notebooks
Letterpress books
Patents
Place:
Montclair (N.J.)
Date:
1860-1935
bulk 1910-1924
Summary:
The papers document the professional career of mechanical engineer, Charles Richardson Pratt. The papers include correspondence, patents, patent application materials, agreements, photographs, publications, and blueprints for many of Pratt's inventions, especially his work on elevators.
Scope and Contents:
These papers contain personal materials of Charles R. Pratt; letterpress copybooks; engineering notebooks; diaries; material relating to the development of the heavy-duty, high-rise electric elevator; material concerning elevator cable equalizers and safety devices, Morton-Jacobsen and other lathe chucks, lathe drives and the Pratt Driver, the hydraulic transmission of power in trucks, and ship steering gear; and studies reports, drawings, photographs, catalogs, and trade literature concerning mechanical engineering.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into eight series.

Series 1: Personal Materials, 1875-1935

Series 2: Diaries, 1894, 1928-1931

Series 3: Correspondence, 1872-1920

Series 4: Notebooks, 1880, 1889, 1900

Series 5: Inventions, 1860-1927

Series 6: Photographs, 1890-1902

Series 7: Publications, 1895-1929

Series 8: Drawings, 1878-1929
Biographical / Historical:
Charles Richardson Pratt (1860-1935), was born in Massachusetts to John C. and Mary Anne Richardson. He graduated from the Hopkins School of Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1879. Pratt worked at Whittier Machine Company of Boston (1882-1890) where he designed and built the first electric elevator in 1888. The elevator was installed in the Tremont House, Boston. Pratt also worked as an agent and later as a consulting engineer for the Otis Elevator Company, the inventors of the hydraulic elevator.

Pratt was best known for his development of the first electrically powered elevator. In 1892, inventor Frank Sprague (1857-1934) founded the Sprague Electric Elevator Company, and with Charles R. Pratt developed the Sprague-Pratt Electric Elevator. They demonstrated that electrically powered elevators were capable of competing with hydraulic elevators. Pratt held several engineering positions and worked for the Marine Engine Company of Newark, New Jersey (1902-1905) developing elevator systems; consulting engineer to the Universal Speed Control Company of New York City (1906-1919); consultant to the American Engineering Company of Philadelphia (1912); mechanical superintendent at the Crocker Wheel Company of Ampere, New Jersey (1919); engineer for the E. Horton and Sons Company of Connecticut (1920-1923); the General Tractors Corporation (1924-1927); and was associated with the Watson Elevator Company of New York City (1928-1930). Pratt patented many of his ideas, earning over thirty-five patents related mostly to elevators,

Pratt was a member of the Masons, the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the MIT Club of New Jersey, and the Motor Club of London. He married Mary Byron Ladd and they had two children, Gertrude Ladd Pratt and Donald Richardson Pratt.
Provenance:
This collection was purchased from Charles R. Pratt's daughter, Gertrude Pratt Vance, in 1973.
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.
Topic:
Mechanical engineering and engineers  Search this
Inventors  Search this
Elevators  Search this
Machine-tools  Search this
Patents -- 1890-1900  Search this
Power transmission  Search this
Genre/Form:
Diaries
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Photographs -- 19th century
Notebooks
Letterpress books
Patents -- 1870-1880
Citation:
Charles Richardson Pratt Papers, 1860-1935, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0958
See more items in:
Charles Richardson Pratt Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep82afc1e29-876b-4494-9c92-64a14390613e
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0958
Online Media:

Providence Engineering Works Records

Creator:
Providence Engineering Works  Search this
Collector:
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
Names:
Providence Steam Engine Company  Search this
Rice and Sargent Company  Search this
Extent:
2.5 Cubic feet (10 boxes, 1 map-folder)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Blueprints
Order books
Drawings
Photographs
Trade literature
Place:
Providence (RI)
Date:
1850-1933
Scope and Contents:
Collection includes order books, 1883-1898, 1898-1918, 1894-1923; shipping book, 1883-1892; detailed cost record, 1892-1896; parts listing; pattern list, 1890-1907; miscellaneous order book, 1916-1920; book of standard and special engine details, 1881-1889; and drawing list, 1881-1908; also photographs, glass negatives, drawings, publications, and other material concerning Corliss engines and Rice and Sargent steam engines.
Arrangement:
1 series.
Biographical / Historical:
Engineers specializing in stationary engines and general machinery. It was incorporated in 1863 as the Providence Steam Engine Company, and merged in 1889 with the Rice and Sargent Engine Company to become the Providence Engineering Works.
Provenance:
Donated to the Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering by Charles T. Main, Inc. in 1965.
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.
Topic:
Steam-engines  Search this
Genre/Form:
Blueprints
Order books
Drawings
Photographs -- Black-and-white negatives -- Glass -- 19th-20th century
Trade literature
Citation:
Providence Engineering Works, 1850-1933, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1076
See more items in:
Providence Engineering Works Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep88d3e8c8b-decb-41d1-b1ae-381d8fd008e4
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1076

McIntosh, Seymour and Company Records

Creator:
McIntosh, Seymour and Company  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Extent:
93.6 Cubic feet (174 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Notebooks
Manuals
Blueprints
Drawings
Place:
Auburn (N.Y.)
Date:
circa 1886-1939
Summary:
The records document the design, manufacture, and operation of steam and diesel engines by McIntosh, Seymour and Company of Auburn, New York.
Scope and Contents:
These records relate to the design, manufacture, and operation of diesel engines by McIntosh, Seymour and Company of Auburn, New York. Included are letter books, instruction manuals; price and data sheets; notebooks; design notes, blueprints and drawings; calculations and specifications, sketches; and photographs.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into ten series.

Series 1: Background Materials, 1889-1980

Series 2: Letter Books, 1895-1901

Series 3: Sketches, 1900-1941

Series 4: Shop Books, 1897-1924

Series 5: Calculation Books and Sheets, 1903-1915

Series 6: Drawings, 1899-1922

Series 7: Instructions, 1899-1941

Series 8: Technical Data, 1901-1923

Series 9: Photographs, 1915
Biographical / Historical:
John E. McIntosh (1858-1916) and James A. Seymour invented the centrifugal governor (US 346,302) in 1886 made possible the beginning of McIntosh and Seymour Company which was founded in 1886 in Auburn, New York. The centrifugal governor is a specific type that controls the speed of an engine, regulating the amount of fuel and maintaining a constant speed. The company manufactured and sold large steam engines for stationary generators and marine use. By 1910, the company introduced diesel engines for railroads.
Provenance:
Originally collected for the division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (now the Division of Work and Industry). Exact date and 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.
Topic:
Diesel engines  Search this
Steam-engines  Search this
Engine design  Search this
Manufacturing  Search this
Genre/Form:
Notebooks
Manuals
Blueprints
Drawings
Citation:
McIntosh, Seymour and Company Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0985
See more items in:
McIntosh, Seymour and Company Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep85ce8461d-744f-4a23-b929-e8a6b013f5f6
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0985

Robert Wetherill Company Records

Creator:
Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company  Search this
Wetherill Company  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
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
Names:
Wetherill Company  Search this
Extent:
80 Cubic feet (48 boxes )
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Card files
Specifications
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Ledgers (account books)
Date:
circa 1875-1930
Scope and Contents:
These records document the activities of the Wetherill Plant of the Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, originally the Wetherill Company, particuarly the manufacture of steam and diesel engines. Included are engine specification cards; bound lists and charts of specifications and prices; a bound index of drawing numbers, 1886-1928; steam engine catalogs, ca. 1895-1910; drawings and plans for compound and Corliss steam engines, 1875-1921; engine record books, 1876-1902; order books, 1888-1891, 1895-1912; a delivery book, 1916; ledgers, 1876-1885; and drawings for the SunDoxford diesel engine, ca. 1920-1930.
Arrangement:
1 series. Arrangement: By type of material.
Provenance:
Immediate source of acquisition unknown.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research 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.
Topic:
Steam-engines  Search this
Diesel engines  Search this
Genre/Form:
Card files
Specifications
Drawings
Trade catalogs
Ledgers (account books)
Citation:
Archives Center, Robert Wetherill Company Records, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0992
See more items in:
Robert Wetherill Company Records
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8a7c2333c-f002-405f-9cd4-e9d0b9f04153
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0992

Lawrence Talma Smith Papers

Creator:
Smith, Lawrence Talma, 1899-  Search this
Names:
Armour Institute of Technology  Search this
Chicago Park District  Search this
Collector:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of History of Technology  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering  Search this
Former owner:
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry  Search this
Extent:
0.6 Cubic feet (2 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Articles
Theses
Reports
Specifications
Photographs
Contracts
Drawings
Place:
Ohio Turnpike (Ohio)
Date:
circa 1927-1966
Scope and Contents:
The collection includes engineering reports, contract specifications, construction photographs, and drawings for South Park Commissioners and Chicago Park District projects, 1927, 1931, 1935-1940; Ohio Turnpike projects, 1951; railway bridges, 1953-1954; and Northern Illinois Toll Highway projects, 1954-1956. Also included are a copy of Smith's thesis for the Civil Engineering degree from Armour Institute of Technology, 1940; an article by Smith, 1940; engineering periodicals; and unidentified photographs.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into one series.
Biographical / Historical:
Lawrence Talman Smith was a structural engineer who worked on various projects from 1924-1940, including the Holland Tunnel in New York, Florence Lake Tunnel in California, construction projects in China, and Chicago Park District projects. Following service in the United States Army from 1940-1945, Smith set up a private consulting practice.
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.
Topic:
Railroad bridges  Search this
Roads  Search this
Tunnels  Search this
Bridges  Search this
Periodicals  Search this
Genre/Form:
Articles
Theses
Reports
Specifications
Photographs -- Black-and-white photoprints -- Silver gelatin -- 19th-20th century
Contracts
Drawings
Citation:
Archives Center, Lawrence Talma Smith Papers, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0988
See more items in:
Lawrence Talma Smith Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8a85a1ce7-7fe9-43cc-95c7-511a98defa23
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0988

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