William A. Benney
A Register of His Papers in the Library of Congress
Prepared by Melinda K. Friend
Manuscript Division,
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
2006
Contact information:
http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/mss/address.html
Finding aid encoded by Library of Congress Manuscript Division,
2007
Finding aid URL: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms007008
Title: Papers of William A.
Benney
Span Dates: 1909-1966
Bulk Dates: (bulk 1920-1931)
ID No.: MSS85320
Creator:
Benney, William
A.
Extent: 1,250
items;
3 containers plus 1 oversize;
1.0 linear feet
Language: Collection material in
English
Repository:
Manuscript Division, Library of
Congress,
Washington, D.C.
Abstract: Research
superintendent. Notes, correspondence, drawings, lists, payroll records,
newspaper clippings, personal papers, printed matter, and photographs largely
documenting Benney’s employment by Thomas A. Edison, centering on the work
carried out in Fort Myers, Florida, to find a substitute for natural
rubber.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this
collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person
or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed
alphabetically therein.
Personal Names
Benney,
William A.
Edison,
Charles A., 1890-1969.
Edison,
Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931.
Subjects
Machine design.
Research,
Industrial--Florida--Fort Myers.
Rubber,
Artificial.
Tools--Design and
construction.
Occupations
Research
superintendents.
Provenance:The papers of William A. Benney, research superintendent, were
purchased by the Library of Congress in 2004.
Copyright Status:The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of William A.
Benney is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17,
U.S.C.).
Preferred Citation:Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the
following information: Container number, William A. Benney Papers, Manuscript
Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
The papers of William A. Benney (1885-1965) span the years 1909-1966,
with the bulk of the material dating from 1920 to 1931, and consist of notes,
correspondence, drawings, lists, payroll records, newspaper clippings, personal
papers, printed matter, and photographs documenting his employment by Thomas A.
Edison as a research superintendent. Scrapbooks, containing approximately four
hundred notes written between Benney, Thomas A. Edison, Charles A. Edison, as
well as others, document day-to-day laboratory activities especially during the
search for a natural rubber substitute carried out at Edison’s winter home in
Fort Myers, Florida. Included also in the scrapbooks are correspondence and
drawings of machinery and tools. The payroll records, signed by Benney,
document work conducted by carpenters and laborers on the Edison property in
Fort Myers. There are also equipment lists. Newspaper clippings largely pertain
to Thomas A. Edison, but also cover Benney’s personal life. Other items of a
personal nature include correspondence, invitations, Benney’s death
certificate, and a rental agreement for a store in Morris Township, New Jersey.
The printed matter consists mostly of memorabilia pertaining to Thomas A.
Edison. Photographs include portraits inscribed to Benney by Thomas A. Edison
and Charles A. Edison. The three photograph albums document the Edison estate
and laboratory in Fort Myers and the Benney family.
This collection is arranged alphabetically by subject or type of
material.
| Container |
Contents |
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|
|
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| BOX 1
|
Lists of equipment,
1927, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Miscellany,
n.d.
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Newspaper clippings,
1922-1939, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Payroll records,
1928-1929
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Personal papers,
1920-1936, 1965-1966, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Photograph albums |
|
| BOX 1
|
Vol. 1,
1909-1957, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Vol. 2,
ca. 1920-ca.1931
|
|
| BOX 1
|
Vol. 3,
1928-1929, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 2
|
Photographs,
1922, 1933, 1945, 1958, n.d.
|
|
| BOX 2
|
Printed matter,
1925-1933, n.d.
|
|
(2
folders)
|
|
| BOX 2
|
Scrapbooks |
|
| BOX 2
|
Vols. 1-4,
1920-1931, n.d.
See also Oversize |
|
(4 folders)
|
|
| BOX 3
|
Vol. 5,
n.d.
|
|
(2
folders)
|
|
| BOX OV 1
|
Oversize |
|
| BOX OV 1
|
Scrapbooks |
|
| BOX OV 1
|
Vol. 4 |
|
| BOX OV 1
|
Note,
1928, Apr. 20 (Container 2)
|
|
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