Guide to the James H. Matthews Company Records,1864-1961(Bulk 1875-1939) AIS.1965.17
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- James H. Matthews Company Records
- Creator
- James H. Matthews Company
- Collection Number
- AIS.1965.17
- Extent
- 0.625 Linear Feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1864-1961
- Date
- 1875-1939
- Abstract
- The James H. Matthews Company of Pittsburgh manufactured metal devices used for printing and stamping.The company was orginally called John D. Matthews, named for its founder John Dixon Matthews. The collection contains records and photographs.
- Language
- English .
- Publisher
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Address
- University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
History
The manufacturing company called John D. Matthews was founded by John Dixon Matthews in 1850. Its trade name appeared on company documents and advertisements as J.D. Matthews Son and J.D. Matthews' Sons. The company made metal products used for printing. Products included copper and brass stencils, seal presses, steel stamps, brass checks, badges, roller stamp dies, marking machines, and metal tags. John D. Matthews became Matthews and Zinn in 1889 with the partnership of John A. Zinn and James H. Matthews, which was later dissolved in July, 1893. James H. Matthews formed a partnership with William Jenkins under the company name of James H. Matthews Company in 1896. In 1967 offices of the company were headquartered at 6500 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
Scope and Content Notes
The bulk of the documents, which date from 1875 to 1939, include a genealogical history and sketch of the Matthews Family, a pocket diary from 1879 containing formulas for inks, lacquers, etc. and a list of income and expenses, a bankbook, an expense book, a financial statement, advertisements, and a small songbook containing the company song and few popular songs of the day. Employers Association of Pittsburgh's records include an employee's list and a report concerning the Civil Liberties Union and the case of Roger Baldwin. There are extensive descriptions, illustrations, price lists, and numerous industrial photographs of the Matthews Can Marker and other products from the 1930s.
The collection also contains sixty-three photographs of company outings from 1916-1921 at Olympia Amusement Park in 1921; Watson Park in 1920; Alameda in 1920; Homestead Park in 1918; an unidentified park in 1917; an unidentified park in 1916; and the sightseeing boat, "St. James", in 1916. These photographs have been separated from the collection and are stored in the Media Room.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Miss G. Gray on September 29, 1965.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by John Thompson on August 17, 1990.
Copyright
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Previous Citation
James H. Matthews Company Records, 1864-1961(Bulk 1875-1939), AIS.1965.17
Preferred Citation
James H. Matthews Company Records, 1864-1961(Bulk 1875-1939), AIS.1965.17, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Subjects
- James H. Matthews Company
- Matthews family
- Alameda Park (Butler County, Pa.)
- Homestead Park (Pa.)
- Olympia Amusement Park (Pa.)
- Watson Park (Pa.)
- Family papers
- Business records
- Personal papers
- Steel industry and trade -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Amusement parks -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Parks -- Pennsylvania -- Allegheny County
- Industrial promotion -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Business and Industry