Guide to the H.K. Porter Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. Records, 1877-1968 AIS.1973.15
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- H.K. Porter Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. Records
- Creator
- H. K. Porter Company
- Collection Number
- AIS.1973.15
- Extent
- 1.75 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
- Date
- 1877-1968
- Abstract
- This collection contains the records of H.K. Porter Co. for the years 1877-1968. H.K. Porter was a major manufacturer of light locomotives from 1867-1941. Today, H.K. Porter is known for industrial products such as rubber belts, valves, and springs. Digital reproductions are available online.
- 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
H.K. Porter Co. began in 1866 with the name Smith Porter. In 1871 the company's name changed to Porter, Bell Co and then to H. K. Porter Co. in 1878. H.K. Porter was the leading manufacturer of light locomotives in the United States from 1867-1941, and the leading locomotive builder in Pittsburgh for 83 years.
In the United States large industrial locomotives dominated the national market while light locomotives dominated the exported. During the period 1900-1930, H.K. Porter specialized in export equipment ranging from light, functional cars to portable track. Several of the smaller locomotive builders, like The Gregg Company Ltd., furnished the engines for H.K. Porter which were shipped overseas.
Although it originally offered no product but the light locomotive, H.K. Porter diversified after 1900. The industrial products for which H.K. Porter is known today, rubber belts, hoses, high voltage electrical equipment, springs, and valves finally overshadowed the declining locomotive business. Porter ceased locomotive production in 1950 and sold its entire business to Davenport-Besler Corporation of Davenport, Iowa. Davenport later conveyed its locomotive interests to a Canadian Locomotive Company. H.K. Porter Co. functions today as an industrial supply manufacturer operating as H.K. Porter.
Scope and Content Notes
This collection contains the records of H.K. Porter Company for the years 1877-1968. The collection consists of seven folders of paper records and four folders of photographs. Included are photographs, locomotive cards, reports, and a production list. Of particular interest is a report of locomotives damaged in Pittsburgh during the Great Railroad Strike of July 1877.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
These records were a gift of Mrs. Lester C. Hill, June 1973.
Preferred Citation
H.K. Porter Co. Records, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1877-1968, AIS.1973.15, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Previous Citation
H.K. Porter Co. Records, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1877-1968, AIS.1973.15, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
H.K. Porter Co., 1877-1968, Archives of Industrial Society, University of Pittsburgh Libraries
Processing Information
This collection was reprocessed by Andy Newman in February 2004.
Existence and Location of Copies
Digital reproductions of the collection are available online.
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Subjects
- H. K. Porter Company
- Locomotive industry -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh -- History
- Business and Industry
- Transportation
- Industries -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Locomotives -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh -- Maintenance and repair