A-C, 1936
File — Box: 4, Folder: 12
Scope and Contents note
From the Collection:
The Philadelphia University early institutional records house the papers of Philadelphia University, initially a school for textiles instruction, at its inception and through its early years. The collection dates from 1893 to 1967, with bulk dates of 1916 to 1941. This collection is primarily comprised of correspondence, with some general administrative files and financial records, such as invoices and receipts. This collection provides a broad overview of the establishment of the school, some insight into administrative practices, and primarily, its interaction with outside textile manufacturers and other businesses.
This collection is arranged into one series: Series “I. Early institutional records, 1893-1967.”
Series “I. Early institutional records” dates from 1893 to 1967, with bulk dates of 1916 to 1941. The series is generally composed of correspondence, mostly from the files of E.W. France, Director, and M. Earl Heard, Dean. E.W. France’s correspondence is often signed simply with “Director.” Most of the correspondence is with other businesses or manufacturers of textiles. Generally, these letters are in regards to recruitment of students for positions or reference requests, or regarding fabric sample tests or available machinery. Some of the correspondence also deals with various challenges in the textile industry, including, of note, the impact of enlistment on student enrollment and worker availability. Many of the letters are also regarding students seeking admissions information, information about the school, and general notes about meetings or social events. There is also correspondence regarding requests for publications or other information, either from the school or from other institutions and businesses.
In addition to the bulk of correspondence, there are also some administrative files and financial records contained in the series, mostly from the earliest dates of the collection. There are receipts and invoices included from 1900 to 1916, as well as records of donations in 1941. Administrative files include selected writings and information about the school and some of its members, including a biography of E.W. France. There are also a few files pertaining to legal matters, such as the Textile Alliance case and the Rock River Arbitration.
This collection provides broad information about the activities of Philadelphia University at its inception and throughout the first years of its operation. The correspondence provides an especially detailed look at the activities and role of E.W. France, Director, and M. Earl Heard, Dean. This collection also helps to provide insight into many of the textile manufacturers and related businesses that utilized the school’s services, whether for recruitment of staff or for research. While not a particularly in depth collection, the Philadelphia University early institutional records are an interesting record of Philadelphia’s first textile school and help provide evidence for its development and early challenges.
This collection is arranged into one series: Series “I. Early institutional records, 1893-1967.”
Series “I. Early institutional records” dates from 1893 to 1967, with bulk dates of 1916 to 1941. The series is generally composed of correspondence, mostly from the files of E.W. France, Director, and M. Earl Heard, Dean. E.W. France’s correspondence is often signed simply with “Director.” Most of the correspondence is with other businesses or manufacturers of textiles. Generally, these letters are in regards to recruitment of students for positions or reference requests, or regarding fabric sample tests or available machinery. Some of the correspondence also deals with various challenges in the textile industry, including, of note, the impact of enlistment on student enrollment and worker availability. Many of the letters are also regarding students seeking admissions information, information about the school, and general notes about meetings or social events. There is also correspondence regarding requests for publications or other information, either from the school or from other institutions and businesses.
In addition to the bulk of correspondence, there are also some administrative files and financial records contained in the series, mostly from the earliest dates of the collection. There are receipts and invoices included from 1900 to 1916, as well as records of donations in 1941. Administrative files include selected writings and information about the school and some of its members, including a biography of E.W. France. There are also a few files pertaining to legal matters, such as the Textile Alliance case and the Rock River Arbitration.
This collection provides broad information about the activities of Philadelphia University at its inception and throughout the first years of its operation. The correspondence provides an especially detailed look at the activities and role of E.W. France, Director, and M. Earl Heard, Dean. This collection also helps to provide insight into many of the textile manufacturers and related businesses that utilized the school’s services, whether for recruitment of staff or for research. While not a particularly in depth collection, the Philadelphia University early institutional records are an interesting record of Philadelphia’s first textile school and help provide evidence for its development and early challenges.
Dates
- 1936
Conditions Governing Access note
This collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 5.5 Linear feet
Language
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Thomas Jefferson University - Archives and Special Collections Repository
Contact:
1020 Walnut Street
Room 401, Scott Memorial Library
Philadelphia PA 19107-5587
1020 Walnut Street
Room 401, Scott Memorial Library
Philadelphia PA 19107-5587