Summary Information
Thomas Brass & Iron Co. Photographs
1910
Milwaukee Historic Photo Collection 38
0.2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Milwaukee Public Library (Map)
This collection consists of one piece of stationery and
18 photographs of the Thomas Brass & Iron Co. factory in Waukegan, Illinois. The
photos include one unidentified portrait of a man, photos of the interior and
exterior of the manufacturing plant, and photos of the factory after it was
destroyed by fire in the early 20th century.
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English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-mhpc0038 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
The Thomas Brass & Iron Co. was incorporated by Richard J. Thomas (1849-1927) in
1879. The company's headquarters were based in Milwaukee, as well as its brass and
iron works factory. In 1894, owing to the need for increased space and better
working facilities, the company’s manufacturing works was moved to Waukegan,
Illinois. Their offices and store remained in Milwaukee, but by 1898 the company had
completely moved to Waukegan. On 26 July 1910 the Waukegan factory was destroyed by
fire. In October 1910 the company announced it would most likely not rebuild the
factory.
Scope and Content Note
The collection contains photographs and a piece of stationery. It is one piece of
letterhead from the Thomas Brass & Iron Co. and it includes an image of the
factory in Waukegan. There are eight 7½” x 9½” black and white photographs of the
Waukegan factory. The photos are predominantly of the interior of the factory. Many
of the photos include shots of machinery and often include the men who worked on the
machines. These photos also include two exterior views of the factory complex. The
photos are undated. There are also eight photos of the factory after the fire in
July 1910. These photographs are black and white and are all 4” x 5” in size. They
may have been taken to survey the damage done to the buildings. Also contained is
one 4” x 5” portrait of an unidentified man. The size and format of the photo
matches the photographs that were taken after the 1910 fire, so it is reasonable to
assume that this photo was taken around that time as well.
Arrangement of the Materials
Because there was no clear arrangement of the photographs when they were processed,
they were grouped by the type of photographs they appeared to be.
Preferred Citation
Thomas Brass & Iron Co. Photographs, 1910, Collection 38. Milwaukee Historic
Photo Archives, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Related Material in the Milwaukee Public Library
Historic Photo Collection. Milwaukee Historic Photo Collection 6.
Illustrated Catalogue of the Thomas Brass & Iron Co.
Administrative/Restriction Information
There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all
in accordance with state law. The public may view collections from the Milwaukee
Historic Photo Archives by appointment at the Central Library. To request an
in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please
contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel,
privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection
(Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).
Donation information is currently unavailable. Materials accessioned as a
Historic Photo Collection.
Processed by Rose Fortier, Historic Photo Librarian, October 2007.
Contents List
|
Box
1
Folder
1
|
Stationery from the Waukegan Works Factory,
undated
|
|
|
Box
1
Folder
2
|
Unidentified Portrait, circa 1910
|
|
|
Box
1
Folder
3-10
|
Interior and Exterior Views of the Waukegan Works Factory,
undated
|
|
|
Box
1
Folder
11-18
|
Waukegan Factory after the Fire,
1910
|
|
|
