Edwin James Armstrong Collection

The Edwin James Armstrong papers contain the personal and business papers of not only Edwin, but of his second wife Jessie Wheeler Armstrong, and her sister Mabel Wheeler. These papers are organized into five series which include 1) Ephemera, 2) Edwin James Armstrong papers, 3) Mabel Wheeler papers, 4) Jessie Wheeler Armstrong papers, and 5) Miscellaneous papers. Several of the files have been further identified by a listing of contents and individual letters within the files. This was done as a result of investigation into the files for the purpose of trying to establish a tie with other papers contained within the Wright State University collection.

Series I - Ephemera File 1 contains ephemera related to Yellow Springs Ohio. It is in this file that two pieces contain references to the Carr Family. The Carr family papers were processed by the Wright State University Department of Special Collections and Archives in 1982 and consist of manuscript collections #135, #140, and #150. Those pieces in File 1 referencing the Carr family include a program of the Yellow Springs Opera House listing a recitation by Mary Gertrude Carr and an 1890 Yellow Springs High School Commencement listing Hugh Carr as an essayist. The remainder of ephemera contained within this file relates to Yellow Springs and dates between the years 1890 and 1955, or is undated.

File 2 contains business ephemera most probably relating to Edwin Armstrong's business contacts. One item, A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bulletin, Vol.21 is dated December 1922. The remainder of the pieces are undated.

File 3 contains a variety of ephemera, most of which is related to Ohio. These items are diverse in nature and no association with Edwin J. Armstrong, Jessie Armstrong, or Mabel Wheeler can be made. The items span the dates from 1864 to 1958, with several undated items.

Series II - Edwin James Armstrong Papers

Files 4 and 5 include correspondence from members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to Edwin Armstrong. Most of the letters deal with the subject of planning a recognition ceremony for Professor John Sweet, in both 1907 and again in 1912. Sweet was mentor and teacher of many of the members of the Society and was employed by Straightline Engine Co. He had been a professor of engineering at Cornell University. Correspondence begins in 1901 and ends in 1921. Letters are primarily from J.S. Coon, Albert W. Smith, F.A. Halsey of American Machinist Press, F.M. Rites, F.G. Tallman, J.E. Johnson, E. Burdsall, and D.W. Robb.

Files 6 - 8 include business correspondence to Edwin Armstrong, when employed at Ball Engine Co., from other engineers and engineering companies

Files 9-11 include personal correspondence with John Sweet regarding business and family matters.

Files 12 & 13 contain personal letters from family and friends as well as letters of Edwin Armstrong's personal business.

File 14 includes correspondence with Dr. Russell Verbrycke in Washington DC, regarding Armstrong's health and the health of his daughter Beatrice.

Files 15-17 contain purchase orders, receipts and letters regarding fossil and natural history specimens that Armstrong was both collecting and purchasing.

File 18 includes the personal technical notes of Armstrong relating to engineering ideas. These notes are undated. Also included is sales information and design information regarding products that Armstrong was associated with.

Series III - Mabel Wheeler Papers

Mabel graduated from Erie, Pennsylvania High School in 1896 and from Bucknell University in 1900. She taught school in Marion, Virginia and then in Erie, Pennsylvania. The letters in this series are from family and friends with references to daily life.

Series IV - Jessie Wheeler Armstrong Papers

Jessie, sister of Mabel, graduated from Bucknell University in 1894. This is a very small collection which includes receipts, lists, a graduation notice, and few other miscellaneous pieces.

Series V - Miscellaneous

This file contains the handwritten account by unknown author of his/her experience raising a chipmunk. Included in this series are two studio photographs of the chipmunk