Frederick Meyer Papers (SC-34)

This collection contains an account ledger kept by Frederick Meyer, an entrepreneur and machinist in Dayton, Ohio, from 1916 to 1967. Meyer documented information about his varied, eclectic activities and business pursuits. Each page of the ledger is devoted to records about a different activity, summarized in an index on page 30 of the ledger. Some notes connect to car repairs, especially to Fords. Many pages relate to items bought and sold in connection to his business. These include tools, as well as collectibles like firearms and old coins. Meyer also did business with horticultural and agricultural themes. For example, he sold trees, bushes, and flowers. He raised chickens, tracking their well-being and finances relating to their care and sale. Additionally, he kept a clubhouse which he rented out. In addition to tracking his business, Meyer also used his ledger to record instructions and advice. These include recipes for various forms of moonshine, as well as tips for activities like cleaning, and working with automobiles. Several sets of records relate more to Meyer’s personal life, such as notes of correspondence, detailed records of photographs he took, as well as notes about moving his house in 1918, including documentation of payment from the Miami Conservancy District.

In addition to accounts, Meyer’s ledger contains multiple newspaper clippings, as well as small memos tucked into the book’s leaves. The book also contains a number of doodles and hand-drawn decorations.

Also in the collection is a photocopy of a 1928 newspaper clipping discussing Germany’s role in World War I.