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Start Over Repository Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library Subject Fireboats Year 1950 to 1999

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RTC Shipbuilding Company records, 1921-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:
8.8 linear feet (21 containers)
Abstract:
In 1940, Leroy M. Robinson (President), George R. Taylor (Vice-president), and John P. Carson (Secretary and Treasurer) formed RTC Shipbuilding Company in Camden, New Jersey. Their initials are the basis for the name of the company. All three men were former executives at J. H. Mathis Company. Subsequent to the death of Robinson and the retirement of Taylor in 1946, Carson became the firm's president and assumed sole ownership. The RTC Shipbuilding Company records evidence the shipbuilding and repairs conducted by this company from 1934 to 1965. The collection also includes an impressive photographic documentation of the daily work performed on the RTC Shipyard. Heavily involved in ships designed for the Navy in World War II, as well as in building fishing vessels in subsequent years, one of the strengths of this collection lies in the hundreds of records found in the “Shipbuilding records” series. The “Photographs” series is also a strength of the collection, with many images of...(see more)

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

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Edward O. Clark papers, 1860-1985 (bulk) 1830-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:
16.73 linear feet and 25 boxes 2 oversize
Abstract:
Edward O. Clark (1918-1994) was an avid marine historian and photographer who traveled across the country pursuing interesting vessels and ports of call, and documented the vanishing heritage of American steam navigation. This collection houses the personal papers and research materials of Edward O. Clark and contains four series: “I. Photographs, 1835-1995,” “II. Reference files, 1830-1994,” “III. Correspondence, 1943-1991,” and “IV. Index cards, undated.” This collection dates from 1830 to 1995, with bulk dates of 1860 to 1985, and consists of a variety of materials relating to the Delaware River steamship industry, especially the Wilson Line. Specifically, it includes photographic prints, admeasurements, advertisements, albums, clippings, contracts, receipts, catalogs, correspondence, chronologies, ship manifests, negatives, plans and drawings, writings, and other ephemera. This collection thoroughly documents the variety of Delaware River steamships, their operating lines, and...(see more)

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

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John H. Mathis Company records, 1919-1987 (inclusive)

Extent:
195.0 linear feet (43 containers, 12 flat file drawers [includes 2,480-2,760 drawings])
Abstract:
Founded in 1870 by John H. Mathis and W.W. Reynolds, by the time of its 1913 incorporation, the John H. Mathis Company was an already established and well-represented shipbuilding firm in the maritime world. Located at Point and Erie Streets in Camden, New Jersey, the Mathis Company built and repaired yachts, river steamers, tugs, barges, car floats, ships and other varieties of floating vessels for private individuals and businesses as well as the Navy and Coast Guard. During World Wars I and II, a variety of ships were built, including minesweepers, transports, Coast Guard Cutters, and ferries. Of note, was the presidential yacht Sequoia, which was built by Mathis Yacht Building Company as a separate but allied venture at the Mathis shipyard in 1910. The Mathis Shipyard closed in 1961. The Mathis Shipyard was later used by the firm Camden Ship Repair. The John H. Mathis Company records, which date from 1919 to 1987, consists of business records, correspondence,...(see more)

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]

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Thomas D. Bowes M.E., Associates records, 1904-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:
129.5 linear feet (95 containers [includes approximately 5764 rolled plans])
Abstract:
In 1905, Thomas D. Bowes (1883-1965) founded the naval architecture firm of Thomas D. Bowes, M.E., Associates Inc. From 1905 to 1965, the Bowes firm functioned as part of a large network of ship design and building companies along Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront, which included the John H. Mathis Company, which built many of Bowes’ designs, and RTC Shipbuilding Company. Bowes designed vessels of all sizes, from small sail boats to 300 foot barges; and for all purposes, receiving contracts for leisure, business and military vessels. More specifically, Bowes designed over eighty tugboats, several of Philadelphia’s fireboats and over 300 yachts, which were mostly commuter and houseboat yachts. He also designed and patented the Bowes Drive, an electric device for the reduction of speed between the engine and drive shafts in marine installations. Overall, “Tugboat Tom,” as he was known, designed over 800 vessel plans. The Thomas D. Bowes, M.E., Associates records, 1904-1980,...(see more)

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]