Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Elmer F. Lovejoy papers, 1891-1945
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Lovejoy, Elmer F., 1872-1960
- Title
- Elmer F. Lovejoy papers
- Dates
- 1891-1945 (inclusive)18911945
- Quantity
- 1.15 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
- Collection Number
- 00176
- Summary
- The collection includes a record book, film, correspondence, patents of this Laramie, Wyoming businessman and inventor.
- Repository
-
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access Restrictions
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- The creation of the EAD-version of this finding aid was made possible through a grant from the National Historic Publications and Records Commission.
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Elmer Floyd Lovejoy was a Laramie, Wyoming, businessman and inventor. He was born in Illinois on February 2, 1872, to George W. Lovejoy and his wife. Elmer Lovejoy came to Laramie in 1883 for health reasons and soon developed an interest in mechanics. He opened a general repair shop, Lovejoy Novelty Works, at 412 S. 2nd St. in 1893, and a few years later he built a steam-powered automobile incorporating design innovations of his own. In 1902, he built and drove Laramie’s first steam-driven automobile. In 1905, he invented an automobile steering gear, and in 1918 and 1921 he patented designs for automatic garage door openers. Lovejoy also operated a dealership for Franklin automobiles. Lovejoy was active in the Laramie Bicycle Club and was an amateur photographer. On August 27, 1895, he married Nellie Oakley. The couple had a son, Orell, who was born in 1898.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection includes a record book (1891-1895) of the Laramie Cycling Club; 3 rolls of 16mm motion picture film depicting University of Wyoming homecoming parades of 1929 and 1930, the 1938 U.W. commencement, and a 1939 pet parade; a 1921 letter concerning a patent; records of the Lovejoy Novelty Works from 1906-1945; United States patents for his automatic door openers; and Laramie area photographs.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Preferred Citation
Preferred CitationItem Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Elmer F. Lovejoy papers, 1891-1945, Collection Number 00176, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Alternative Forms Available
Existence and Location of CopiesDigital reproductions of select material from this collection are available at http://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu:8180/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~118~118.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Related Materials
Related MaterialsThere are no other known archival collections created by Elmer F. Lovejoy at the date of processing.
Acquisition Information
Acquisition InformationThe Elmer F. Lovejoy papers were received from Elmer Lovejoy in 1951, 1952, and 1959.
Processing Note
Processing InformationThe collection was processed by D.C. Thompson in May 2000.
Portions of the collection were digitized by Kathy Gerlach in March 2013.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Automobile dealers--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Automobile racing.
- Automobiles--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Cycling--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Fish hatcheries--Wyoming--Albany County.
- Fishing--Wyoming.
- Hunting--Wyoming.
- Inventions--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Mechanically-operated doors--Patents.
- Motion pictures--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Parades--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Pets--Wyoming--Laramie.
- Railroad accidents--Wyoming.
- Railroad bridges--Wyoming.
- Railroads--Snow-plows.
- Ranch houses--Wyoming.
- Train robberies--Wyoming.
Personal Names
- Cramer, Frank.
Corporate Names
- Laramie Cycling Club.
- Lovejoy Novelty Works.
- Trabing Commercial Company.
- University of Wyoming--History.
Geographical Names
- Centennial (Wyo.)
- Laramie (Wyo.)
- Libby Creek (Albany County, Wyo.)
- Red Buttes (Albany County, Wyo.)
- Sand Creek (Albany County, Wyo.)
- Sherman Hill (Wyo.)
Form or Genre Terms
- Business records.
- Motion pictures.
- Patents.
- Photographs.
Occupations
- Businessmen.
- Inventors.