Montana electrician and leather worker Harry F. Lawrence was born in 1875. Raised in the eastern United States, he moved to Montana as a young man. Lawrence married his wife, Cora, in 1907 and moved to Gardiner, Montana, where he was employed by Gardiner Electric Light and Water Company as a power plant engineer. His daughter Alma was born in 1908, and Mrs. Lawrence moved to Livingston, Montana, with the baby. After a year, Mr. Lawrence sent them to live in Ronan, Montana, hoping to join them shortly. With the help of his friend Emil Myers, Mr. Lawrence opened a harness shop in downtown Ronan in 1912. Lawrence and Myers Harness Repair was successful, but the shop burnt down in the great fire of August 24, 1912 that also destroyed three and one-half blocks of the business district. Mr. Lawrence rebuilt his shop the following year and his thriving business resumed.
The collection contains general correspondence between Mr. Lawrence and his wife, as well as several letters pertaining to the establishment of his harness business in Ronan, Montana. The collection contains some financial records of Gardiner Electric Light and Water Company, which included milling and smelting operations. Financial records of Lawrence and Myers Ronan Harness and Saddlery Company are complete through the August 1912 fire, with an additional checkbook dated into early 1913. The collection contains limited financial records after reconstruction of the business.
The collection is divided into two series:
Series I: Incoming Correspondence, 2 folders, 1911-1913
Series II: Financial Records, 9 Folders and 1 oversize volume, 1909-1913
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.
Harry F. Lawrence Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.
Gift of George Sterling, date unknown.
The actions of the original processors are unknown. In 2000, the collection was reprocessed. The organization of the original processors has been retained. A checkbook from the harness repair company was added to the collection in 2015.
This series contains letters written to Mr. Lawrence. Most of the correspondence was from his wife, Cora, who was living with their daughter in Livingston, Montana, while he worked in Gardiner. Business partner Emil Myers wrote Mr. Lawrence regarding their harness business. The series also includes letters from other family and friends. This series is arranged chronologically.
The series consists of Mr. Lawrence's financial records from both Gardiner Electric Power and Water Co. and Lawrence & Myers Harness Repair. Included are several legal documents pertaining to the creation of the business partnership.
This series is arranged chronologically.
Articles of Agreement for Lawrence and Myers Harness Repair and Power of Attorney.