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Woodmanse Manufacturing Company collection, 1885-1929

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Woodmanse Manufacturing Company
Title
Woodmanse Manufacturing Company collection
Dates
1885-1929 (inclusive)
Quantity
.9 cubic feet (2 boxes)
Collection Number
00413
Summary
Materials of a windmill and water systems manufacturer based in Freeport, Illinois.
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
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Historical Note

The Woodmanse Manufacturing Company produced windmills that were sold all over the world. The company sold many sizes of windmills for every kind of situation.

Beside making windmills, Woodmanse also manufactured towers, water systems, tank heaters, pumps, and other mechanisms that brought clean water to homes and farms.

Harrison Woodmanse of Freeport, Illinois, and joint inventors, designed several new improvements for windmills. He helped make them simpler and stronger.

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Content Description

The material for Woodmanse Manufacturing Company Collection, 1887-1947, includes financial papers, catalogues, repair books, price lists, and legal documents. There is also a map of the city of Freeport. The Research Files contain patents of new inventions and sales catalogues describing the various parts of a windmill.

Manuscripts for books on repairing the machines are typed and handwritten. Catalogues contain prices and letters from customers.

The financial papers are mortgage, trust, and warranty deeds, check stubs, receipts, and correspondence pertaining to accidents and contracts. There are booklets containing price lists covering the years 1898-1947.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by the Woodmanse Manufacturing Company at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

The collection was received from the George Getz Corporation (Freeport, Illinois) in 1957.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Patricia Hokanson in May 1991. The finding aid was rekeyed for online use by Ann Mulfort in 2013 and by Pechet Men in 2015.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List
  • Description: Legal Documents

    Abstract of Title; Agreements; Chattel Mortgage Deeds; Check Stubs; Correspondence; Receipt for Lot 1 Block 43 from the State of Illinois; Release Deed; Sheriff's Deed; Trust Deeds; Warranty Deeds.

    Dates: 1842-1911
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: Legal Documents

    Agreements; Correspondence; Receipts.

    Dates: 1892-1936
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Map

    Map of the City of Freeport, Illinois.

    Dates: undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3
  • Description: Patents

    Patents for Automatic Hydraulic Regulators for Windmills, Pump-Valves, Tighteners for Brace-Rods, Towers for Windmills, and Windmills.

    Dates: 1885-1929
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4
  • Description: Price List Booklets: Published booklets by Woodmanse Mfg. Co. listing prices of windmills and parts
    Dates: 1898-1929
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5
  • Description: Windmill Catalogues

    Sales Catalogues listing prices and describing windmills, pumps, and features.

    Dates: 1861-1928
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Windmill Catalogues

    Sales Catalogues listing prices and describing windmills, pumps, and features.

    Dates: 1899-1908, undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Changes in 10 Foot Wood Mills

    Notes taken about changes made in various mills - handwritten.

    Dates: 1884-1921
    Container: Box 2, Folder 8
  • Description: Book of Instruction of Repairs

    Book of instructions of repairs on various windmills - typed manuscript.

    Dates: undated
    Container: Box 2, Folder 9
  • Description: Report of Goods Made

    Report of goods made: Windmills and steel towers for the years January 1905 and 1906-November 1910.

    Dates: 1905-1910
    Container: Box 2, Folder 10
  • Description: Tower Specification or Packing Directions

    Book of directions of how to pack parts of windmills and what to label packages.

    Dates: undated
    Container: Box 2, Folder 11
  • Description: Wholesale and Retail Prices, Repairs, Tools, etc.

    Book regarding the prices for repairs, tools, etc.

    Dates: 1938
    Container: Box 2, Folder 12