View XML QR Code

Alfred W. Lawson papers, 1904-2004, (bulk 1931-1989)

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Lawson, Alfred W. (Alfred William), 1869-1954
Title
Alfred W. Lawson papers
Dates
1904-2004, (bulk 1931-1989) (inclusive)
Quantity
cubic ft. (36 boxes)
Collection Number
07504
Summary
The Alfred W. Lawson papers contain materials relating to Lawson's aviation career, his social reform efforts, and Lawsonomy.
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
Return to Top

Historical Note

Alfred W. Lawson was born in London, England, in 1869. After moving to America, Lawson played professional baseball, was a pioneer aviator, aviation manufacturer, writer, and editor. He is credited for editing the first popular aviation magazine, “Fly,” in 1908. Lawson established an aircraft manufacturing company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from 1917-1918. His practical achievements in aviation include building and flying one of the first airliners (which Lawson billed as the first airliner), and being awarded several of the first air mail contracts.

Lawson retired from aviation in 1928 to further his work in social reform and philosophy. Lawson founded numerous organizations, including the Direct Credits Society, Des Moines University of Lawsonomy, and the Humanity Benefactor Foundation. Additionally, he propounded his own metaphysics based philosophy, Lawsonomy, and established the Lawsonian Religion. Lawson died in Texas in 1954.

Return to Top

Content Description

The bulk of the Alfred W. Lawson papers consist of documents (correspondence, minutes, reports, etc.), related to the Lawson founded Direct Credits Society (1934-1989), Des Moines University of Lawsonomy (1934-1955), and the Humanity Benefactor Foundation (1943- 1985). The collection also contains periodicals written and edited by Lawson, books written by Lawson, and biographical documents and ephemera.

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top

Administrative Information

Arrangement

The Alfred W. Lawson papers have been processed and divided into four series. Materials have been arranged alphabetically by description.

Related Materials

Related Materials

Additional papers for Alfred W. Lawson can be found at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library and the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

This material was received from 1982-2008 from Sam Manson, Dolores Stearns, Lyell Henry, and Merle Hayden.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by John Hanks in 1997 and Matthew Francis in 2010.

Return to Top

Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Aeronautics--United States.
  • Aircraft industry--Periodicals--United States.
  • Economics--United States.
  • Metaphysics--United States.
  • Religions (Proposed, Universal, etc.)--United States.
  • Social reformers--United States.
  • Universities and colleges--Iowa--Des Moines.

Geographical Names

  • Des Moines (Iowa)

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names

    • Des Moines University of Lawsonomy.
    • Direct Credits Society.
    • Humanity Benefactor Foundation.

Processed by John Hanks and Matthew Francis
2010

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

About Creative Commons Licenses in Archives West

Loading...
Loading...