Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Ethyl Corporation records, 1823-1983
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Ethyl Corporation
- Title
- Ethyl Corporation records
- Dates
- 1823-1983 (inclusive)18231983
- Quantity
- 11.10 cubic feet (25 boxes)
- Collection Number
- 00548
- Summary
- 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.
- Additional Reference Guides
-
Additional Information
Finding aid available in repository.
- Languages
- English
Historical NoteReturn to Top
The Ethyl Corporation, chartered in Delaware in 1924, originated from the research efforts of scientists and chemical engineers Charles F. Kettering and Thomas Midgeley, Jr. In 1921, Midgley and Kettering discovered tetraethyl lead as an anti-knock agent in automobile engines. Kettering named this tetraethyl lead "Ethyl" gasoline and made it available to the public in 1923. Midgley and Kettering founded the General Motors Chemical Company to provide distribution of the gasoline. Standard Oil Company of New Jersey joined General Motors Chemical in its manufacturing to create Ethyl Corporation in 1924.
Kettering served as president of the corporation, serving until 1925. Midgley served as vice-president and general manager until his death in 1944. James Boudreau served as vice-president and director of public relations until 1966. Earl Botholomew, an engineer, developed several important patents, including a special mixture of bromine and chlorine and an engine that could use tetraethyl lead and meet clear air regulations. In 1962, Albemarle Paper Manufacturing Company bought out Ethyl Corporation.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Collection contains mainly historical materials gathered by Boudreau for the history of the petroleum industry and corporation exhibits. Collection includes account books, stock certificates, newspapers and maps, advertisements, and other materials gathered by Boudreau and deal mostly with the petroleum industry in Pennsylvania (1823-1960). Also included is Thomas Midgley's correspondence (1919-1952) regarding scientific research and business matters; photographs and glass slides of research and equipment (1923-1943); publications and speeches (1923-1983); 10 8mm and 26 16mm service and training films; and 5 33 1/3 rpm phonograph records of a 1940 Charles Kettering speech and a 20th anniversary observation.
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, Collection Name, Collection Number, 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/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~14~14.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Preservation Note
System RequirementsTraining films -- film -- 16mm and 8mm.
20th Anniversary observation -- phonodisc -- 33 1/3 rpm.
Kettering speech -- phonodisc -- 33 1/3 rpm.
Related Materials
Related MaterialsThere are no known other archival collections created by the Ethyl Corporation at the date of processing.
Acquisition Information
Acquisition InformationProcessing Note
Processing InformationThe collection was processed by Susan Horan in June 1999.
Portions of this collection was digitized by Kathy Gerlach from 2015-2018.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Container List PDFReturn to Top
The American Heritage Center is in the process of converting its older container lists to a more accessible format. This link is to an older version of a container list.
| Description |
|---|
Series VI. Audi-Visual MaterialReturn to Top
Contains 16mm motion picture service and training films and audio recordings.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box | ||
| 26 | 1971 | |
| 26 | undated | |
Training Film Series: |
||
| Box | ||
| 27 | 1956 | |
| 27 | 1956 | |
| 27 | 1956 | |
| 27 | 1956 | |
| 27 | 1957 | |
| 27 | 1959 | |
| 27 | 1959 | |
| 27 | 1956 | |
| 27 | 1947 | |
| 27 | 1958 | |
| 27 | 1953 | |
| 28 and 31 | undated | |
| 28 | 1946 | |
| 28 | undated | |
| 28 | 1957 | |
| 29 | 1951 | |
| 29 | 1946 | |
| 29 | 1944 | |
| 29 | 1946 | |
| 29 | 1946 | |
Automotive Series: |
||
| Box | ||
| 30 | 1956 | |
| 30 | 1956 | |
| 30 | 1956 | |
| 30 | 1957 | |
| 31 | undated | |
| 31 | 1952 | |
| 31 | 1951 | |
| 32 | 1958 | |
| 32 | undated | |
| 32 | 1941 | |
| 32 | 1954 | |
| 32 | undated | |
| 33 | 1937 | |
| 33 | 1954 | |
| 33 | 1946 | |
| 33 | 1954 | |
| 33 | undated | |
| 33 | 1952 | |
Audio: |
||
| Box | ||
| 34 | "Looking Forward" speech by Charles F. Kettering (phonograph record) |
April 10, 1940 |
| 34 | Transcription of tape recording of 20th Anniversary Observance, parts 1-7 (33 speed photograph records) |
undated |
| 34 | Unidentified (magnetic tape) |
undated |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Gasoline -- Research -- United States.
- Gasoline -- United States -- Anti-knock and anti-knock mixtures.
- Petroleum industry and trade -- Pennsylvania.
- Petroleum industry and trade -- United States.
Personal Names
- Boudreau, James.
Form or Genre Terms
- Buiness records.
- Motion pictures.
- Negatives.
- Phonograph records.
- Photographs.
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Midgley, Thomas, 1889-1944.
