Collection processed by Leigh Johnsen
2012 San Joaquin County Historical Society
11793 North Micke Grove Road
Lodi, CA 95241
Phone: (209) 331-2055
Fax: (209) 331-2057
URL: http://www.sanjoaquinhistory.org/

Hickinbotham Brothers Collection, 1922-1989

Collection number: Ms74

San Joaquin County Historical Society
Processed by:
Don Walker and Leigh Johnsen
Date Completed:
2013
Encoded by:
Leigh Johnsen
2013
San Joaquin County Historical Society. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Hickinbotham Brothers Collection
Date: 1922-1989
Collection Number: Ms74
Location: Erickson Vault
Extent: 2 linear feet
Contributing Institution: San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum
11793 North Micke Grove Road
Lodi, CA 95240
Language of Material: Records written in English
Abstract: Hickinbotham Brothers, a supplier of steel, industrial supplies, and hardware is one of Stockton, California's, oldest and most venerable businesses. The Hickinbotham Brothers Collection includes a sample of published advertising material, a history, catalogs, and lists of products that afford glimpses not only into the company's operations, but also into the kinds of products it purchased for retail and sold throughout much of the twentieth century.

Access Information

Collection is open for research by appointment.

Conditions of Use

The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary property.
Preferred citation: [Item name], Hickinbotham Brothers Collection, Ms74, San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, Lodi, California.

Historical Sketch

Hickinbotham Brothers traces its origins to California’s Gold Rush Era and the westward movement of two brothers native to New York: Edwin Hickinbotham (1831-1891) and John Tunnicliff Hickinbotham (1829-1893). The Hickinbotham brothers had been trained as carriage makers in Richfield Springs, New York, and they sensed a need for blacksmiths, wagon makers, and harness makers soon after they arrived in California. In 1852, they settled in Stockton, formed a partnership, and became “importers and dealers in all kinds of wagon and carriage lumber.” The partnership ended in 1855 with the withdrawal of Edwin due to sickness, but the company continued under the leadership of John and other family members. Gradually, it shifted its focus from wood materials to heavy hardware. In 1931, three descendents, John Cyrus Hickinbotham (1894-1945), Leland French Hickinbotham (1897-1949), and Ralph West Hickinbotham (1897-1951), incorporated the company as Hickinbotham Brothers, Limited. During the Second World War, Hickinbotham Brothers Construction Division built landing barges, floating cranes, steel tugs and supply vessels for the U.S. government. The corporation continued to operate under family leadership until the mid-1990s, when it merged with Ferro Union, Incorporated.

Scope and Content

The Hickinbotham Brothers Collection consists mainly of catalogs and other lists of products purchased and sold. Material included in the collection is arranged chronologically within each alphabetical category.

Access Points

Names and Subjects

Hickinbotham Bros. Ltd.
Hickinbotham, Edwin, 1831-1891
Hickinbotham, John Cyrus, 1894-1945
Hickinbotham, John Tunnicliff, 1829-1893
Hickinbotham, Leland French, 1897-1949
Hickinbotham, Ralph West, 1897-1951
San Joaquin County (Calif.)--History


Box 1, Folder 1

Advertising. Undated

Box 1, Folder 2

Catalog. Undated

Box 1, Folder 3

Catalog. Undated

Box 1, Folder 4

Catalog. ca. 1895

Box 1, Folder 5

Catalog. 1922-1937 (1 of 2)

Box 1, Folder 6

Catalog. 1922-1937 (2 of 2)

Box 1, Folder 7

Catalog. 1930-1933

Box 2, Folder 1

Catalog. 1946

Box 2, Folder 2

Catalog. 1952

Box 2, Folder 3

Catalog. 1959

Box 2, Folder 4

Catalog. 1963

Box 2, Folder 5

Catalog. 1977

Box 2, Folder 6

Catalog. 1985

Box 2, Folder 7

Catalog. 1989

Box 2, Folder 8

History. 1952

Box 2, Folder 9

Reference Book. 1971-1972

Box 2, Folder 10

Steel List. 1939

Box 2, Folder 11

Steel List. 1940

Box 2, Folder 12

Steel List. 1941-1942