Harris Manufacturing Company, 1890-1995, bulk 1902-1941

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Summary

Title:
Harris Manufacturing Company
Dates:
1890-1995, bulk 1902-1941
Creators:
Harris, George H.
Abstract:
The collection is comprised of business papers (with equipment specifications and blueprints), newspaper and journal articles, and photographs.
Extent:
.5 feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

Harris Manufacturing Company . MSS 312. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.

Background

Scope and content:

In the early 20th century, the Central Valley was a leading producer of grain. The Harris collection shows the progression of agricultural harvesting, from horse-drawn machinery to the gas combine harvester. Of special significance are the photos and blueprint of the Side Hill Harvester, a Harris original.

The collection is comprised of business papers, including patents, Articles of Incorporation, Transfer of Ownership, as well as some items on equipment specifications and ledger notes. There are newspaper and journal articles ranging from 1929 to 1995. The more than 50 photographs include views of machinery, buildings, Mr. Harris, staff, and workers.

Biographical / historical:

George H. Harris (1871-1934) lived in Stockton, California and worked for Matteson and Williamson farm equipment company in the 1890s. By 1902 he was superintendent and manager; that same year he started his own company, and in 1904 it was incorporated under the title Harris Manufacturing Company. George Harris was president of the company until 1928, after which he remained major stockholder until his death in 1934.

Harris Manufacturing Company began as a repair shop for harvesting equipment. Repairing, rebuilding, and experimenting with gas engines were the activities of the first few years. Harvesters and combines were produced, and by 1912 plans were made for a new factory because of the increased demand for gas harvesters. The business closed in 1956.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Trish Richards
Date Prepared:
© 2007
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by Michael Wurtz. Machine-readable finding aid derived from MS Word. Date of source: July 27, 2007.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred citation:

Harris Manufacturing Company . MSS 312. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.

Location of this collection:
University of the Pacific, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University Library
Stockton, CA 95211, US
Contact:
(209) 946-2404
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