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Title: Harris Manufacturing Company
Dates: 1890-1995
Bulk Dates: 1902-1941
Collection number: MSS 312
Creator:
Harris, George H.
Collection Size: .5 feet
Repository:
University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Dept. of
Special Collections
Stockton, California 95211
Abstract: The collection is comprised of business papers
(with equipment specifications and blueprints), newspaper and journal articles,
and photographs.
Physical location: For current information on the location
of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection:
English
Collection open for research.
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.
Harris Manufacturing Company . MSS 312. Holt-Atherton Department of
Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.
Biography / Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this
collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Grain - Harvesting machines
Harvesting - California - San Joaquin
County