Charles E. Duryea and J. Frank Duryea Papers, 1894-1944, 1894-1944

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Duryea, Charles E., 1861-1938 Duryea, J. Frank (James Frank), 1869-1967
Abstract:
Extent:
1/2 letter
Language:
Preferred citation:

Charles E. Duryea and J. Frank Duryea Papers, 1894-1944. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Background

Scope and content:

Publications, advertising booklets, correspondence and ephemera. An artificial collection about the Duryea brothers and their contributions to the start of the automobile industry in the United States. 1894-1944, undated. Some papers document the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, Massachusetts, that honored Charles in 1937 as the "Father of the Automobile". The state governor’s office sought to lay a plaque to similarly honor Charles in 1942. Several publications from the 1940s reveal the rivalry between the brothers, with the surviving younger brother Frank’s attempts to correct the historical fact. These publications contain reprinted manuscripts, typescripts, clippings, letters and notarized affidavits attesting to Frank’s involvement as inventor and his contention that his older brother fabricated lies. Correspondence includes those received and written by the museum curator of Physical & Mechanical Sciences. Contact the Detroit Public Library, National Automotive History Collection, for Charles E. Duryea Papers 1878-1957 (bulk 1898-1930).

Biographical / historical:

Charles E. Duryea (1861-1938) and J. Frank Duryea (1869-1967) collaborated in Springfield, Massachusetts to build a gasoline-powered motor vehicle in 1892. Frank contended that he alone successfully invented the car.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Research is by appointment only

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred citation:

Charles E. Duryea and J. Frank Duryea Papers, 1894-1944. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Location of this collection:
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007-4057, US
Contact:
(213) 763-3359