William Wallace Hanscom papers, 1875-1915, bulk 1887-1915

Summary

Creators:

Hanscom, William Wallace

Abstract:

The William Wallace Hanscom papers ([SAFR 16121], [HDC 131]) consists largely of scrapbooks and notebooks, but also includes some trade catalogs and oversize naval architecture and marine engineering plans. The research strength is largely in the area of technical aspects of turn of the century iron and steel shipbuilding, but information on a few San Francisco building projects of the 1920s can also be found in the collection. The collection is open for use without restrictions.

Extent:

41.00 items

Language:

In English.

Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0131 (SAFR 16121), William Wallace Hanscom papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Background

Scope and content:

The William Wallace Hanscom papers ([SAFR 16121], [HDC 131]) consists largely of scrapbooks and notebooks, but also includes some trade catalogs and oversize naval architecture and marine engineering plans. The research strength is largely in the area of technical aspects of turn of the century iron and steel shipbuilding, but information on a few San Francisco building projects of the 1920s can also be found in the collection. The collection is open for use without restrictions.

The scrapbooks contain technical information about electrical systems on ships constructed at Union Iron Works ca. 1887-1915, including data on the battleships WYOMING and OHIO, and photographs of the early U.S. submarines TARPON, NARWHAL, and GRAYLING. Also included in these scrapbooks is information about shore-side electrical projects undertaken by the Century Electric Construction Co., such as the Columbia Theatre of 1910 in San Francisco. The remainder of the collection consists of notebooks on various subjects related to marine engineering, specifications of vessels constructed at Union Iron Works, a scrapbook containing reports and papers on aspects of marine engineering, and various trade catalogues. The reports and papers include oversize plans, which are stored separately in oversize storage. The original locations of all removed documents have been marked in the collection.

Biographical / historical:

BIOGRAPHY: W.W. Hanscom was born in 1870. He began his career at San Francisco's Union Iron Works as an apprentice in the patterns shop. He advanced steadily during his more than twenty years of service with the firm, becoming successively draftsman, electrical engineer, and chief electrical engineer. Around 1908, he became the manager of the Century Electric Construction Co. of San Francisco. He lived in San Francisco and died in November 1956 at the age of 86. Sources: San Francisco Maritime Museum accession ledger, information contained in this collection, and various San Francisco city directories.

Acquisition information:

SAFR-00001

This collection was originally a gift to the San Francisco Maritime Museum from a private donor in 1965. Transferred to San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park as part of accession SAFR-00001 (GOGA-00735). Processed by Stephen A. Haller on August 13, 1985. Reprocessed and recataloged by Sara Diamond in 2012.

Processing information:

Note on Description: The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide. P lease cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Arrangement:

Arranged into 25 files by type or format

Physical location:

San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard .

Related resources

Related material:

I.M. Scott, Jr. Papers (SAFR 15792, HDC 125)

J.T. Scott Papers (SAFR 15793, HDC 126)

I.M and J.T. Scott were both employed at the Union Iron Works at the same time as Hanscom. SAFR collections are part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park musuem and archival collections. Further information about Union Iron Works can be found using the library and photograph card catalogues.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Electrical Engineering
Naval architecture
Archives
Design and construction
Naval architects
Mechanical engineers
Scrapbooks
Mechanical engineering

Names:

Union Iron Works Co.

Places:

San Francisco (Calif.)

Restrictions:

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Terms of access:

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0131 (SAFR 16121), William Wallace Hanscom papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Location of this collection:

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Building E, Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123, US

Contact:

415-561-7030

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