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

Finding aid created by Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County staff using RecordEXPRESS
Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007-4057
(213) 763-3359
seavercenter@nhm.org
https://nhm.org/research-collections/departments/history/seaver-center-western-history-research
2021


Descriptive Summary

Title: Charles E. Duryea and J. Frank Duryea Papers, 1894-1944
Dates: 1894-1944
Collection Number: GC 1362
Creator/Collector: Duryea, Charles E., 1861-1938 Duryea, J. Frank (James Frank), 1869-1967
Extent: 1/2 letter
Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, California 90007-4057
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

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

Biography/Administrative History

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.

Scope and Content of Collection

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).

Indexing Terms

Automobiles--United States--History
Springfield (Mass.)