Ralph Hamlin (1880-1974) Collection
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
2023
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
Title: Ralph Hamlin (1880-1974) Collection
Dates: 1894-1976
Collection Number: GC 1342
Creator/Collector:
Hamlin, Ralph
Extent: 13.28 linear feet
Repository:
Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, California 90007-4057
Abstract: A collection of papers, personal and professional, belonging to Ralph Cunningham Hamlin (1880 - 1974), who was a pioneer Los
Angeles automobile dealer and racing enthusiast. Also covers his early years racing on bicycle. ca. 1894 – 1976, undated.
See also photo collection P-115 Ralph Hamlin Collection.
Language of Material: English
Research is by appointment only
Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder
[Identification of item]. Ralph Hamlin (1880-1974) Collection. Collection Number: GC 1342. Seaver Center for Western History
Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Biography/Administrative History
Hamlin operated an automobile dealership by 1901 at 1806 So. Main Street, Los Angeles. His original Franklin dealership opened
in 1905 at 1040 So. Flower Street. He also acquired a dealership in Hollywood at 5766 Hollywood Boulevard; he also had a
Glendale branch selling Franklins under the "Ralph Hamlin" company name. By about 1926 he was also selling in San Diego.
Scope and Content of Collection
A collection of papers, personal and professional, belonging to Ralph Cunningham Hamlin (1880 - 1974), who was a pioneer Los
Angeles automobile dealer and racing enthusiast. Also covers his early years racing on bicycle. Also taped interviews and
143 pages of interviews transcribed. ca. 1894-1976, undated. See also photo collection P-115 Ralph Hamlin Collection.
Automobile racing--California--History
Bicycles and bicycling--History
Automobile industry and trade--California
Automobile industry and trade--History
Franklin Automobile Company
H. H. Franklin Manufacturing Company
Los Angeles (Calif.)