Ralph Hamlin Photograph Collection
Finding aid created by Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County staff using
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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 Photograph Collection
Dates: 1894-1976
Collection Number: P-115
Creator/Collector:
Hamlin, Ralph
Extent: 8.64 linear feet (Boxes: 6 letter, 1/2 letter, 1 flat, 3 ov, ov folders)
Repository:
Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, California 90007-4057
Abstract: Photographs relating to Ralph Cunningham Hamlin (1880 - 1974): his personal and family life; bicycling; motorcycling; and
automobile racing activities; auto road and endurance trips; business matters and associates (including early auto shows);
and the Franklin automobile dealerships.
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 Photograph Collection. Collection Number: P-115. 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
Photographs relating to Ralph Cunningham Hamlin (1880 - 1974): his personal and family life; bicycling; motorcycling; and
automobile racing activities; auto road and endurance trips; business matters and associates (including early auto shows);
and the Franklin automobile dealerships. Includes a color sketch tribute to Hamlin from artist Charles Owens, with seven
photos mounted and a map sketch of the route from Los Angeles to Indio. 1894-1976, undated. See also GC1342 - Ralph Hamlin
(1880 - 1974) Collection
Automobile industry and trade--California.
Automobile industry and trade--History.
Automobile racing--California--History.
Bicycles and bicycling--History.
H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Co.
Franklin Automobile Co.