Beckwith Card Company Records

Collection

Identifier: 1998-0304

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The papers consist of letter press copies of over 400 pieces of business correspondence. Many letters are addressed to recipients in the southern United States and to addresses in Europe, Africa and Australia. A few letters concern job applicants and terms of employment in the factory. The primary correspondents are George B. Curtis, W. Dodman and William Clark, of Street & Clark.

Dates

1888-1894

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

History

The Beckwith Card Company, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, manufactured a wide variety of cards known as card clothing or hand and stripper cards. In a 7 June 1889 letter, the owner, Charles F. Beckwith, describes their use: “these cards are used where cloth is made by hand, in cotton and wool growing countries. Our goods go South in this country, and the No. 10 Whettercome cotton cards are being sold extensively in the South and West coast of Africa. Also wool cards in Australia.” Also according to Beckwith, at that time there were only two companies making this product, the other was Watson Manufacturing Company.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Manufacturer of cards known as card clothing or hand and stripper cards. Located in Stafford Springs, CT.

Acquisition Information

Collection was purchased in October 1992.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to Connecticut businesses. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.