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Joseph Meyers Willamette Iron and Steel Company collection

 Collection
Identifier: Coll 610

Scope and Contents

The collection primarily consists of photographs of ships that Willamette Iron and Steel Company either built or worked on from World War II to the 1960s, collected by long-time employee Joseph Meyers. Other photographs include aerial views of the company's site and photographs of parts and equipment manufactured by the company. The collection's printed materials include promotional brochures, instructional manuals, and programs for ship launchings and sea trials.

Dates

  • Creation: 1942-1969

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Administrative History

Willamette Iron Works began operating in Portland, Oregon in 1865 and was known for producing the "Willamette Donkey" for logging operations. The company changed its name to Willamette Iron and Steel Works in 1904 after moving from downtown Portland to the waterfront. In 1938, the company was organized as Willamette Iron and Steel Corporation. During World War II, it became a shipbuilding contractor for the Unites States government. In 1946, the company was sold and became known as the Willamette Iron and Steel Company. The company was also known as Wisco.

Biographical Note

Joseph Phillip Meyers (1910-1997) was a marine engineer at Willamette Iron and Steel Company in Portland, Oregon.

Extent

0.72 Cubic Feet (2 letter document cases)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Photographs and ephemera relating to the Willamette Iron and Steel Company. The materials were collected by Joseph Meyers (1910-1997), a marine engineer who worked for the company.

Arrangement

Collection is arranged in two series: Series 1. Printed materials; Series 2. Photographs.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Negatives are not available for direct access. Contact library staff for assistance.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mary Meyers, August 2017 (Lib. Acc. 29095).

Related Materials

Records of the Willamette Iron and Steel Company are designated Mss 1600, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

Separated Materials

Company badge was separated to Museum Collections, Oregon Historical Society.

Title
Guide to the Joseph Meyers Willamette Iron and Steel Company collection
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Jeffrey A. Hayes
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Revision Statements

  • 2018; 2020-2021: Revised to reflect change in collection title and a consolidation in housing; revised to conform to current standards.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository

Contact:
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240