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Wyomissing Development Company records

Creation: 1913-1934
 Collection
Accession: 1905

Abstract

The Wyomissing Development Company was a housing development firm for the employees of a manufacturer of knitting machinery, the Textile Machine Works. Both companies were incorporated by Henry Janssen (1866-1948) and Ferdinand Thun (1866-1948). The collection contains two minute books which document the organization of the Wyomissing Development Company, the acquisition of land for the company town and other public facilities including stores, parks, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals.

Dates

  • Creation: 1913-1934

Creator

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Historical note

The Wyomissing Development Company was a housing development firm for the employees of a manufacturer of knitting machinery, the Textile Machine Works. Both companies were incorporated by Henry Janssen (1866-1948) and Ferdinand Thun (1866-1948). The Wyomissing Development Company was incorporated in Reading, Pennslyvania on September 20, 1913 with the purpose of constructing housing, public parks, and stores for company employees. The company rented homes to its employees and maintained them and the community in a way which reflected its paternalistic philosophy.

Scope and Contents

Two volumes of minutes of the Wyomissing Development Company dated September 20, 1913 to June 26, 1926 and July 3, 1926 to November 7, 1934. The volumes document the organization of the Wyomissing Development Company, the acquisition of land for the company town and other public facilities including stores, parks, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. The building program for the town is discussed and architectural concerns are noted. The renting and selling of residential properties to Textile Machine Works employees are described.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Related Materials

Textile Machinery Company records (Accession 1904), Manuscripts and Archives Department, Hagley Museum and Library.

Language of Materials

English

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
Wyomissing Development Company records
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2020: Ashley Williams

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400