High Explosives Operating Department, 1906-1917
Part of collection: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company twentieth century records (0500-II)
Dates
- Creation: 1906-1917
Historical Note
On February 4, 1903, shortly after T. Coleman, Pierre, and Alfred I. du Pont reorganized the DuPont Company, Hamilton Barksdale, who had previously been associated with the Repauno Chemical Company, was given responsibility for the manufacture of dynamite and other high explosives. Barksdale was appointed to the Executive Committee, reporting directly to President T. Coleman du Pont and his department became known as the High Explosives Operating Department. While its research program was housed at Eastern Laboratory, Barksdale maintained its complete autonomy. In 1917 the High Explosives and Black Powder Operating Departments were merged, becoming the Explosives Manufacturing Department.
Scope and Contents
Records of the High Explosives Operating Department include minutes of the General Superintendent meetings, 1909-1913, circular letters, and bulletins (1906-1917). Also included are minutes of the machinery, Nitroglycerin, Safety, and Smokeless Powder Safety Commissions. These records, taken together, describe the High Explosives Department's research and development program, manufacturing operations, work organization, and safety efforts. There are also records documenting labor relations, salary scales, workers' living conditions, and efforts to establish a bonus plan.
Extent
From the Collection: 416.25 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Additional Description
Access Restrictions
No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.
Repository Details
Repository Details
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
