Wyomissing Development Company records
Creation: 1913-1934Abstract
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
- Wyomissing Development Company (Organization)
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.
Language of Materials
English
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
