Henry A. Janvier papers
Creation: 1897-1900Abstract
Henry A. Janvier (1861-1952) was an engineer with the Ferracute Machine Company of Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he had begun work in 1877 as a sixteen-year-old apprentice. Sometime in 1896, Ferracute signed a contract with the Chinese government to build three mints there, two at Wuchang in Hopei Province and one in Chengtu in Szechwan. Janvier served as chief engineer for the project. This collection includes Janvier's letters to his family, in which he describes his 1897 trip to China.
Dates
- Creation: 1897-1900
Creator
- Janvier, Henry Archer, 1861-1952 (Person)
Extent
0.3 Linear Feet
Biographical Note
Henry A. Janvier (1861-1952) was an engineer with the Ferracute Machine Company of Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he had begun work in 1877 as a sixteen-year-old apprentice. The Ferracute presses were installed in the United States Mint in Philadelphia and attracted international attention. Sometime in 1896, Ferracute signed a contract with the Chinese government to build three mints in China. Two of these were to be located at Wuchang in Hopei Province and one in Chengtu in Szechwan. Janvier served as chief engineer for the project.
His machinery designs were recognized at the Paris Exposition (Exposition Universelle) in 1900. He later served as vice president and general manager of the Ferracute Machine Co. A photography enthusiast, he also was the first president of the local Camera Society in Bridgeton.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
Henry Janvier's letters to his family describe his 1897 trip to China to install three mints from the Ferracute Machine Company. The trip went across the United States and the Pacific Ocean and through China to a remote part of Szechwan Province. The collection describes Janvier's impressions of Japan and his visit to the Osaka mint. Janvier's trip from Shanghai to Chengtu is also described. The letters contain descriptions of the countryside, the rigors of travel, and the food that was provided. They provide an interesting description of China on the eve of the Boxer Rebellion. The machinery was transported by boat along the Yangtze River. Janvier described the installation of the equipment and the work habits of the Chinese laborers and foremen.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.
Language of Materials
English
Additional Description
Separated Materials
Ferracute Machine Company photographs (Accession 1987.244), Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department, Hagley Museum and Library
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title:
- Henry A. Janvier papers
- Description rules:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description:
- English
- Script of description:
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2022: Angela Schad
Repository Details
Repository Details
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
