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Inventory of the R.C. Maxwell Company Records, 1891-2001 and undated

R.C. Maxwell Company Records - Duke Digital Collections Digitized Content
Selected items from this collection have been digitized and are available in: R.C. Maxwell Company Records - Duke Digital Collections.

Abstract

R.C. Maxwell Company of Trenton, N.J., was one of the earliest enduring outdoor advertising companies, founded in 1894 by Robert Chester Maxwell (1873-1955) and continued to operate primarily in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area until the company was sold in 2000.

The R.C. Maxwell Company Records span the years 1891-2001 and include photographs and negatives, videocassettes, ledgers and account books, scrapbooks, correspondence and legal papers relating to the company's operations in outdoor advertising. Photographs and negatives in several formats (film, glass negatives, polaroid prints) document billboard designs for a variety of advertisers as well as depicting billboard and electric sign structures and their location relative to the surrounding environment. Urban locations include Times Square in New York and the Atlantic City, N.J., Boardwalk, where a number of photographs also document the Miss America beauty pageant parade and other parades in which the R.C. Maxwell Company participated. A few photographs document billboard construction and erection; there are also photographs of the Maxwell family and of Maxwell company staff and employees. Scrapbooks contain images of billboards and wall paintings produced by the Maxwell company as well as by David L. Clark, a High Point, N.C. artist and sign painter who was R.C. Maxwell's guardian. Other scrapbooks document primarily Coca-Cola signs of the early 20th century, as well as World War I support efforts including the U.S. Food Administration (under the direction of Herbert Hoover), the U.S. Fuel Administration, and Liberty Bond campaigns. Companies represented in the collection include the Boardwalk Advertising Signs Co., C&B Electric Signs Co., Trenton Advertising Co., and Trenton Poster Advertising Co. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.

Descriptive Summary

Repository
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator
R.C. Maxwell Company.
Title
R.C. Maxwell Company Records, 1891-2001 and undated
Language of Material
English
Extent
135 Linear Feet, 118,350 Items
Location
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Collection Overview

The R.C. Maxwell Company Records span the years 1891-2001 and include photographs and negatives, videocassettes, ledgers and account books, scrapbooks, correspondence and legal papers relating to the company's operations in outdoor advertising. Photographs and negatives in several formats (film, glass negatives, polaroid prints) document billboard designs for a variety of advertisers as well as depicting billboard and electric sign structures and their location relative to the surrounding environment. Urban locations include Times Square in New York and the Atlantic City, N.J., Boardwalk, where a number of photographs also document the Miss America beauty pageant parade and other parades in which the R.C. Maxwell Company participated. A few photographs document billboard construction and erection; there are also photographs of the Maxwell family and of Maxwell company staff and employees. Scrapbooks contain images of billboards and wall paintings produced by the Maxwell company as well as by David L. Clark, a High Point, N.C. artist and sign painter who was R.C. Maxwell's guardian. Other scrapbooks document primarily Coca-Cola signs of the early 20th century, as well as World War I support efforts including the U.S. Food Administration (under the direction of Herbert Hoover), the U.S. Fuel Administration, and Liberty Bond campaigns. Companies represented in the collection include the Boardwalk Advertising Signs Co., C&B Electric Signs Co., Trenton Advertising Co., and Trenton Poster Advertising Co.

Approximately 15,000 photographs, dating up to around 1952, have been described in the searchable ROAD Database (Resource of Outdoor Advertising Descriptions). The numbered and indexed black-and-white photographs and negatives (along with a limited number of glass negatives) include images of billboard and electric spectacular executions (illuminated billboards); road shots showing the approach views to billboard structures; images of Maxwell advertising structures; and images of urban and rural billboard displays in various states, primarily Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including a number of images of Times Square in New York and the Atlantic City, N.J. boardwalk. Because the majority of photographs show the billboards in their surroundings, the images provide a snapshot of the people and buildings near the billboard.

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

warning Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, original audiovisual materials are closed to use. Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies. Please contact a reference archivist before coming to use this collection.

Some fragile documents are closed to use. Preservation photocopies are available in the collection.

Negatives are restricted for preservation reasons. Patrons should view prints. Requests to view negatives under special circumstances may be submitted to the Head of Research Services and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Nitrate negatives are closed to researchers.

Collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

warning Use Restrictions

The copyright to the collection is owned by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Contents of the Collection

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Subseries scope/content note.

Agreement with Modern Tobacco Barn Company, 1891
Box 1
Appraisal of 8x10 camera, 1995
Box 1
Contracts and incorporation, 1928-1929
Box 1
Financial statements, 1928-1932
Box 1
Legal and corporate papers, 1927-1932
Box 1
Memoranda, 1931-1932
Box 1
Miscellaneous financial, 1929-1931 and undated
Box 1
Notes of incorporation, minutes, etc., 1913-1924
Box 1
Calendar, 1994
Box 1
Centennial celebration, 1994
Box 1
General, 1925
Box 1
Cable to Chester Maxwell, 1942
Box 1
Letter from Coca-Cola Archives relating to R.C. Maxwell Company images, 1994
Box 1
Use of image in Mercer Business, 1999
Box 1
Dinner, 1919
Box 1
Hoover National Republican Club, 1920
Box 1
House advertisement layout, Good Neighbors, with 1937 photograph, 1989
Box 1
Leases, 1944
Box 1
D.L. Clark materials, 1912-1980 and undated
Box 1
Lawrenceville (Pa.) School calendar, 1914
Box 1
Minutes, notes of incorporation, 1904-1917
Box 1
Minutes of Board meetings, 1917-1924
Box 1
Minutes of Board meetings, 1965-1985
(1 of 3 folders)
Box 1
Minutes of Board meetings, 1965-1985 (continued)
(2-3 of 3 folders)
Box 2
Miscellaneous, undated
Box 2
Miscellaneous designs, undated
Box 2
Photocopies of Atlantic City photographs, 1930s
Box 2
DuPont, 1916
Box 2
Hoover as an Executive, by Will Irwin 1920
Box 2
OAAA Copy Ideas, circa 1965-1967
Box 2
Postcards, 1913 and undated

[Includes 1913 season pass to Steeplechase Park, Atlantic City, N.J.]

Box 2
R.C. Maxwell Company brochure, circa 1993
Box 2
Report of Industrial Conference, 1920
Box 2
Signs of the Times article on use of helicopters in billboard erection, 1951
Box 2
Testimonial to Gurden W. Wattles, 1918

[Gurgen Wattles was a banker and financier primarily based in Omaha, Neb. He was appointed Federal Food Administrator for Nebraska during World War I, by the U.S. Food Administration.]

Box 2
The Importance of Advertising in War Time, by William Colver, undated
Box 2
Trenton Fact Book, 1980
Box 2
Trenton-Made Exposition, 1925
Box 2
U.S. Employment Service Bulletin, 1918

[On jobs for returning servicemen.]

Box 2
Proof book of advertisements that appeared in Advertising Age, 1948
Box 2
Proposal for Wrigley's spectacular in Atlantic City, undated
Box 2
Resolutions, 1965-1989
Box 2
Speech, The New Efficiency in Public and Private Service, by Julian Barnes, 1920
Box 2
Stationery and letterhead, 1890s, 1912 and undated
Box 2
Stock redemption agreement, 1976
Box 2
Legal and corporate binder, 1930-1943
Box 2
Anti-prohibition organizations, 1919
Box 2
Draft registration, 1918
Box 2
Final report, Advertising Section, to Ben Allen, 1918
Box 2
Hoover Overseas and War Service Organizations Directory, 1914-1924, 1929
Box 2
Miscellaneous correspondence, 1918-1925
Box 2
Relief organizations, 1919-1920
Box 3
U.S. Employment Service, 1919
Box 3
Chronological sketch and directory of members, 1917-1918
Box 3
Correspondence, 1917-1929
(13 folders)
Box 3
Reunion dinner, 1923
Box 3
Save Food poster design, 1918
Box 3
U.S. Fuel Administration, 1919
Box 3
Victory Loan/Liberty Loan programs, 1919
Box 3
Original correspondence closed to researchers

[Use copies are in collection.]

Box 4 (CLOSED)
Camera with case, undated
Box 5
Traffic survey tape, undated
Box 6

Subseries scope/content note.

Postings by client, 1930s-1960s
Box 7
Postings by client, 1950s-1990s
Box 8
Trenton area posters by client, 1945-1968
Box 9
Advertising, undated
Box 10
Automotive, undated
(2 folders)
Box 10
Automotive care and repair, 1973-1988
Box 10
Banking, undated
Box 10
Beverages (alcoholic), 1963-1969
Box 10
Beverages (non-alcoholic), 1962
Box 10
Boating, 1987
Box 10
Clothing, 1961-1973
Box 10
Credit card, undated
Box 10
Department store, 1971
Box 10
Electronics/Appliances/Technology, undated
Box 10
Events, 1975-1987
Box 10
Farming, 1968-1986
Box 11
Furniture, 1966
Box 11
Health, undated
Box 11
Holiday shopping, undated
Box 11
Hotels/Inns/Motels, undated
Box 11
Housing/Living (apartments, communities, condos), undated
(2 folders)
Box 11
Jewelry store, 1986
Box 11
Laundromat, undated
Box 11
Newspaper, undated
Box 11
Non-profit organizations, 1967-1989
Box 11
Personal messages, undated
Box 11
Pest control, undated
Box 11
Political, undated
Box 11
Public service announcements, undated
Box 11
Radon, undated
Box 11
Real estate, undated
Box 12
Restaurants, 1952-1987
(2 folders)
Box 12
Schools, undated
Box 12
Shopping centers, 1987
Box 12
Sunscreen, undated
Box 12
Tiling, 1987
Box 12
Transportation, undated
Box 12
Miscellaneous poster designs, undated
Box 12
Amoco
Box 13
Bromo Seltzer
Box 13
Buick
Box 13
Camel
Box 13
Chesterfield
Box 13
Clairol
Box 13
Fatima
Box 13
Harwood's
Box 13
Hotel Dennis
Box 13
Noxzema
Box 13
R.C. Maxwell Company
Box 13
R.C. Maxwell Company
Box 14
R.C. Maxwell Company
Box 15
Robbinsville Mobile Homes Sales
Box 15
Seagrams
Box 15
Sherwin-Williams
Box 15
Trenton National Bank
Box 15
Wesson Oil
Box 15
Miscellaneous designs
Box 15
Miscellaneous designs (continued)
Box 16
Maxwell Service (28 plates)
Box 17
Amoco, Camel
Box 17
Atlantic City scene
Box 17
Broad St. Bank
Box 17
Chesterfield (4 plates)
Box 17
Chevrolet, Camel
Box 17
Coca-Cola
Box 17
Exide Battery
Box 17
General Tire
Box 17
King Midas Flour
Box 17
Princeton Worsted Mills (2 plates)
Box 17
Schenley
Box 17
Spud Cigarettes
Box 17
Calendar images, for 1994 calendar, undated
(14 folders)
Box 18
Centennial celebration, 1994-1995
(2 folders)
Box 18
Competitive structures, 1951
Box 18
Maxwell family photographs, 1900s-1960s
Box 18
NADA conference, 1947
Box 18
New Jersey Education Association, undated
Box 18
Numbered photographs A48-2828, 1916-1931 and undated
(67 folders)
Box 18
Numbered photographs 2845-12088, 1931-1953
(78 folders)
Box 19
Numbered photographs 12317-26431, 1953-1969
Box 20
Miscellaneous numbered and loose photographs, 1910s-1980s
(10 folders)
Box 20
Selected images from glass negatives, 1900s-1910s
(2 folders)
Box 20
South Carolina duplicates, 1890s-1910s
Box 20
Unnumbered photographs, 1890s-1994
(14 folders)
Box 20
Staff photographs, 1952-1989 and undated
(1-6 of 23 folders)
Box 20
Staff photographs, 1952-1989 and undated (continued)
(7-23 of 23 folders)
Box 21
WWI war effort, U.S. Food Administration, (3 folders)
Box 21
Atlantic City, 1924 and 1938
Box 21
D.L. Clark scrapbook, 1890s-1910s
(2 folders)
Box 21
General Motors spectacular, 1920s
Box 21
Public service bulletins, circa 1940s
Box 21
R.C. Maxwell Co. office and art studio, undated
Box 21
Seagrams spectacular, New York, circa 1939
Box 21

[large-format items removed from other series.]

Boardwalk Advertising Signs, Co., contracts and financial papers, 1928-1931
(2 folders)
Box 22
C&B Electric Sign Company, incorporation and dissolution papers, 1913-1925
Box 22
Clippings, 1873-1999

[Includes R.C. Maxwell obituary notice, article on the murder of Harry Maxwell, and news reports of lawsuit brought by Chester Maxwell.]

Box 22
Maxwell house advertisements, 1930-1994 and undated
(2 folders)
Box 22
Photocopies of scrapbook pages, circa 1920s
Box 22
Photograph, Coca-Cola sign on bridge (D.L. Clark Co.?), 1910s
Box 22
Photograph, Maxwell family, undated
Box 22
Photograph, R.C. Maxwell staff, undated
Box 22
Printed material, Greater Trenton newsletter, 1918
Box 22
Printed material, Instructions for the Use of Wallmaster, Wall Washing Machines, Inc., undated
Box 22
R.C. Maxwell Company, Incorporation and other papers, 1910-1960 and undated
Box 22
World War I--War effort, U.S. Food Administration, 1918-1923
Box 22
World War I--War effort, U.S. Fuel Administration, 1918-1919
Box 22
Photograph, Pepsodent animation sequence, 1931
Box 23
World War I--War effort, U.S. Food Administration, poster designs, 1917-1918

[Some items are extremely fragile.]

(3 folders)
Box 23

Restriction on Access: Original audiovisual materials are closed to use. Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies. Please contact a reference archivist before coming to use this collection.

100 Years of Outdoor 1894-1994: A Visual History of the R. C. Maxwell Company. 1994. Format: VHS. TRT: 15:00
Box 24
Trial balance, 1920-1922
Box LA1
Stock shares certificates book, undated
Box LA1 (continued)
Accounts, 1929-1931
Box LA2
Accounts, 1929-1932
Box LA2
Receipt book, 1929-1930
Box LA2
Order book, 1908-1910
Box LA3
Account binder 1--Leases, 1923-1934
(4 folders)
Box LA4
Account binder 2 (accounts), 1912 Jan.-1913 Dec.
Box LA4
Account binder 3--Trenton and New Jersey towns, 1924-1932
(5 folders)
Box LA5
Account binder 4--Folder 1 of 3, 1920-1923
(3 folders)
Box LA6
Account binder 5--Folder 1 of 1 (personal account records), 1923 Apr.-June
Box LA6
Account binder 6--Folder 1 of 6 (check register), 1916 Jan.-Oct.
Box LA7
Account binder 6--Folder 2 of 6 (check register/sales record), 1916
Box LA7
Account binder 6--Folder 3 of 6 (accounts payable record/personal account records), 1915-1916
Box LA7
Account binder 6--Folder 4 of 6 (personal account records/sales records), 1915
Box LA8
Account binder 6--Folder 5 of 6 (sales records/check register), 1915
Box LA8
Account binder 6--Folder 6 of 6 (check register), 1915
Box LA8
Account binder 7--Folder 1 of 7 (cash received), 1917
Box LA9
Account binder 7--Folder 2 of 7 (cash received/sales record), 1917
Box LA9
Account binder 7--Folder 3 of 7 (sales record), 1917
Box LA9
Account binder 7--Folder 4 of 7 (accounts payable record), 1917-1918
Box LA10
Account binder 7--Folder 5 of 7 (cash received), 1918
Box LA10
Account binder 7--Folder 6 of 7 (cash received/sales record), 1918
Box LA10
Account binder 7--Folder 7 of 7 (personal account records/sales records), 1918
Box LA11
Account binder 8--Folder 1 of 4 (accounts payable record), 1923 Jan.-Nov.
Box LA11
Account binder 8--Folder 2 of 4 (sale records), 1923 Feb.-Sept.
Box LA12
Account binder 8--Folder 3 of 4 (sale records/check register), 1923 Aug.-Sept.
Box LA12
Account binder 8--Folder 4 of 4 (check register), 1923 Aug.-Dec.
Box LA12
Account binder 9--Folder 1 of 7 (accounts payable record/sales record/cash received), 1911 Aug.-Dec.
Box LA13
Account binder 9--Folder 2 of 7 (cash received/accounts payable record/sales record), 1911 Aug.-1912 June
Box LA13
Account binder 9--Folder 3 of 7 (sales record/check register, 1911 Oct.
Box LA14
Account binder 9--Folder 4 of 7 (cash received/personal account record/sales record), 1913 Mar.-Nov.
Box LA14
Account binder 9--Folder 5 of 7 (cash received/accounts payable record/personal accounts record), 1913 Nov.-1914 Jan.
Box LA14
Account binder 9--Folder 6 of 7 (sales record/cash received), 1914 Jan.-Dec.
Box LA15
Account binder 9--Folder 7 of 7 (check register/cash received), Jan. 1914-Aug.
Box LA15
Stock shares certificates book, undated
Box LA15
Accounts and expenses, 1924-1925
Box LA16
Accounts by company, 1929-32
Box LA17
Receipts and disbursements, 1924-1925
Box LA18
Receipts and disbursements, 1918-1922
Box LA18
Trial balances monthly, 1918-1923
Box LA19
Sales, Trenton Poster Advertising Co. and Trenton Outdoor Advertising Co., 1930
Box LA20
Ledger, 1931
Box LA21
Accounts, 1901-1903
Box LA22
Accounts , 1911-1914
Box LA22
Accounts, 1914
Box LA23
Accounts, 1915-1916
Box LA23
Accounts, 1917
Box LA23
Accounts, 1920-1922
Box LA24
Accounts, 1923-1924
Box LA24
Accounts--Expenses, 1904-1905
Box LA25
Accounts--Expenses Trenton, NJ, 1904-1905
Box LA25
Accounts--Expenses, 1921-1923
Box LA25
Accounts--Expenses, 1924
Box LA26
Accounts (National Trial balance), 1920-1924
Box LA26
Annual lease rental, 1920-1946
Box LA27
Bank a/c statements, 1943-1952
Box LA27
Cash account book,
Box LA27
Cash and record of client expenses, 1908-1909
Box LA28
Cash clients balances, 1906-1908
Box LA29
Cash expenses and credits, 1910
Box LA30
Company expenses, 1902-1905
Box LA31
Company expenses, 1906-1908
Box LA31
Company material/supply expenses, 1916-1918
Box LA32
Debits and credits operating, 1915-1921
Box LA33
Expenses, 1901-1904
Box LA34
Expenses, 1920-21
Box LA34
Expenses for materials, 1918-1920
Box LA35
Expenses, including materials used per client and job journal re: particular jobs per month, 1914-1916
Box LA35
Itemized expenses: cash and credit, 1908-1909
Box LA36
Ledger, 1907
Box LA36
Ledger, 1911
Box LA37
Ledger, 1912
Box LA37
Ledger, 1913
Box LA37
Ledger, 1917-1918
Box LA38
Ledger, 1921-1932
Box LA39
Ledger, 1929-1931
Box LA40
Ledger, 1922-1923
Box LA40
Ledger, 1923-1924
Box LA41
Ledger, 1924-1925
Box LA41
Ledger, 1925-1928
Box LA41
Ledger, 1928-1929
Box LA41
Ledger, 1929-1934
Box LA42
Ledger, 1930-1934
Box LA42
Ledger, 1935-1936
Box LA42
Ledger, 1935-1944
Box LA42
Ledger, 1937-1938
Box LA43
Ledger, 1939-1940
Box LA43
Ledger, 1941-1942
Box LA43
Ledger, 1943-1944
Box LA43
Ledger, 1945-1946
Box LA44
Ledger, 1945-1952
Box LA44
Ledger, 1947-1948
Box LA44
Ledger, 1949
Box LA44
Long distance telephone calls, 1928-1931
Box LA45
Miscellaneous accounts, 1931-1932
Box LA45
Payroll, 1920-1921
Box LA46
Receipt book (#6), 1946 Jan.-July
Box LA47
Receipt book (#7), 1946 July-1947 Jan.
Box LA47
Receipt book (#8), 1947 Jan.-1947 July
Box LA47
Receipt book (#9), 1947 July-Nov.
Box LA47
Receipt book (#10), 1947 Nov.-1948 May
Box LA47
Receipt book (#11), 1948 May-Sept.
Box LA47
Receipt book (#12), 1948 Sept.-1949 Mar.
Box LA47
Receipt book (#13), 1949 Mar.-Aug.
Box LA47
Receipt book (#14), 1949 Aug.-1950 Feb.
Box LA47
Receipts/Disbursements, 1909-1910
Box LA48
Sales and expenses, 1916-1917
Box LA49
Sales and expenses, 1916-1917
Box LA49
Sales and expenses, 1918-1919
Box LA49
Sales income and expenses, 1920-1921
Box LA49
Supplies in shop, 1914-1916
Box LA50
Trenton, N.J. expenses, 1906-1908
Box LA51

Contains pictures of advertisements for Coca-Cola with a short description of where they are located. A table of contents in the beginning lists the pages of the pictures by city.

Coca-Cola Pictures , 1927

[Contains pictures of advertisements for Coca-Cola with a short description of where they are located. A table of contents in the beginning lists the pages of the pictures by city.]

Box SC1
Coca-Cola 1930, 1930

[Contains pictures of advertisements for Coca-Cola with a short description of the city and the address of where they are located.]

Box SC2
"Scrapbook", c. 1900-1914

[Various pictures of advertisements and photographs of people as well as business cards and other documents attached to it. Some of these have become loose in the scrapbook. Some billboards signed Clark Brothers Adv. Factors, High Point, N.C.]

Box SC3
Scrapbook, 1911-1914

[Contains pictures of people, some with descriptions of who they are and the location of the picture.]

Box SC3
Scrapbook "Snap-Shots", 1910s

[Contains mainly pictures of Coca-Cola advertisements with the location of each picture written on it with the year it was taken.]

Box SC3
Scrapbook, 1914-1916

[Contains newspaper advertisements by the R.C. Maxwell Co., Trenton, N.J.]

Box SC4
Scrapbook "Photographs", c. 1917

[Contains pictures of Food Conservation advertisements, some with the location of the picture with them.]

Box SC5
Geo W. Kleiser Scrapbook (3 folders), 1918

[Photographs of Food Conservation bulletins as well as a letter to Herbert Hoover to install the billboards and several photographs of advertisements for Liberty Bonds.]

Box SC6
Herbert C. Hoover photo album (3 folders), 1917

[Photographs of Food Conservation advertisements with their locations and a description/short note out of Herbert C. Hoover's personal scrapbook as well as a letter to Herbert Hoover to install the billboards and several photographs of advertisements to buy Liberty Bonds.]

Box SC6
Photo Album 1917: Photographs of Food Conservation Advertising, 1917
Box SC6
Photo Album (4 folders), circa 1917-1918

[Contains pictures of billboards for Food Conservation, Fuel and Coal Conservation, and Liberty Bonds]

Box SC7
Scrapbook, 1920-1928

[Contains various advertisements, pictures, cards, and other documents made for and by the R.C. Maxwell advertising company.]

Box SC8
Various billboards, 1920s-1931

[Contains pictures of advertisements for Pillbury Flour, King Midas Flour, Mavis, Purol Gasoline, Tiolene Oil, and Coca-Cola. The pictures are labeled with the location of the advertisement. This scrapbook also contains a smaller scrapbook inside of it with similar contents.]

Box SC9
Scrapbook (mainly Coca-Cola), 1920s-1931

[Contains pictures of advertisements for Coca-Cola with the address of where they are located.]

Box SC10
Scrapbook (4 folders), 1945-1948

[Contains different newspaper advertisements in TIDE: The Newsmagazing of Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations.]

Box SC11

Boxes DB1-DB3 contain prints made from glass negatives. Many are undated, but are grouped together at the beginning of the series because of their format.

The contents of Boxes DB4-DB6 are arranged according to the numbering systems used by the Maxwell Company between 1916-1920. Maxwell used several different methods for cataloging their photograph collection until around 1918, when the company settled on a single, sequential numbering system. The photographs numbered in this fashion begin in Box DB7. There is thus a chronological overlap among the material in Boxes DB5-DB9. All Maxwell Company numbers are listed immediately under the date of the photographs contained in the box.

In addition to the Maxwell Company number, items in the Photographs Included in the ROAD Database Series have been assigned ROAD database numbers. A database number beginning with an “XXG” prefix denotes images made from glass negatives; “XXH” denotes images primarily from the 1940s (World War II era) but also include a few items in the 1930s; and all other Maxwell images in the ROAD database begin with an “XXX” prefix. All ROAD database numbers are listed after the Maxwell numbers under each box number. The “XXH” numbers are out of database order, but are in chronological order. This reflects the fact that this set of photographs was processed separately under a slightly different organizational plan.

Where applicable, individual folders have been stamped indicating that a corresponding negative is available in the Negatives Series (Restricted) of this collection.

Maxwell A4-A90, (8-1672)-(8-1682), (4-16)-(145-16)
Box DB1
ROAD XXG001-XXG124
Box DB1
Maxwell (2-17)-(193-17), 8-181[73-18]
Box DB2
ROAD XXG125-XXG232
Box DB2
Maxwell 184-305A, 921-936
Box DB3
ROAD XXG233-XXG349
Box DB3
Maxwell Unnumbered, A3-A54, [4-16]-[50-17]
Box DB4
ROAD XXX0001-XXX0019, XXX0120-0206
Box DB4
Maxwell [77-17]-[171-17], [8-608]-[8-961]
Box DB5
ROAD XXX0020-0031, XXX0035-0036, XXX0042-0043, XXX0050-0051, XXX0059-0060, XXX0070, XXX0072, XXX0082-0084, XXX0091-0093, XXX0113-0119, XXX0207-0230
Box DB5

1918-1920

(87 folders)
Maxwell [8-1002]-[8-1238], 22-198
Box DB6
ROAD XXX0032-0034, XXX0037-0041, XXX0044-0059, XXX0052-0058, XXX0061-0069, XXX0071, XXX0073-0081, XXX0085-0090, XXX0094-0112, XXX0231-XXX0252
Box DB6

1918

(84 folders)
Maxwell 201-506; 609-855
Box DB7
ROAD XXX0253-XXX0337
Box DB7
Maxwell 858-1004
Box DB8
ROAD XXX0337[x]-XXX0407
Box DB8
Maxwell 1005-1181
Box DB9
ROAD XXX0408-XXX0488
Box DB9
Maxwell [8-]1206-1338
Box DB10
ROAD XXX0494-XXX0560
Box DB10
Maxwell 1341-1528
Box DB11
ROAD XXX0561-XXX0639
Box DB11
Maxwell 1529-1613
Box DB12
ROAD XXX0640-XXX0713
Box DB12
Maxwell 1614-1702b
Box DB13
ROAD XXX0714-XXX0790
Box DB13
Maxwell 1705-1782
Box DB14
ROAD XXX0791-XXX0861
Box DB14

1922 Mar.-1922 May

(69 folders)
Maxwell 1783-1850a
Box DB15
ROAD XXX0862-XXX0930
Box DB15

1922 May-1922 July

(88 folders)
Maxwell 1850b-1885
Box DB16
ROAD XXX0931-XXX1018
Box DB16
Maxwell 1886-1960a-d
Box DB17
ROAD XXX1019-XXX1102
Box DB17
Maxwell 1961-2034
Box DB18
ROAD XXX1103-XXX1174
Box DB18
Maxwell 2035-2159
Box DB19
ROAD XXX1175-XXX1252
Box DB19
Maxwell 2166-2239a(-9)
Box DB20
ROAD XXX1253-XXX1320
Box DB20
Maxwell 2240-2319
Box DB21
ROAD XXX1321-XXX1395
Box DB21

1925 Aug.-1926 May

(88 folders)
Maxwell 2320-2388
Box DB22
ROAD XXX1396-XXX1483
Box DB22

1926 May-1927 July

(90 folders)
Maxwell 2390-2489
Box DB23
ROAD XXX1484-XXX1562 and XXX3075
Box DB23
Maxwell 2490-2565b
Box DB24
ROAD XXX1573-XXX1675
Box DB24

1928 May-1929 Mar.

(88 folders)
Maxwell 2566-2650a
Box DB25
ROAD XXX1658-XXX1745
Box DB25
Maxwell 2651-2755h
Box DB26
ROAD XXX1746-XXX1849
Box DB26

1930 Sept.-1932 Feb.

(100 folders)
Maxwell 2755i-2859a
Box DB27
ROAD XXX1850-XXX1949
Box DB27

1932 Feb.-1933 Feb.

(106 folders)
Maxwell 2859b-2942b
Box DB28
ROAD XXX1950-XXX2055
Box DB28

1923 Oct.-1934 May

(112 folders)
Maxwell 2942c-3022f
Box DB29
ROAD XXX2056-XXX2167
Box DB29

1923 Oct.-1924 Apr.

(102 folders)
Maxwell 3022g-3121
Box DB30
ROAD XXX2168-XXX2270
Box DB30

1924 Apr.-1934 May

(105 folders)
Maxwell 3122-3185
Box DB31
ROAD XXX2271-XXX2375
Box DB31

1931-1950

(115 folders)
Maxwell [unnumbered]
Box DB32
ROAD XXH2660-XXH2927
Box DB32

1934 Apr.-1934 Sept.

(109 folders)
Maxwell 3186-3288
Box DB33
ROAD XXX2376-XXX2484
Box DB33

1934 Oct.-1935 Feb.

(101 folders)
Maxwell 3289-3388
Box DB34
ROAD XXX2485-XXX2585
Box DB34

1934 Feb.-1935 Apr.

(100 folders)
Maxwell 3389-3503
Box DB35
ROAD XXX2586-XXX2685
Box DB35
Maxwell 3504-3610
Box DB36
ROAD XXX2686-XXX2783
Box DB36
Maxwell 3611-3718
Box DB37
ROAD XXX2784-XXX2881
Box DB37

1935 Sept.-1936 Feb.

(106 folders)
Maxwell 3719-3811a
Box DB38
ROAD XXX2882-XXX2987
Box DB38
Maxwell 3812-3914a
Box DB39
ROAD XXX2988-XXX3805
Box DB39

1936 May-1937 Oct.

(104 folders)
Maxwell 3914b-4021
Box DB40
ROAD XXX3086-XXX3188
Box DB40

1936 June-1936 Aug

(102 folders)
Maxwell 4022-4135
Box DB41
ROAD XXX3189-XXX3290
Box DB41
Maxwell 4137-4219k
Box DB42
ROAD XXX3291-XXX3388
Box DB42

1936 Oct.-1937 Jan.

(107 folders)
Maxwell 4219L-4317
Box DB43
ROAD XXX3389-XXX3495
Box DB43

1937 Jan.-1937 Mar.

(104 folders)
Maxwell 4318-4420
Box DB44
ROAD XXX3496-XXX3544; XXX3693-3747

For items XXX3545-XXX3615, please see box DB45.

For items XXX3616-XXX3692, please see box DB46.

Box DB44

1937 Mar.-1937 May

(97 folders)
Maxwell 4421-4510
Box DB45
ROAD XXX3748-XXX3773; XXX3545-XXX3615
Box DB45

1937 May-1937 July

(105 folders)
Maxwell 4511-4618
Box DB46
ROAD XXX3616-XXX3692; XXX3774-XXX3801
Box DB46

1937 July-1937 Sept.

(105 folders)
Maxwell 4620-4731
Box DB47
ROAD XXX3802-XXX3906
Box DB47

1937 Sept.-1937 Dec.

(103 folders)
Maxwell 4732-4837
Box DB48
ROAD XXX3907-XXX4009
Box DB48

1937 Dec.-1938 Apr.

(102 folders)
Maxwell 4838-4962
Box DB49
ROAD XXX4010-XXX4111
Box DB49

1938 Apr.-1938 June

(107 folders)
Maxwell 4963-5078a
Box DB50
ROAD XXX4112-XXX4218
Box DB50

1938 June-1938 Aug.

(102 folders)
Maxwell 5079-5239
Box DB51
ROAD XXX4219-XXX4320
Box DB51
Maxwell 5240-5359
Box DB52
ROAD XXX4321-XXX4418
Box DB52

1938 Dec.-1939 Apr.

(107 folders)
Maxwell 5360-5461
Box DB53
ROAD XXX4419-XXX4525
Box DB53

1939 Apr.-1939 June

(106 folders)
Maxwell 5462-5588
Box DB54
ROAD XXX4526-XXX4631
Box DB54

1939 June-1939 July

(107 folders)
Maxwell 5589-5754a
Box DB55
ROAD XXX4632-XXX4738
Box DB55

1939 July-1939 Nov.

(106 folders)
Maxwell 5755-5874
Box DB56
ROAD XXX4739-XXX4845
Box DB56

1939 Nov.-1949 Sept.

(100 folders)
Maxwell 5874a-5917; 7505-7506; 7819; 9549; 9551-9656
Box DB57
ROAD XXX4846-XXX4946
Box DB57
Maxwell 5508, 5908-6199
Box DB58
ROAD XXH0280-XXH0552
Box DB58
Maxwell 6200-6441
Box DB59
ROAD XXH1185-XXH1277, XXH0850-XXH0984
Box DB59
Maxwell 6442-6598, 6698-6716
Box DB60
ROAD XXH0985-XXH1184, XXH0122-XXH0133, XXH3279-XXH3281

Items XXH0001-XXH0121 are duplicated in later XXH numbers, so are not listed in this finding aid. The duplicate numbers are noted in the ROAD database.

Box DB60

1941 Dec. 22-1944

(122 folders)
Maxwell 6595-6697
Box DB61
ROAD XXH2928-XXH3057
Box DB61
Maxwell 6718-6994, 8656
Box DB62
ROAD XXH0134-XXH0279, XXH0553-XXH0630, XXH3282-XXH3295

For items XXH0122-XXH0133, please see box DB60.

For items XXH0280-XXX0552, please see box DB58.

Box DB62
Maxwell 6995-6200, 1204-1205, 7212-7286
Box DB63
ROAD XXH0631-XXH0849, XXH3058-XXH3080

For items XXH0850-XXH0984, please see box DB59.

Box DB63
Maxwell 7287-7724
Box DB64
ROAD XXH3081-XXH3278, XXH1477-XXH1540
Box DB64
Maxwell 7725-7902, 8448, 8525-8591
Box DB65
ROAD XXH1541-XXH1698, XXH2602, XXH1278-XXH1343

For items XXH3279-XXH3281, please see box DB60.

For items XXH1699-XXH1805, please see box DB68.

For items XXH2537-2659, please see box DB79.

Box DB65
Maxwell 7903-8200
Box DB66
ROAD XXH3550-XXH3827

For items XXH3295-XXH3549, please see box DB67.

Box DB66
Maxwell 8201-8519
Box DB67
ROAD XXH3295-XXH3549

For items XXH3550-XXH3827, please see box DB66.

Box DB67
Maxwell 8593-8856
Box DB68
ROAD XXH1344-XXH1476, XXH1699-XXH1805

For items XXH1477-XXH1540, please see box DB64.

For items XXH1541-XXH1698, please see box DB65.

Box DB68
Maxwell 8857-9130
Box DB69
ROAD XXH1806-XXH2064
Box DB69
Maxwell 9131-9401
Box DB70
ROAD XXH2065-XXH2298
Box DB70
Maxwell 9402-9542, 10414-11789
Box DB71
ROAD XXH2299-XXH2536

For items XXH2537-XXH2659, please see box DB779.

For item XXH2602, please see box DB65.

Box DB71

1949 Sept.-1950 Feb.

(108 folders)
Maxwell 9657-9773
Box DB72
ROAD XXX4947-XXX5054
Box DB72

1950 Feb.-1950 Apr.

(100 folders)
Maxwell 9778-9901
Box DB73
XXX5055-XXX5154
Box DB73
Maxwell 9902-10019
Box DB74
ROAD XXX5155-XXX5240
Box DB74
Maxwell 10020-10130
Box DB75
ROAD XXX5241-XXX5318, XXX5359-XXX5377

For items XXX5319-XXX5358, please see box DB76.

Box DB75

1950 July-1950 Oct.

(101 folders)
Maxwell 100131-10256
Box DB76
ROAD XXX5378-XXX5398, XXX5319-XXX5358, XXX5400-XXX5439
Box DB76

1950 Oct.-1951 Feb.

(108 folders)
Maxwell 10258-10421
Box DB77
ROAD XXX5440-XXX5547
Box DB77
Maxwell 10422-10538
Box DB78
ROAD XXX5548-XXX5622
Box DB78

1952 Sept. 10-1952 Dec. 1

(56 folders, box is not full)
Maxwell 11790-11925
Box DB79
ROAD XXH2537-XXH2659
Box DB79

Items in this series have not been included in the ROAD database. There is a slight overlap in dates (1951-1952) with items in the Photographs Included in the ROAD Database Series; however, there is no overlap in actual items between the two series. Photographs are listed in chronological order and according to the Maxwell numbering system.

Where applicable, individual folders have been stamped indicating that a corresponding negative is available in the Negatives Series (Restricted) of this collection.

Maxwell 10539-10689
Box NP1

1951 June-1951 Aug.

(104 folders)
Maxwell 10690-10851
Box NP2

1951 Aug.

(90 folders)
Maxwell 10852-10962
Box NP3

1951 Sept.-1951 Oct.

(105 folders)
Maxwell 10982-11093
Box NP4
Maxwell 11999-12119
Box NP5
Maxwell 12120-12233
Box NP6

1953 June

(26 folders)
Maxwell 12234-12269
Box NP7
Maxwell 12462-12598
Box NP8
Maxwell 12601-12718
Box NP9
Maxwell 12719-12856
Box NP10
Maxwell 12857-12976
Box NP11
Maxwell 12977-13112
Box NP12
Maxwell 13113-13239
Box NP13
Maxwell 13240-13339
Box NP14
Maxwell 13341-13478
Box NP15
Maxwell 13479-13593
Box NP16
Maxwell 13594-13702
Box NP17
Maxwell 13703-13833
Box NP18
Maxwell 13834-13990
Box NP19
Maxwell 13994-14157
Box NP20
Maxwell 14159-14273
Box NP21
Maxwell 14274-14410
Box NP22
Maxwell 14411-14528
Box NP23
Maxwell 14529-14636
Box NP24
Maxwell 14637-14754
Box NP25
Maxwell 14755-14913
Box NP26
Maxwell 14914-15027
Box NP27
Maxwell 15029-15161
Box NP28
Maxwell 15161-15305
Box NP29
Maxwell 15308(01)-15321
Box NP30
Maxwell 15322-15464
Box NP31
Maxwell 15466-15593
Box NP32
Maxwell 15594-15708
Box NP33
Maxwell 15709-15857
Box NP34
Maxwell 15863-15985
Box NP35
Maxwell 15986-16128
Box NP36
Maxwell 16129-16309
Box NP37
Maxwell 16313-16430
Box NP38
Maxwell 16432-16568
Box NP39
Maxwell 16569-16736
Box NP40
Maxwell 16737-16927
Box NP41
Maxwell 16928-17063
Box NP42
Maxwell 17064-17207
Box NP43
Maxwell 17205-17332
Box NP44
Maxwell 17333-17470
Box NP45
Maxwell 17471-17633
Box NP46
Maxwell 17634-17848
Box NP47
Maxwell 17853-18158
Box NP48
Maxwell 18168-18527
Box NP49
Maxwell 18552-18827
Box NP50
Maxwell 18828-19142
Box NP51
Maxwell 19167-19617
Box NP52
Maxwell 19620-19864
Box NP53
Maxwell 19865-20138
Box NP54
Maxwell 20141-20620
Box NP55
Maxwell 20626-20883
Box NP56
Maxwell 20886-21231
Box NP57
Maxwell 21232-21661
Box NP58
Maxwell 21662-21908
Box NP59
Maxwell 21909-22106
Box NP60
Maxwell 22107-22620
Box NP61
[Box number not used in final processing.]
Box NP62
Maxwell 22628-23193
Box NP63
Maxwell 23217-23899
Box NP64
Maxwell 23907-25144
Box NP65
Maxwell 25156-26248
Box NP66
Maxwell 26249-27201
Box NP67
Maxwell 27202-27931
Box NP68
Maxwell 27934-28747
Box NP69
Maxwell 28748-29503
Box NP70
Maxwell 29504-30116
Box NP71
Maxwell 30117-30968
Box NP72
Maxwell 30969-31619
Box NP73
Maxwell 31620-32121
Box NP74
Maxwell 32122-32596
Box NP75
Maxwell 32601-33085
Box NP76
Maxwell 33086-33439
Box NP77
Maxwell 33440-34022
Box NP78
Maxwell 34024-345070
Box NP79
Maxwell 34508-35627
Box NP80
Maxwell 35628-37423
Box NP81
Maxwell 37424-38287
Box NP82
Maxwell 38288-38840
Box NP83
Maxwell X12-X17-32, [-16]-17-18 Series, 3-16--73-18, 8-290--8-1684, 1-154
Box NP84
Maxwell 184-2826
Box NP85
Maxwell 2827-5789
Box NP86
Maxwell 6103-10999
Box NP87
Maxwell 11096-11448
Box NP88
Maxwell 11449-11960
Box NP89
Maxwell 11962-14731
Box NP90
Maxwell 14868-17220
Box NP91
Maxwell 17224-19743
Box NP92
Maxwell 19782-22595
Box NP93
1910s-1931
Box NP94
1931-1934
Box NP95
1934-1935
Box NP96
1935-1937
Box NP97
1937-1939
Box NP98
1930s Misc.-1941
Box NP99
1941-1964 and undated
Box NP100

Negatives from both the Photographs Included in the ROAD Database Series, and the Photographs NOT Included in the ROAD Database Series are found here. The series is divided into Glass Plate Negatives and Film Negatives, and follow a chronological order where possible. In general, boxes NN1-NN43 contain negatives from those photographs included in ROAD, and boxes NN43-NN87 contain negatives from those photographs NOT included in the ROAD database. However, a few negatives in boxes NN-NN43 are missing corresponding photographs for documentation in the ROAD database.

Restriction on Access: Negatives are restricted for preservation reasons. Patrons should view prints. Requests to view negatives under special circumstances may be submitted to the Head of Research Services and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Plate with conservation problem, undated
(1 plate)
Box NN1
Unnumbered (product and non-product), undated
(27 plates)
Box NN2
A Series and 8- Series, undated
(40 plates)
Box NN3

1916

(42 plates)
Maxwell [4-16/5-16]-[117-16]
Box NN4

1916-1917

(40 plates)
Maxwell [118-16]-[145-16], [2-17]-[57-17]
Box NN5

1917

(42 plates)
Maxwell [59-17]-[193-17]
Box NN6

[circa 1918]

(40 plates)
Maxwell 7-181
Box NN7

[circa 1918]

(42 plates)
Maxwell 182-227
Box NN8

[circa 1918]

(43 plates)
Maxwell 229-279
Box NN9

[circa 1918]

(33 plates)
Maxwell 281-305, 921-936
Box NN10
Unnumbered Non-Product, undated
(1 plate)
Box NN11
8X10 Plate, undated
(1 plate)
Box NN12
5x7 plates, Maxwell A7-A55, [7-16]-[13-16]
Box NN12A
5x7 plates, Maxwell [11-17]-68-17]
Box NN12B
5x7 plates, Maxwell [69-17]-80-18], 2-37
Box NN12C
5x7 plates, Maxwell 38-[167-2]
Box NN12D
5x7 plates, Maxwell 186-280
Box NN12E
5x7 plates, unnumbered, undated
Box NN12F
8x10 plates, Maxwell 144-[685-2]
Box NN12G

1932-1933

(52 folders)
No Maxwell numbers
Box NN13

1933-1949

(52 folders)
No Maxwell numbers
Box NN14

Undated

(7 folders)
Unnumbered, Non-Product, and Maxwell [13]8-611-[173], [8]811-1840
Box NN15

Undated

(8 folders)
Maxwell 1001-5421
Box NN16
[Box number not used in final processing]
Box NN17
Maxwell 3743-4344
Box NN18
Maxwell 4345-4744
Box NN19
Maxwell 4745-5199
Box NN20
Maxwell 5200-5494
Box NN21
Maxwell 5495-5654
Box NN22
Maxwell 5655-5794
Box NN23
Maxwell 5795-5907
Box NN24

1939 Dec.-1940 Sept.

(115 folders)
Maxwell 5908-6138
Box NN25

1940 Dec.-1941 May

(97 folders)
Maxwell 6139-6348
Box NN26

1941 May-1941 Nov.

(115 folders)
Maxwell 6349-6538
Box NN27

1941 Nov.-1942 Apr.

(135 folders)
Maxwell 6539-6648
Box NN28

1942 Apr.-1945 Aug.

(109 folders)
Maxwell 6649-6813
Box NN29
Maxwell 6816-7052
Box NN30
Maxwell 7053-7238
Box NN31

1946 Sept.

(68 folders)
Maxwell 7239-7439
Box NN32
Maxwell 7440-7655
Box NN33
Maxwell 7656-7992
Box NN34
Maxwell 7993-8200
Box NN35

1947 Oct. 1948 May

(83 folders)
Maxwell 8201-8507
Box NN36

1948 June-1950 Mar.

(129 folders)
Maxwell 8529-9865
Box NN37

1950 Mar.-1950 Nov.

(127 folders)
Maxwell 9866-10281
Box NN38

1950 Nov.-1951 Mar.

(131 folders)
Maxwell 10282-10499
Box NN39

1951 Mar.-1951 July

(140 folders)
Maxwell 10501-10835
Box NN40
Maxwell 10836-11093
Box NN41

1952 Mar.-1952 Nov.

(106 folders)
Maxwell 11322-119001952
Box NN42

1952 Nov,-1953 Apr.

(105 folders)
Maxwell 11901-12124
Box NN43

1953 Apr.-1953 June

(135 folders)
Maxwell 12125-12255
Box NN44

1953 Sept.

(14 folders)
Maxwell 12462-12604
Box NN45
Maxwell 12605-12808
Box NN46
Maxwell 12809-12976
Box NN47

1954 Apr.-1954 May

(11 folders)
Maxwell 12990-13103
Box NN48
Maxwell 13104-13236
Box NN49
Maxwell 13237-13425
Box NN50
Maxwell 13426-13617
Box NN51
Maxwell 13618-13845
Box NN52
Maxwell 13845b-14020
Box NN53
Maxwell 14021-14216
Box NN54
Maxwell 14217-14422
Box NN55
Maxwell 14423-14604
Box NN56
Maxwell 14605-14830
Box NN57
Maxwell 14831-15024
Box NN58
Maxwell 15025-15191
Box NN59
Maxwell 15192-15408
Box NN60
Maxwell 15409-15623
Box NN61
Maxwell 15624-15880
Box NN62
Maxwell 15881-16099
Box NN63
Maxwell 16122-16422
Box NN64
Maxwell 16423-16693
Box NN65
Maxwell 16694-16972
Box NN66
Maxwell 16973-17300
Box NN67
Maxwell 17301-17581
Box NN68
Maxwell 17582-17823
Box NN69

1959 May-1959 July

(10 folders)
Maxwell 17834-18127
Box NN70
Maxwell 18129-18428
Box NN71
Maxwell 18429-18735
Box NN72
Maxwell 18736-19021
Box NN73
Maxwell 19022-19274
Box NN74
Maxwell 19275-19573
Box NN75
Maxwell 19574-19850
Box NN76
Maxwell 19851-20186
Box NN77
Maxwell 20187-20567
Box NN78
Maxwell 20568-20859
Box NN79
Maxwell 20860-21212
Box NN80

1962 July-1962 Aug.

(6 folders, box is not full)
Maxwell 21213-21394
Box NN81
Maxwell 21395-21648
Box NN82
Maxwell 21649-21856
Box NN83
Maxwell 21857-22081
Box NN84
Maxwell 22082-22311
Box NN85
Maxwell 22312-22582
Box NN86

1963 Nov.-1963 Dec.

(2 folders, box is not full)
Maxwell 22583-22623
Box NN87

1963-1965

(10 folders)
Maxwell 22628-23599
Box NN88

1965-1967

(8 folders)
Maxwell 23600-25077
Box NN89

1967-1970

(8 folders)
Maxwell 25078-26646
Box NN90

1970-1975

(7 folders)
Maxwell 26647-29157
Box NN91

1975-1980

(8 folders)
Maxwell 29158-30505
Box NN92

1980-1983

(12 folders)
Maxwell 30506-32099
Box NN93

1980-1985

(91 folders)
Maxwell 32102-33415
Box NN94

1985-1986

(116 folders)
Maxwell 33416-34029
Box NN95

1986-1987

(100 folders)
Maxwell 34030-35026
Box NN96

1987-1991

(34 folders)
Maxwell 35033-38840
Box NN97
Maxwell 2169-11110
Box NN98
Maxwell 11111-11458
Box NN99
Maxwell 11460-11676
Box NN100
Maxwell 11842-21720
Box NN101
1910s-1938
Box NN102
1938-1940
Box NN103
1940-1950s and undated
Box NN104
Damaged negatives
Box NN105
Office Files--negatives from Public Relations files
Box NN106

Restrictions on Access: Nitrate negatives are closed to researchers.

Maxwell x12, x24, [8-618]-[8-1212], 1-5185, unnumbered circa 1924-1931
Box NIT1
Unnumbered, 1931-1932
Box NIT2
Unnumbered, 1932-1934
Box NIT3
Unnumbered, 1935-1937
Box NIT4
Unnumbered, 1937-1939, circa 1930s
Box NIT5
Unnumbered, circa 1930s-1940s and undated
Box NIT6

Historical Note

DateEvent(s)
1873R. (Robert) C. (Chester) Maxwell born
1870s?David L. Clark, an artist who worked in the southeastern US and lived in High Point, N.C., adopted R.C. Maxwell.
1880s?Ran away from the home of David L. Clark; eventually became a sign painter.
1894Founded an outdoor advertising firm, the R.C. Maxwell Company of Trenton, N.J., at age 21.
1917-1918During World War I, he served as chief of the Outdoor Advertising Section of the Public Information Division, U.S. Food Administration
1919The company began creating electric advertising signs.
1923R.C. Maxwell Company merged with the Trenton Poster Advertising Company and moved to the building at 725 E. State Street in Trenton, N.J.
1920sR.C. Maxwell Company established the Electric Sign Manufacturing Plant in Atlantic City, N.J. to create electric spectacular signs.
1954R.C. Maxwell died.
2000R.C. Maxwell Company sold to Interstate Outdoor.

R.C. Maxwell Company of Trenton, N.J., was one of the earliest enduring outdoor advertising companies. Founded in 1894 by Robert Chester Maxwell (1873-1954), the business followed burgeoning industry trends, beginning with a variety of outdoor advertising signage along New Jersey and New York roadways as well as at tourist destinations like Atlantic City, N.J., and New York's Times Square. With the commercial development of the incandescent bulb after World War I, the company began creating electric advertising signs in 1919. Maxwell saw great potential in these “spectacular” signs and established the Electric Sign Manufacturing Plant in Atlantic City, N.J. in the 1920s. This subsidiary created such giant ads as a 50-foot Colgate thermometer that was placed atop a building on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 1922. The billboards and spectaculars themselves served as a form of advertising for the company, which displayed slogans such as “Maxwell Did It” and “Maxwell Hits” alongside its client's signs. R.C. Maxwell owned numerous billboards in Atlantic City, N.J., and a large number of pictures in this collection are located on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

Subject Headings

Related Material

Related Material

Related Materials may be found in the following collections of the Hartman Center:

Burr Robbins Papers

Duplex Advertising Company. Billboard Images and Records

Garrett Orr Papers

Howard Scott Papers

John E. Brennan Outdoor Advertising Survey Reports

John F. Hogan Papers

John Paver Papers

Naegele Outdoor Records

Ohio Outdoor Advertising Corporation Records

Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) Archives

Outdoor Advertising Association of America Poster Designs

Outdoor Advertising Association of America Slide Library

Porter Advertising Billboard Sketches

Robert A. Hamer Papers

Strobridge Lithographing Company Advertisements

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], R.C. Maxwell Company Records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Provenance

The R.C. Maxwell Company Records were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as gifts in 1996-2005.

Processing Information

Processed by Po Chin Tan, Stacey Clarke, Ginny Daley, Stephen Dobson, Lynn Eaton, Tony Cashman, Andrew Van Kirk, Sarah Van Kirk, June 10, 2003; additional processing by Richard Collier, January 2011

Encoded by Po Chin Tan, Richard Collier, Lynn Eaton, Sarah Van Kirk

Completed January 2011

Accessions 96-158, 96-173, 98-271, 98-277, 98-369, 98-463, 2000-0386, 2001-0176, 2001-0238, 2002-0129, 2005-0114 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid.

Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.

Processing of this collection was supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Thanks are extented to Mr. Maxwell's son, David Maxwell, for providing background information for the collection.