Embree Lumber Company Records (DeKalb)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-007

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records contained in the Embree Lumber Company collection document its history from 1902 to 1953. The collection contains the E.E. Embree and Son’s general business agreement, correspondence, financial records, and advertisements, including promotional pamphlets, directories, and information bulletins, arranged in alphabetical order, issued by various building supply companies affiliated with the Embree Company. The collection also contains materials on governmental administrative activities during World War II as well as War Production Board materials, construction manuals, material guides, government publications and seven architectural blueprints in addition to 16 volumes of coal sales/tax records, payroll records, financial accounts, E.E. Embree correspondence, and daily Unfortunately, most of the business correspondence and the financial records (from 1902-1933) have been lost. However, the collection does provide information on building materials, architectural design, and government regulation during the Great Depression and World War II.

Dates

created: 1886-1953
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1967

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Located on South Second Street and extending west along the Chicago and North Western Railway tracks, D. D. Brown and Phillip Young established a lumber and coal yard in 1885. For six years the firm of Brown and Young continued in business, in 1891 Brown and Young sold their business to Ernest Carter and Frank Mosher. It was to this new firm that the task of furnishing material for the city hall was given. Eleven years later, in 1902, Ernest Carter sold his interest to E. E. Embree thus creating the partnership of Mosher and Embree. This association was to last for twenty years, terminating only on the death of Mr. Frank Mosher, May 10, 1922. During its twenty years the firm supplied the material for Glidden, Haish, Ellwood schools, Williston Hall, several churches and many stores and residences. On January 1, 1923, the business was operated by a sole owner, E. E. Embree and Henry Embree.

Note written by

Extent

7.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

George and Mattie Embree

Method of Acquisition

George and Mattie Embree donated the Embree Lumber Company Records to the Northern Illinois University Archives in 1967. University Archivist, J. Joseph Bauxer, transferred the collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center in May 1978.