The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Novelty Wood Turning Works                                  

Title:               Records

Dates:             1903-1931

Call No.:         Col. 75           

Acc. No.:        91x33; 93x81

Quantity:        about 325 items

Location:        16 B 1

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

The Novelty Wood Turning Works, of Jamestown, N.Y., made and sold turned walnut and mahogany candlesticks, pedestals, smoking stands, lamps, etc.  Much of their business was conducted with retailers.  The firm was operated by John G. Hallstrom.

 

John G. Hallstrom, a native of Sweden (born 1862), was the proprietor of the Novelty Wood Turning Works in Jamestown, New York.  His wife, Esther A. Nelson Hallstrom (born circa 1869), was also a native of Sweden.  (They both came to the United States around 1888.)  Their children included Theodore N. (1903-1989) and Thelma E. (born circa 1908).  John G. Hallstrom died in February 1941.

 

The Novelty Wood Turning Works was located at the premises of the Diamond Furniture Company of Jamestown, New York.  The Diamond Furniture Co. was begun as Olson and Love in 1877, later became A.P. Olson Co., and still later Diamond Furniture Co.  It always specialized in making tables.  The Eagle Furniture Company was another furniture manufacturer in Jamestown, New York.  Its relation, if any, to Novelty Wood Turning Works or to the Diamond Furniture Company is not known.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Collection consists of a wide variety of business records, including letters, bills, receipts, orders, and price lists, that document the development of this firm.  Also found are photographs and drawings of objects produced by the firm.  While not complete, the papers cover nearly thirty years of business operations and document how the firm sought suppliers for components for its products, responded to its customers, delivered its wares, and changed its expense patterns over the years.  A few letters request blueprints of furniture pieces.  Bills show that the firm counted several major department stores among its customers.  Also included is a lease agreement between the Eagle Furniture Co. and the Seabury Manufacturing Co. for a factory.  It was drafted on stationary for the Novelty Wood Turning Works.

 

Six photographs and 44 blue photoprints in the collection depict smoking tables and small side tables sold by the Eagle Furniture Co.  Nine photographs and 13 blue photoprints show lathe-turned furniture made by the Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Included are candlesticks, smoking tables, lamp tables, and wooden trays.  Both sets feature notations in pencil with prices, dimensions, etc.  Finally, there are 32 rough pencil sketches of furniture designs.  Many are annotated with dimensions and, on a few, the type of wood to be used is indicated.  Most of the drawings were done on business forms for either Novelty Wood Turning Works or Eagle Furniture Company.

           

 

ORGANIZATION

 

The items are in accession number order, which mostly follows chronological order.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

 

Accession 91x33: Purchased from Irene's Collectibles, Jamestown, N.Y.

Accession 93x81: purchased from Carmen Valentino.

 

 

RELATED MATERIALS

 

Additional Hallstrom family material is held by the New York State Library, Albany, New York, in the Hallstrom family papers, 1905-1932.  That collection includes both business and personal family papers.

           

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Hallstrom, John G., 1862-1941.

            Hallstrom family.

 

Topics:

            Eagle Furniture Co.

            Business records - New York (State) - Jamestown.

Furniture - Drawings.

Furniture - Prices - 20th century.

            Furniture industry and trade - New York (State) - Jamestown.

            Hardware.

Shipment of goods.

Swedish Americans.

Wholesale trade - History - 20th century.

 

Bills of sale.

Drawings.

Letters.

Orders.

Photographic prints.

Price lists.

Receipts.

Sketches.

            Turners.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 16 B 1

 

 

Folder 1: Invoices, orders, etc., 1903-1905 (acc. 91x33.1-.21)

 

            .1         receipted bill, East Side Yacht Club paid Lyman Felheim, lumber, Erie, Pa., Aug. 1, 1903, for merchandise.

 

            .2-.3     printed circular, from John G. Hallstrom, Jamestown, New York, about his wood turning lathe rest, with testimonials, circa 1903. 

On back of .2: list of purchases, with prices: varnish, turpentine, shellac, various stains, filler, chamois skins, brushes, sponges, rotten stone, etc.

On back of .3: letter about shipping, from Novelty Wood Turning Works.

 

            .4a-b    letter from Novelty Wood Turning Works, Jamestown, N.Y., to Percy Farrell, Philadelphia, [December] 8/05.   Enclosing photos and price list [not present].

 

            .5a-b    Novelty Wood Turning Works, to B. S. Ammerman, Brooklyn, Sept. 7, 1905.  About terms for his selling their goods.  (Written on back of printed circular of 1903.)  [see also .9a-b and .211a-c for additional notes to Ammerman]

 

            .6a-b    Novelty Wood Turning Works, to unknown person, no date.  Soliciting  him to sell their goods. 

Written on back of an illustrated advertisement for Attachment for Woodturning Lathes, available from John G. Hallstrom, Jamestown, New York.

 

            .7         typed list of salesmen: B. S. Ammerman, Brooklyn, N.Y.; E. L. Coombs, Reading, Mass.; and Chas. S. Scofield, Syracuse, N.Y.  On back: numbers.

 

            .8         receipted shipment bill.  Novelty Wood Turning Works shipping to A. L. Gimble of Somerville, New Jersey, Sept. 20, 1905: pedestals and tobourettes.

 

            .9a-b    letter, B. S. Ammerman, Brooklyn, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Sept. 28, 1905.  Needs to have samples of their goods to show potential customers since they are not familiar with the company’s finishes.

                                    [see also .5a-b and .211a-c for additional notes to Ammerman]

 

            .10       shipment bill.  Novelty Wood Turning Works shipping to Page & Baker, Boston, Mass., Oct. 21, 1905.  Pedestals shipped Nov. 7, 1905.  With note from H. M Grosbeck about payment for freight.

 

            .11       shipment bill.  Novelty Wood Turning Works shipping to Page & Baker, Boston, Mass., Nov. 25, 1905.  Shipping tabourettes.  With note to H. M. Grosbeck about trying to fill order before Christmas.

 

            .12       letter, Berhalter Bro’s, furniture and undertaking, Kendallville, Ind., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Oct. 24, 1905.  Shipment received but missing a base.  P.S.  We like your goods very much.

 

            .13       postcard, Geo. Kiernan, Sag Harbor, Nov. 13, 1905, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, ordering tabourettes.  With note: shipped, Dec. 13, 1905.

 

            .14-1.20           shipping bills, Oct. 5-Nov. 20, 1905; pedestals and tabourettes were shipped to G. B. Crandall (Palmyra, N.Y.); C. T. Foster (Earlville, N.Y.); Vander Veur[?] & Ayers (Somerville, N.J.); Angelo Moore (Cambridge, N.Y.); J. Meyer (Riverhead, N.Y.); and George Kiernan (Sag Harbor)

 

.21       bill, Novelty Wood Turning Works to Wm. Quigley, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 2, 1905, for pedestals.  With note that one was received broken.

 

 

Folder 2: invoices, orders, etc., 1908-1916  (acc. 91x33.22-.68)

 

            .22       letter, F. G. Seydwitz[?], Muskegon Carving & Art Furniture Co., Lowell, Mich., to Eagle Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y., June 1908.  Have reorganized company and is better prepared to fill orders.

 

            .23       work card, Nov. 1926

 

            .24-.27             Wells Fargo & Co. Express, shipping receipts, for goods shipped by Novelty Wood Turning Works to C.S. Wendle (Urbana, Ohio), Kennedy Bros. (Bellefontaine, Ohio), H. Schifferd Co. (Marion, Ohio), and H. Marcy Co. (Marysville, Ohio), Dec. 1912.  Printed forms.

 

            .28a-c  letter with envelope, addressed to John G. Hallstrom, Jamestown, N.Y.  Envelope has Swedish stamp.  Letter in Swedish.

 

            .29-.31             The Unloading Corporation, coal, coke and wood, Jamestown, N.Y.: two receipts for payments by John Hallstrom and one bill to him for stove coke, 1934

 

            .32       bill from Anderson Bro., wood-working machinery, Jamestown, N.Y., to John Hallstrom, overdue bill, July 13, 1914.

 

            .33-.34, .36, .38           orders from Linquest Electric Co. to John Hallstrom for wood blocks, oak pedestals, and candlesticks, May 12, June 8, Oct. 25, 1915, and Jan. 22, 1916

 

            .35, .39            bills from Novelty Wood Turning Works to Linquest Electric Co., for work done (items specified), July 5, 1915, and Feb. 1916.  On printed billheads: manufacturers of wood turnings, candle sticks and smoking stands.

 

            .37       notes: customers’ names and locations, on back of envelope from Edwin M. Knowles China Co., East Liverpool, Ohio, 1916

 

            .38       bill, A. Goldman, Chicago, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Jan. 27, 1916.  For hauling a crate.  With note: “I paid this,” signed by Geo. W. Meyer

 

            .40-.41             receipted bills, Foster, Merriam & Co., cabinet hardware and castings, Meriden, Conn., were paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works for brass candle cups, Feb. 23 and March 2, 1916.

 

            .42-.43a-b        short letters from R.H. White Co., Boston, Mass., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, April 24, June 12 and 21, 1916.  About blueprints of the goods purchased by Mr. Houghten.

 

            .44       letter, Reuben Haley, superintendent of mould department, United States Glass Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, April 29, 1916.  About making moulds for candlesticks.  [see  also .47]

 

            .45       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Bryce Bros., Pittsburgh, Pa., May 1, 1916.  About making candlestick sockets.

 

            .46       receipted bill, Clark Hardware Company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom, for tacks, screws, coil springs, May 1, 1916.

 

            .47       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to United States Glass Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., May 1, 1916.  Do not want to go to expense of having a mould made.  [see also .44]

 

            .48       receipted bill, from unknown company paid by John Hallstrom, for sandpaper, varnish, screws, etc.  May 3, 1916.

 

            .49       receipted bill, Novelty Wood Turning Works, paid by Diamond Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y., for time on machine.  May 2, 1916.

 

            .50       letter, Foster, Merriam & Co., Meriden, Conn., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, May 5, 1916.  About increase in costs.

 

            .51       letter, E.B. Cobb, manager, Shepard Company Stores, Providence, R.I., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, May 10, 1916.  Do not have room to accept any more shipments at present.

 

            .52       receipted bill, Thirteen Nineteen-Chicago, Manufacturers’ Exhibition Building Company, Chicago, paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, for packing charges, May 1916.  (Joseph S. Meyer was president of the company in Chicago.)

 

            .53       letter, Foster, Merriam & Co., Meriden, Conn., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, May 25, 1916.  Candle cups have been delivered.

 

            .54       letter, B.G. tiffany, Lyon Furniture Mercantile Agency, Jamestown, N.Y., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, June 10, 1916.  Have not been able to get James H. Thompson to pay on his account.

 

            .55       receipted bill, Briggs & Corke, tinners, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Hallstrom for materials and labor, June 17, 1916.

 

            .56       letter, A. W. Wicks, assessor, Jamestown, N.Y., to J.G. Hallstrom, June 20, 1916.  Hallstrom owes taxes from 1915.

 

            .57       letter, John Mullins Co., the great furniture store, Jersey City, N.J., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, July 12, 1916.  About a check mistakenly sent to Novelty Wood Turning Works.  First page of letter only.

 

            .58       letter, Ezra Biggs, Mandel Brothers, Chicago, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, July 13, 1916.  Enclosing photo of candlestick # 59.  [photo not with letter]

 

            .59       letter, Glenn R. Brown, on stationery of Hotel Somerset, New York City, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, July 26, 1916.  An order for goods, to be shipped to others.

 

            .60-.61             receipted bills, Foster, Merriam & Co., cabinet hardware and castings, Meriden, Conn., were paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works for brass candle cups, Aug. 14 and 24, 1916.

 

            .62       draft of letter to Sperry-Hutchinson, New York, Aug. 19, 1916.  Per request of Glenn R. Brown, have shipped samples of their goods to him.

 

            .63       bill from H.H. Roberts, veneers and mahogany lumber, Jamestown, N.Y., to John G. Hallstrom, Aug. 28, 1916.  For walnut and mahogany.

           

            .64       letter, Chas. Emanuel, Mandel Brothers, Chicago, but letter from New York office, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Nov. 9, 1916.  About shipment of goods.

           

            .65       receipted bill from Anderson Brothers, wood-working machinery, Jamestown, N.Y., to John Hallstrom, Dec. 1, 1916.  For time on lathe rest, knife, irons, plates and pins, plus some materials.

 

            .66-.67             bill for commissions, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Charles H. Meyer, Chicago, Dec. 30, 1916.  List of companies to whom Meyer had sold goods and the commission due him for these sales.

 

            .68       business card for S. I. Frigault, watchmaker, diamonds, jewelry, Jamestown, N.Y.  on back: note that a letter was sent to Corning Glass Co. on May 1, 1916.

           

 

 

Folder 3: Records, orders, invoices, price lists, etc., 1917-1923  (acc. 91x33.69-.94)

 

            .69       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Raymond C. Jones, Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1917.  Urges Jones to sell their goods.  Almost mentions increase in costs.  First page only.

 

            .70, .72            memorandum and letter, R.H. Macy & Co. to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Feb. 1, and May 14, 1917.  About a return of merchandise.

 

            .71, .73            receipted bills, Chautauqua Refrigerating Co., dealers in ice, coal, building material, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by J. Hallstrom, May 1 and June 1, 1917.  For coal?

 

            .74       receipted bill, Clark Hardware Company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom, May 11, 1918, for a hoe

 

            .75       receipted bill, Columbian Transfer Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, March 8, 1918.  For return of crate and cartage.

 

            .76       bill of lading, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Company shipping box of candlesticks to Novelty Wood Turning Works, March 8, 1918.

 

            .77       statement, Marshall Field & Company, Chicago, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, March 11, 1919.  For merchandise.

 

            .78       notice: “Do not destroy these papers.”  [do not know to what this was attached]

 

            .79-.83             invoices from Sears, Roebuck and Co., Philadelphia, to Theodore N. Hallstrom, Jamestown, and an order from Hallstrom to Sears, for textiles, towels, football, trousers.  Order form stamped “shipped, Oct. 26, 1918.”

 

            .84       receipt bill, C.R. Nelson Creamery, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Hallstrom for milk, March 31, 1922.

 

            .85       Novelty Wood Turning Works, price list, Jan. 1, 1921.  Includes prices for candlesticks, jewelry trays, rose standard flower holder, hair receiver, serving tray and lazy Susans, bud vase, cigar rest, and flag standard.   Items in item number order.

 

            .86       Novelty Wood Turning Works, finishing schedule and price list, Aug. 15, 1921.   Does not list the flag standard, but otherwise same items as on .85.

 

            .87       Novelty Wood Turning Works, price list, Aug. 20, 1921.  This time, the items are grouped by type: candlesticks (by far the largest number of items made), jewelry trays, serving trays, rose stand flower holder, hair receiver, cigar rest.

 

            .88       Novelty Wood Turning Works, price list, Feb. 1, 1922.  This lists candlesticks, jewelry tray, serving trays, fruit set, dresser set.  Items available in mahogany or walnut.

 

            .89       receipted bill, Star Electro Plating Works, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by shop at the Diamond Furniture Co., for candle holders, March 9, 1922.

 

            .90       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Barnard Sumner & Putman Co., Worcester, Mass., Dec. 9, 1922.  About shipping an order.

                        On back: “dictation standards”

 

            .91       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Howe & Rogers Co., Rochester, N.Y., Dec. 16, 1922.  Order for cancellation received.

 

            .92a     receipted bill, City Coal Company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, for coal, June 25, 1923.

 

            .92b     Novelty Wood Turning Works, price list, Oct. 1923, on letterhead stationery.  Lists candlesticks, jewelry tray, bud vase, serving tray, smoker, dresser set, fruit compote set (could also just buy the bowl).  Available in mahogany and walnut.

 

            .93       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to H.M. Bullard Co., New Haven, Conn., Oct. 12, 1923.  A problem with its order.

 

            .94       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Wm. Hengerer Co., Buffalo, N.Y., Nov. 6, 1923.  Order is late shipping.

 

 

Folder 4: Records, invoices, price lists, etc., 1924-1925  (acc. 91x33.95-.126)

 

            .95-.98             letters,             Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Bryant Electric Co. (Bridgeport, Conn., 2 letters), and Belden Mfg. Co. (Metuchen, N.J., 2 letters), Jan. 11 and 21, 1924.  About wiring and parts for making mahogany table and boudoir lamps.  In one letter is mentioned the fact that Novelty Wood Turning Works is found at the Diamond Furniture Co.

 

.99       letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works to Hardiman Woolworth Co., Watertown, N.Y., March 15, 1924.  Will need to have the candlestick which needs to be matched returned to the Works.

 

.100-.101         Novelty Wood Turning Works, price lists, April 1924.  For candlesticks, jewelry tray, bud vases, serving trays, boudoir lamps, fruit compote set.  The price lists have the same items, but not in the same order.

 

.102     receipted bill, Jamestown Mirror Works, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, April 15, 1924, for paits[?]

 

.103     letter, Chautauqua Specialty Company, manufacturers of ash trays, smoker sets and metal novelties, Jamestown, N.Y., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, May 2, 1924.  Prices for candle cups.

 

.104     letter to Chautauqua Specialty Co. for candle cups, May 19, 1924.

 

.105     receipted bill, Novelty Wood Turning Works paid by Crandall & McGuire, Palmyra, N.Y., for candlesticks, bud vases, boudoir lamps, and candelabrum.  July 31, 1924.

 

.106     letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works to Geo. W. Babcock, Lost Angeles, Aug. 20, 1924.  Terms of commission for Babcock selling their goods.  Describes the goods.  Photos and price list enclosed [not with letter].

 

.107     letter, John G. Hallstrom, Novelty Wood Turning Works, to Barnard Sumner & Putman Co., Worcester, Mass., Aug. 28, 1924.  About sizes and prices of lazy Susans.

 

.108     receipted bill, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Oct. 29, 1924.  For stain powder, crude oil, benzene, turpentine, pumice stone, filler, screws, band sawing, varnish, tobacco cloth, nails, etc.

 

.109     receipted bill, Patrick Maher, founders & machinist, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Nov. 1, 1924.  For making screw driver.

 

.110     receipted bill, Bailey Table Company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, Dec. 11, 1924, for shellac.

 

.111a   poem: “Live for Something,” beginning “Live for something, be not idle:/ Look after thee for employ!”  Written on back of ad for Philadelphia Art Galleries and Auction Rooms, sale on Dec. 17, 1925.

 

.111b   receipted bill, Johnson Ice and Coal Company, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom for stove coal, Feb. 19, 1925.

 

.112     receipted bill, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, March 9, 1925.  For quarter-sawn oak.

 

.113     receipted bill, James F. Valone, M.D., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom for medical services, March 10, 1925.

 

.114     receipted bill, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, April 11, 1925.  For crating, crude oil, benzene, alcohol, wiping cloth, filler, sandpaper.

 

.115     receipted bill, Gage Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom for walnut bed, mattress, spring, May 13, 1925.

 

.116     receipted bill, Empire Case Goods company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom, for a dresser, June 12, 1925.

 

.117-.118         receipted bill (in two pieces) C.A. Lundquist & Company, hardware and mill supplies, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Jan. 12, 1925, for drill set and points.

 

.119-.120         receipted bills, Johnson Ice and Coal Company, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom for stove coal, July 15 and Aug. 6, 1925.

 

.121-.122         receipted bills, Jamestown Morning Post (Post Publishing Co.) paid by J.G. Hallstrom for subscription, Aug. 26, 1925.

 

.123     bill, Novelty Wood Turning Works sold to E.W. Edwards & Son, Syracuse, N.Y., Oct. 5, 1925.  For a lazy Susan.

 

            .124     receipted bill, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Oct. 9, 1925.  For alcohol, turpentine, screws.

 

            .125-.126         receipted bills, Gage Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom for tray, walnut bed, mattress, spring, and other goods.

 

 

Folder 5: Records, invoices, etc., 1926-1927  (acc. 91x33.127-.151)

 

            .127     school tax bill for John G. Hallstrom, 1926

 

            .128     statement of commissions, Novelty Wood Turning Works in account with David W.[?] Schenck, Jamestown.  Lists names of companies and how much purchased.

 

            .129     receipted bill, Carol O. Youngquist, footwear, Jamestown, paid by John Hallstrom, for merchandise, march 8, 1926.

 

            .130     statement, Furniture Commercial Agency Co., Jamestown, N.Y., in case of Novelty Wood Turning Works vs. J.I. Brewer & Son, Chicago, March 16, 1916.

 

            .131, .134        receipted bills, Johnson Ice and Coal Company, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom for stove coal, March 17, 1926, Aug. 10, 1926.

 

            .132     letter, Joseph Domberger, Commissioners of Navigation, Mayville, N.Y., to John Hallstrom, July 1, 1926.  About Hallstrom’s boat registration number.

 

            .133     receipted bill, Field & Wright Co., furniture, floor coverings, window shades, dinner sets, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom for carpet and rug.  Sept. 17, 1926.

 

            .135     letter, Mrs. G. L. Farnsworth, Jamestown, N.Y., to unknown person, but presumably Theodore Hallstrom, Nov. 6, 1926.  Offering to sell her violin, bow, case, and instruction book.  [see .142]

 

            .136     letter, B. Altman & Co., New York City, to Theo. N. Hallstrom, Nov. 11, 1926.  Am shipping pen and apologies for the delay.

 

            .137-.140a-b    shipping records, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipping to Wallace Co., Schenectady, N.Y., Nov. 16, 1926.  Shipping serving, card, and dressing trays; fruit set; candlesticks; bud vases; mirror and smoking stands.  Shipment was made via American Express Company.

 

            .141     receipted bill, Jorgenson Plumbing & Heating Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by J. G. Hallstrom, Nov. 20, 1926.  For tank, plugs, pipe, washers, etc.

 

            .142     receipted bill, Journal Printing Co. paid by Theodore Hallstrom, for ad: violin wanted.  Dec. 24, 1926.

 

            .143-.144         invoice and receipted bill, Clark Hardware Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom, for a snow shovel, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5, 1927.

 

            .145     receipted bill, Farmers and Mechanics Bank, Jamestown, paid by Theo N. Hallstrom for rent of safe deposit box, Jan. 15, 1927.

 

            .146     receipted bill, Harry G. Lyons, building service, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by T. N. Hallstrom, for sash, pine, textone, brads, boards, nails.  Nov. 1926-Jan. 1927.

 

            .147, .149        receipted bills, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Feb. 24, 1927 and May 7, 1927. 

February: for gum wood and machine labor. 

May: for bookcase, gum wood with mahogany finish.

 

            .148     receipted bill, S.C. Johnson & Co., Racine, Wisconsin, paid by Theodore N. Hallstrom, c/o Harry G. Lyons, for cabinet rubbing and polishing varnish, April 1927.

 

            .150     letter, Theodore Hallstrom to Montgomery Ward Co., Baltimore, Md., June 15, 1927.  About a violin order.

 

            .151     receipted bill, F.A. Venblow, sheet metal work, paid by John Hallstrom (spelled Holstrom), July 1, 1927.  For galvanized iron, elbow [pipe?], bolts, screws, labor.

 

 

Folder 6: Records, orders, etc., 1928  (acc. 91x33.152-.176)

 

            .152     envelope addressed to Ida C. Nelson, Jamestown, N.Y.  Return address: American National Bank, Jamestown.  Postmark: March 23, 1928.  With note on back about pointing chimney.

                                    [Ida C. Nelson was the sister of Esther A. (Mrs. John G.) Hallstrom.]

 

            .153     letter, Daddy [John G. Hallstrom], Jamestown, to Thelma [his daughter], July 3, 1928.  Hopes she gains her health at the sanitarium.  Sending her shoes.  Has been fishing.  “Remember me to Unkel Olof.”

 

            .154-.156         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped sewing stands to Evans & Bucks, Norwood, N.Y., Nov. 8, 1928, and Dec. 3, 1928. 

Also a receipted bill from Geo. P. Kofoed, furniture manufacturers’ salesman, Jamestown.  About shipment to Evans & Bucks

 

            .157-.158         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped an umbrella stand to Egbert Bros., Greenville, Pa., Nov. 8, 1928.  Kofoed was the salesman.

 

            .159     shipping receipt, Geo. P. Kofoed, salesman, had Novelty Wood Turning Works ship  a 3 piece set and a work basket to John Boyer, Knox, Pa.  Nov. 8, 1928.

 

            .160-.161         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped to Wiggins Co., Rome, N.Y., Nov. 8 and 21, 1928.  Candlesticks, bud vase, etc.  Salesman was D. M. Jackson.

 

            .162-.164         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped to William Bayer, Ridgway, Pa., Nov. 9 and Dec. 1, 1928.  Baskets.  Kofoed order.

 

            .165-.167         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped to C.F. Franz, Corry, Pa., Nov. 9 and Dec. 3, 1928.  Light stands and sewing stand.  Kofoed order.

 

            .168-.170         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped to W.F. & J.A. Benjamin Co., Rushford, N.Y.  D.M. Jackson was the salesman.  Nov. 8 and Dec. 3, 1928.  For sewing stands and basket.

 

            .171     American Railway Express Company, Ridgway, Pa., Dec. 4, 1928.  Form about a damaged shipment.

 

            .172     letter, M.J. Whitcomb, furniture, carpets, wallpaper, curtains, and licensed embalmer, East Barre, Vermont, to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Dec. 8, 1928.  About overcharge on bill for sewing stand and candlesticks.

 

            .173-.174         shipping receipts, Novelty Wood Turning Works shipped to M.J. Whitcomb, East Barre, Vermont, Nov. 7, 1928.  Work basket, candlesticks.  Salesman was D.M. Jackson. 

 

            .175     letter, W.L. Bayer, furniture, rugs, linoleum, Ridgway, Penn., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, Dec. 18, 1928.  Returning damaged goods.

 

            .176     receipt for shipping the damaged goods mentioned in .175, on Jamestown, Westfield & Northwestern Railroad Co.

           

           

Folder 7: Records, invoices, etc., 1929-1931  (acc. 91x33.177-.216)

 

            .177     receipted bill, Camp Art Company, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works for negatives and photos, Jan. 4, 1929

 

            .178     inquiry from The Chamberlain Co., furniture store, New Haven, Conn., to Novelty Wood Turning Works, asking for best price on candlesticks, Jan. 15, 1929.  [see also .180]

 

            .179     letter, from H. Rheb Co., manufacturers representatives, New York City, to John Hallstrom, Jan. 16, 1929.  Has showroom where they can display his goods to department store buyers, and those in the furniture and decorating trades.

 

            .180     letter, Novelty Wood Turning Works to The Chamberlain Co., New Haven, Conn., Jan. 18, 1929.  Prices for special candlesticks.  [see also .178]

 

            .181     receipted bill, The Unloading Corporation, coal and wood, Jamestown, N.Y., was paid by John Hallstrom for coal.  Jan. 28, 1929.

 

            .182     receipted bill, United Lumber & Supply Corp., Jamestown, N.Y., was paid by John Hallstrom for coal.  Feb. 22, 1929.

                        Includes a poster stamp: “It pays to modernize your home,” with picture of a house, but not advertising a specific product or company.

 

            .183     receipted bill, The Camp Art Company, Jamestown, N.Y., was paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, March 1, 1929.  “Account rendered.”  Camp Art Company did photography.

 

            .184     receipted bill, National Chautauqua County Bank, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John G. Hallstrom, for rent of safe deposit box, March 27, 1929.

 

            .185     receipted bill, United Lumber & Supply Corp., Jamestown, N.Y., was paid by John Hallstrom for coal.  April 1, 1929.

                        Includes a poster stamp: “It pays to modernize your home,” with picture of a house, but not advertising a specific product or company.

 

            .186-.187         receipted shipping bills, American Railway Express Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by Novelty Wood Turning Works, May 20, 1929, for shipping an umbrella stand to Strand Home Furniture Co., Binghamton.

 

            .188     receipted bill, Robert Vogt, painter, paper-hanger and decorator, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by T. Hallstrom, Oct. 18, 1929, for wallpaper, paste, labor.

 

            .189     receipted bill, Lyons Building Service, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, Jan. 6, 1930, for oak.

           

            .190, .192        receipted bills, The Unloading Corporation, coal and wood, Jamestown, N.Y., was paid by John Hallstrom on account,  Jan. 31 and March 8, 1930.

                                    On back of .192: note from Theodore to unknown person, thanks for a box of fruits; caught a trout; has plenty of work to do.

 

            .191     receipted bill, Post Publishing Co., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by J.G. Hallstrom for subscription, Feb. 8, 1930.

 

            .193a-b            receipted bill in envelope, Jamestown Telephone Corporation, apid by John G. Hallstrom, for telephone bill, April 1, 1930.

           

            .194     receipted bill, Diamond Furniture Company, manufacturers of living room tables, spinet desks-secretaries, Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, April 4, 1930, for revolving magazine and book rack. 

 

            .195     receipt, E. F. Hannold, Jamestown, N.Y., received payment from John G. Hallstrom, Aug. 9, 1930, for unspecified work.

 

            .196     receipted bill, Consolidated Mfg. Co., Dayton, Ohio, received payment from Novelty Wood Turning Works, Nov. 25, 1930, for merchandise.

 

            .197     postcard from First Swedish Hundred Members Society, Jamestown, N.Y., tp J. G. Hallstrom, July 8, 1931.  Death assessment due and can be paid at Nordic Temple, Nora Hall, to financial secretary Carl M. Winburg.

 

           

            .198     receipted bill, Lyons Building Service, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., paid by John Hallstrom, July 1, 1931.  Goods not described. 

With poster stamp: “Payment of your account is solicited….”  Decorated with picture of village on a hill.

 

            .199     note from Mr. Pelton, Agricultural Insurance Company, Watertown, N.Y., to Mrs. Gore.  About payment for a loss, check dated Jan. 28, 1952.  [see .201]

 

            .200     receipt for payment, Morning Post, June 6, 1931.  [very small document]

 

            .201     receipted bill, G.E. Edstrom, builder, Olean, N.Y., to W.H. Mandeville Co., Olean, for repairs to floor of home of Roland F. Gore.  [see .199]

 

            .202     shipping receipt from Montgomery Ward & Co., Baltimore, to Theo N. Hallstrom, Jamestown, N.Y.  not dated, no goods mentioned

 

            .203     notice from Montgomery Ward & Co.: unable to supply varnish.  No date.

 

            .204     Novelty Wood Turning Works, price list for candlesticks, jewelry tray, serving trays, smoker, dresser set, fruit compote set.  Part of document is missing.  No date.

 

            .205a-l             articles of agreement (draft): between Seaburg Manufacturing Co. and Eagle Furniture Co., both of Jamestown, N.Y.  Details terms of lease of property and use of equipment.  Written on back of stationery of Novelty Wood Turning Works. 

 

            .206     business card of Nelson W. C. McCreedy, sawmill and woodworking expert, saw maker and engineer, London, England.  With other addressed added in pencil.

 

            .207     two drawings of pedestals, with dimensions.  On back of blank invoice form of Novelty Wood Turning Works. 

 

            .208-.210         documents pertaining to an order sent to Montgomery Ward & Co. by Theo N. Hallstrom, no date.

 

            .211a-c                        note and envelope addressed to B.S. Ammerman, Brooklyn, N.Y., from Novelty Wood Turning Works, Oct. 16, 19—[date torn, but probably 1905].  Will be sending him samples and photos. 

[see also .5a-b and .9a-b for additional notes to Ammerman]

 

            .212     Descriptions of goods, with prices.  Includes a costumers [coat racks], pedestals, and pedestal tabourette.

 

            .213     names written on a piece of paper

 

            .214     printed envelope addressed to Periodical Sales Co., Inc., Chicago, Ill.

 

            .215     page from The Grand Rapids Furniture Record, Sept. 1910.  On page 706 are photos of a chamber suite made by the Widdicomb Furniture Co. of Grand Rapids.  (Page 705 is part of an article about setting up a home furnishings store.)

 

            .216     order to Mongomery Ward & Co., made by Theodore N. Hallstrom, January, no year.  For knife, chin[?] rest, ball valve, waterless cooker, oil color outfit, varnish.

 

 

Folder 8: photos of furniture: mostly from Eagle Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y. (acc. 93x81.1-.19)

 

            .1         three candlesticks: no. 19 (depicted twice) and 22.  No. 19 is a figural candlestick (a woman).  Printed in blue.  Not marked as from Eagle Furniture Co.

                                    [see also .65]

 

            .2         pedestal no. 55

                                    [see also .36, printed in blue]

 

            .3         pedestal.  Not marked as from Eagle Furniture Co.

 

            .4         pedestal no. 50

 

            .5         pedestals/tables, no. 17 and 13.  Not marked as from Eagle Furniture Co.

 

            .6a       pedestal no. 47

 

            .6b       pedestal no. 15.  Not marked as from Eagle Furniture Co.

 

            .7         pedestal no. 57.  Printed in blue.

 

            .8         pedestal no. 43.  Printed in blue.

 

            .9         pedestal no. 44.  Printed in blue.

 

            .10       pedestal no. 69.  Printed in blue.       

 

            .11       pedestal no. 59.  Printed in blue.

 

            .12       pedestal no. 50.  Printed in blue.

 

            .13       pedestal no. 52.  Printed in blue.

 

            .14       pedestal no. 53.  Printed in blue.

 

            .15       pedestal no. 68.  Printed in blue.

 

            .16       pedestal no. 56.  Printed in blue.

 

            .17       pedestal/table no. 60.  Printed in blue.

 

            .18       pedestal, with detail of top.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.

                                    [same as .20]

 

            .19       pedestal no. 67.  Printed in blue.

 

 

 

Folder 9: photos of furniture: mostly from Eagle Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y. (acc. 93x81.20-.35)

 

            .20       pedestal, with detail of top.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.

                                    [same as .18]

 

            .21       pedestal no. 69.  Printed in blue.       

                                    [same as .10]

 

.22       pedestal no. 42.  Printed in blue.

 

            .23       pedestal no. 48.  Printed in blue

 

            .24       tabourette no. 63.  Printed in blue.

 

            .25       pedestal/table, no. 65, printed in blue.

 

            .26       pedestal no. 54.  Printed in blue

 

            .27       pedestal no. 58.  Printed in blue.

 

            .28       pedestal no. 27.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.  Printed in blue.

 

            .29       pedestal.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.  Printed in blue.

 

            .30       coat rack, with mirror.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.  Printed in blue.   

                                   

 

            .31       pedestal no. 51.  Printed in blue.

 

            .32       table no. 112.  Printed in blue.

 

            .33       pedestal.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.  Printed in blue.

 

            .34       table no. 103.  Not marked Eagle Furniture Co.  Printed in blue.

 

            .35       table no. 118.  Printed in blue.

 

 

 

Folder 10: photos of furniture: mostly from Eagle Furniture Co., Jamestown, N.Y. (acc. 93x81.36-.50)

 

            .36       pedestal no. 55.  printed in blue

                                    [see also .2, black and white photo]

 

            .37       round side table, no. 61.  Printed in blue.

 

            .38       round side table, no. 117.  Printed in blue.

 

            .39       round side table, no. 62.  Printed in blue.

 

            .40       library or serving table, no. 106.  Printed in blue.

 

            .41       side table, no. 39.  Printed in blue.

 

            .42       stool, no. 40.  Printed in blue

 

            .43       pedestal, no. 41.  Printed in blue.  With added pencil sketch of alternative column.

 

            .44       side table, no. 111.  Printed in blue.

 

            .45       round side table, no. 119.  Printed in blue.

 

            .46       side table, no. 113.  Printed in blue.

 

            .47       pedestal or stool, no. 46.  Printed in blue.

 

            .48       library or serving table, no. 116.  Printed in blue.

 

            .49       library or serving table, no. 115.  Printed in blue.

 

            .50       side table, no. 114.  Printed in blue.

 

 

Folder 11: photos of wooden turned products, mostly from Novelty Wood Turning Works (acc. 93x81.51-.59)

 

            .51       candlesticks, no. 72, 44, 61, 53, 33.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works.

 

            .52       candlesticks, no. 34, 50, 39, 98, 95.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .53       unknown items, galleried trays on stands, no. 3 and 4.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

                                    [note: one price list notes item nos. 3 and 4 as being candlesticks, but these are not candlesticks]

 

            .54       “lazy Susan” serving tray, no. 57.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .55       bases same as the items depicted in photo acc. no. 53, but this time a lamp has been added to the upper part.  These are numbered 1 and 2.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .56       candlestick no. 5 (two shown) and a table-top pedestal, no. 5 ˝. 

 

            .57       candlesticks no. 52 1/2, 66 ˝, 99.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

                                    [see also .69]

 

            .58       lamp no. 5 and umbrella stand no. 6.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .59       pedestals no. 31 and 32 and smoking set no. 33 (with ash tray, and what are probably containers for matches and tobacco).  Left side of picture missing.

                                    [see also .60, which records these as coming from Novelty Wood Turning Works] 

 

           

 

Folder 12: photos of furniture: mostly from Novelty Wood Turning Works. (acc. 93x81.60-.71)

 

            .60       pedestals no. 31 and 32 and smoking set no. 33 (with ash tray, and what are probably containers for matches and tobacco).   From Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

[same as photo .59]    

 

            .61       pedestals no. 44 and 46; on top of which are placed ash trays, and what are probably containers for matches and tobacco.   From Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

 

            .62       candlesticks no. 3, 8, 4.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

 

            .63-.64             set no. 12 [smoking set?] and set no. 12 on top of pedestal no. 11. 

Acc. .64 indicates these as coming from Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

            [see also .68]

 

            .65       three candlesticks: no. 19 (depicted twice) and 22.  No. 19 is a figural candlestick (a woman).  Printed in blue. 

                                    [see also .1]

 

            .66       pedestals no. 33 and 40.  No. 33 has an ash tray on top.  No. 40 has a smoking set (match holder and tobacco box topped with an ash tray.  Printed in blue

 

            .67       candlesticks no. 2, 1, 18, 13.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

 

            .68       same as .63 and .64.  Labeled as from Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

 

            .69       candlesticks no. 52 1/2, 66 ˝, 99.  From Novelty Wood Turning Works.  Printed in blue.

                                    [see also .57]

 

            .70-.71             trays no. 30, 16, 20, 29.  Numbers 30, 16, and 30 are decorated; no. 29 is plain.  Printed in blue.

                                    On back of .70: price list for smoking stands and cigar case.

 

 

Folder 13: sketches of furniture (acc. 93x81.72-.76)         

 

            .72       coat rack

 

            .73       unknown item, partially erased

 

            .74-.76             pedestals

 

            Acc. 73-76 were drawn on back of workmen’s production cards from Eagle Furniture Co.           

 

 

Folder 14: sketches of furniture (acc. 93x81.77-.80)

 

            .77       letter with sketch.  Circular letter from Globe Association, Chicago, to J.G. Hallstrom, May 9, 1910. 

                                    On back: sketch of table with shelves.

 

            .78       sketch , possibly of furniture feet. 

                                    On back: list of items, with sizes.  On stationery from Novelty Wood Turning Works.

 

            .79       sketch of a pedestal.

                                    On back: measurements of different parts of pedestal.  On stationery of Eagle Furniture Company.

 

            .80       sketch of base of table or pedestal; on back: smaller sketch of base.  Part of sketch has been torn away.

 

 

Folder 15: sketches of furniture (acc. 93x81.81-.94)

 

            .81       pedestal sketch

 

            .82       letter with sketches.  Letter from Stiles C. Hall, Jamestown, N.Y., to John G. Hallstrom, Nov. 12, 1908.  Please call on me.

                                    On back: sketches of pedestals, small tables, and a coat rack.

 

            .83       Palm stand and coat racks, with detail of base of something: sketches

 

            .84       pedestal sketch

 

            .85       recto: column and base, what is probably a top, and some unknown sketch;

                        Verso: pedestal and floor lamp

 

            .86-.87             two pedestals or small stands: two sketches per sheet

 

            .88       library or serving table, sketch on stationery of Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .89-90              two pedestals or small stands: two sketches per sheet;

                                    .90 on stationery of Novelty Wood Turning Works

 

            .91       pedestal sketch

 

            .92       recto: coat racks: three sketches; one also incorporates an umbrella stand;

                        Verso: coat rack and detail of something

 

            .93       pedestal, with two sketches of details of bases

 

            .94       pedestals, one sketch on each side of paper

 

           

 

Folder 16: sketches of furniture (acc. 93x81.94-.105)

 

            Note: most of these sketches have been mounted on black paper

 

            .95       pedestal, on back of order blank for Monroe Wholesale Cigar Co., Toledo, Ohio

 

            .96       pedestal sketch on one side, decorative sketch on other side of paper

 

            .97-.98             pedestals, with detailed measurements;

                                    On back of .98: further notes about the sketch, dated Aug. 5, 1909

 

            .99-.105           pedestals, with measurements, on back of order blanks for Monroe Wholesale Cigar Co., Toledo, Ohio;

                                    Acc. .102 does not include measurements but has some extra sketches