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National Air and Space Museum Archives
James L. Simmons Scrapbook
Summary
- Collection ID:
- NASM.XXXX.1203
- Creators:
-
Simmons, James L.
- Dates:
-
1897 - 1930sbulk 1912 - 1917
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
0.35 Cubic feetOne flat box.
- Repository:
This collection consists of a scrapbook chronicling the Simmons Propeller Company and Washington Aeroplane Company.
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a scrapbook chronicling the Simmons Propeller Company and Washington Aeroplane Company. The following types of material are included: Simmons' patents on a variety of products (1897–1918); photographs and correspondence of early aviators who used his products, such as Rexford Smith, and Antony Jannus; newspaper and magazine articles; sketches; and company ephemera, such as advertisements and business cards.
Arrangement
Arrangement
No arrangement, just one item.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
James Lee Simmons began designing, experimenting, and making propellers at his Washington Aeroplane Company factory (which was sponsored by Emile Berliner) located on Water Street in the southwestern area of the District during the 1909–1910 period. Like other early aircraft manufacturers, Simmons also fabricated Wright-type propellers, as well as variations of Chauvière and other French designers. By 1913, the company was manufacturing a line of
Columbia
monoplanes, biplanes, and flying boats based on European and American designs. By 1915 the company switched back to concentrating on the design and construction of propellers. After World War I, Simmons worked for Emile Berliner in the construction of his helicopters.Administration
Author
Patti Williams
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Henry A. Berliner, Gift, 1953, NASM.XXXX.1203
Processing Information
Arranged, described, and encoded by Patti Williams, 2020.
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Use
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Preferred Citation
James L. Simmons Scrapbook, NASM.XXXX.1203, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Keywords
| Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Propellers, Aerial -- Design and construction | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Aircraft industry | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Aeronautics -- Patents | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Scrapbooks | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Jannus, Antony H. "Tony" | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Simmons Propeller Company | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Washington Aeroplane Company | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
National Air and Space Museum Archives
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
NASMRefDesk@si.edu
