Armstrong World Industries Collection
Call number: MG-32
8 boxes 102 folders, 1 scrapbook, oversized material 5 cubic ft.
Repository: LancasterHistory (Organization); PV7
Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 1
Description: Collection contains information on Armstrong World Industries, formerly the Armstrong Cork Company, manufacturers of flooring and building materials. Several items concern military production during World War II. There are histories of the company, management correspondence, policy manuals, blueprints, consumer catalogs, annual reports, and copies of Armstrong Today, an internal magazine. Employee correspondence, convention programs and ephemera, advertising, and news articles were added to the collection in 2007-2008.
Creators: Armstrong Cork Company (Lancaster, Pa.); Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (Lancaster, Pa.); Dyke, Samuel Eugene, 1900-1985.
Conditions for Access: No restrictions.
Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.
Language: English
Source of Acquisition: Many items were collected by Samuel E. Dyke, the Lancaster County Historical Society, and LancasterHistory.org. Other donors are indicated within the finding aid.
Administrative History: Processed June 2006, HST; updated 11 September 2007, HST; folders 65-80 processed 2008, DC; folders 81-102 and Oversized Box 2 processed 2017, CA.
Box 1
Folder 1 Company History
Insert 1 Photocopy of article “Trial by Fire,” Armstrong Today, 1985.
Insert 2 Typescript. “The Story of Armstrong.” No date.
Insert 3 Typescript. “Armstrong: A Historical Summary.” 1985.
Insert 4 Booklet. Beginning Our Second Century of Progress, 1860-1960. No date.
Insert 5 Photocopy of “Armstrong: the First 125 Years.” [1985]. Business card of C. Eugene Moore, manager, Corporate Information.
Folder 2 History of the Floor Plant: 1908-1980. Published by Armstrong. No date.
Folder 3 The Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1958.
Folder 4 Partners in Business. Compiled and printed for the information of the stockholders of Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1935.
Folder 5 Partners in Business. Compiled and printed for the information of the stockholders of Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1941.
Folder 6 Partners in Business. Compiled and printed for the information of the stockholders of Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1946.
Folder 7 Partners in Business. Compiled and printed for the information of stockholders, business associates, and friends of the Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1955.
Folder 8 Partners in Business. Compiled and printed for the information of stockholders, business associates, and friends of the Armstrong Cork Company. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1958.
Folder 9 Photocopies of blueprint showing factory buildings, warehouses, and railroad tracks. Appl. Sheet 100. November 1917. (2 copies)
Folder 10 Photocopy of blueprint showing factory buildings, research laboratory, railroad tracks, and Posey Iron Works. New sheet 107. 1933.
Folder 11 Manpower Recruiting and Control Program of the Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster, Pa. 1943.
Folder 12 Manpower Utilization Report on Work Simplification. Control Division, Army Service Forces. May 1944.
Folder 13 Fourth Naval District, Navy Manpower Survey Committee
Insert 1 General Survey Instructions. 1943.
Insert 2 Appointment of Samuel E. Dyke to survey committee. 2 February 1944.
Travel voucher. 1944.
Insert 3 “Pearson Charges Navy Waste of Manpower,” by Drew Pearson. Philadelphia Record. 8 February 1944. (photocopy)
“Our Navy is Massing Ships and Men into Mightiest Striking Power for Knockout,” by John A. Stevenson. Philadelphia Inquirer. 11 June 1944.
Insert 4 Disclosure of information memorandum from Capt. G. A. Rood to committee members. 7 March 1944.
Insert 5 Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from Capt. G. A. Rood. Letterhead of the Fourth Naval District, District Staff Headquarters, Philadelphia. 22 March 1944.
Letter to Capt. G. A. Rood from Samuel E. Dyke. 28 March 1944.
Carbon copy of letter to Capt. G. A. Rood. 28 March 1944.
Insert 6 Draft of committee report. [1944].
Insert 7 Outline of “Recommendations and Conclusions of District Survey Group and on Phila Navy Yard.” [1944].
Insert 8 “Recommendations and Conclusions of the District Survey Committee on Survey Group “A”’s Report on Phila Navy Yard.” [1944].
Insert 9 Rough draft of comments on the Industrial Department. (2 copies) [1944].
Insert 10 “Recommendations and Conclusions of the District Survey Committee on Survey Group “A”’s Report on Philadelphia Navy Yard.” [1944].
Insert 11 Memorandum to senior member of Navy Manpower Survey Board from Capt. G. A. Rood. Letterhead of Fourth Naval District. 7 April 1944.
Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from H. W. Prentis, Jr. regarding Prentis’ tour of the Wisconsin and a letter by Gerry Denebrink. Letterhead of Armstrong Cork Company, Inter-Office Communication. 2 May 1944.
Insert 12 Final Report of the Navy Manpower Survey Board to the Secretary of the Navy. Vol. 1, Text and Recommendations. Washington, D.C. 28 June 1944.
Folder 14 War Production: Armstrong Cork Company. (2 copies) circa 1944.
Folder 15 Manufacturing Organizational Manual, Part 1. 1944.
Insert 1 Index, Procedure, Manufacturing General
Insert 2 Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Labor Relations, Essential Wartime Production
Insert 3 Building Materials Production, Beaver Falls Plant, Camden Plant
Insert 4 Gloucester Plant, Pensacola Plant, Philadelphia Plant, South Gate Plant
Insert 5 Floor Production, Lancaster Floor Plant, Essential Wartime Operations, Industrial Engineering
Insert 6 Controller’s Section, Personnel Section, Arrowhead Plant
Folder 16 Manufacturing Organizational Manual, Part 2. 1944.
Insert 1 Glass Closure Production, Dunkirk Plant, Lancaster Closure Plant
Insert 2 Millville Plant, Keyport Plant
Insert 3 Industrial Production, Pittsburgh Plant, South Braintree Plant
Insert 4 Munitions Production, Munitions Quality Control, Lancaster Floor Plant, Industrial Engineering, Controller’s Section
Insert 5 Aircraft Operations, Ammunition Operations, Lancaster Closure Shell Case, Beaver Falls Shells
Box 2
Folder 17 Munitions Production Planning: Manual of Operation and Control. 1944.
Folder 18 War Production
Insert 1 Outline for a paper, prepared by Jack for Samuel E. Dyke. No date.
Insert 2 Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from R. W. Owen asking for advice to make the most of his new position. 12 March 1943.
Insert 3 Memorandum to H. J. Marshall from R. D. Mayhew regarding the recapitulation of munitions operations bonus earnings. [1945].
Insert 4 Memorandum to the Manpower Control Committee from H. T. Hamaker regarding a Manpower Control Report. 28 December 1944.
Insert 5 Clippings from Armstrong Today. 1942, 1944.
Insert 6 “How Armstrong Cork got into WWII Munitions Production,” by Fred J. Daum. The Sunday News. 2 October 1977. With handwritten notes for the article.
Insert 7 Munitions production by plants, significant facts, and employment at several locations. June 1943.
Insert 8 Notes of Armstrong Cork Company production of munitions for May 1940-1945.
Insert 9 List of men who left or were transferred to other jobs from munitions. No date.
Folder 19 Organizational chart for production—Aircraft Division. No date.
Folder 20 Armstrong in Aircraft, WWII: Review of Its Tooling History. No date.
Folder 21 U.S. Army Shell Operations Control Sheets, Part I
Insert 1 105 M/M M-60
Insert 2 105 M/M M-67
Insert 3 20 M/M M-75
Insert 4 20 M/M M-95
Folder 22 U.S. Army Shell Operations Control Sheet, Part II
Insert 1 105 M/M M-60 Adapter
Insert 2 75 M/M M-64 Adapter
Insert 3 Navy Fuse Adapter
Insert 4 Navy Base Fuse Head
Insert 5 3” M 42-A1 Shell
Insert 6 General Data
Folder 23 Addresses and history by Samuel E. Dyke
Insert 1 “How to Manage.” No date.
Insert 2 “Let’s Keep and Open Mind.” Speech for the Beaver Falls and Pittsburgh Joint Foremen’s meeting. 23 March 1939.
Insert 3 “Top Management Looks at the Foreman’s Job in the Post War.” [1939].
Insert 4 “Specifications for a Production Executive.” 15 October 1931 and 13 March 1940.
Insert 5 “The New Draft and You.” No date.
Selective Service Questionnaire.
Insert 6 Memorandum to Samuel E. Dyke from E. E. Howard regarding lecture series. 5 May 1942.
Memorandum to Ed Howard from Samuel E. Dyke. 5 May 1942.
“Suggested Comments for Introductory Talk.” 7 May [1942].
“Coordinating Manpower with Operations.” 6 May 1943.
Insert 7 “Absenteeism and Morale.” 1943.
Insert 8 Letter to Henry Marshall from Samuel E. Dyke regarding an upcoming speaking engagement, with corrections to speech. 4 May 1943.
Insert 9 “Outline of Introductory Remarks before Group Meeting of Plant Sub-controllers.” With routing slip. 28 June 1943.
Insert 10 Memorandum to Samuel E. Dyke from S. A. Wrigley asking him to speak at the Supervisors’ Association banquet. 15 March 1944.
Memorandum to Samuel E. Dyke from S. A. Wrigley regarding Supervisors’ Association banquet. 20 March 1944.
Address to the Supervisors’ Association. [1944].
Insert 11 Memorandum to Samuel E. Dyke from E. E. Howard regarding production management training. 24 March 1944.
Note to Mr. Backstrand regarding Samuel E. Dyke’s speech. April 5.
“Production and Employee Pride.” Production Management Group. (2 drafts) 5 April 1944.
Insert 12 List of attendees and newspaper or organization represented for the press tour of Lancaster County AAF war plants. Lists of Armstrong guides for the press tour. List of Armstrong employees attending the Manufacturers’ Association dinner. List of companies visited. 15 September 1944.
Notes about the dinner meeting. September 14.
Samuel E. Dyke’s address on 15 September 1944.
Insert 13 Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from Walter C. Miller regarding the first Church-Business Conference. Letterhead of the Manufacturers’ Association of Lancaster. 13 February 1945.
Insert 14 “A Plan for Better Understanding and Results between Top Management and Foremen.” Presented at the Foremen’s Club meeting. 16 November 1945.
Insert 15 Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from [E. C.] about speaking at a meeting. April 6.
Letter to E. Claxton from [Samuel E. Dyke] about speaking at the Aircraft Welding Research Committee meeting. 7 April 1944.
Memorandum to members of the Welding Research Committee regarding a meeting at the Armstrong Cork Company. [1944].
Memorandum to Samuel E. Dyke from George W. Scott, Jr. regarding the meeting. 1 May 1944.
Program for the meeting. 4-5 May 1944.
Guest list for the meeting. 4-5 May 1944.
“Introductory Talk of Welcome,” by Samuel E. Dyke. 5 May 1944.
Folder 24 A History of the Armstrong Cork Company in Peace and War, by J. Clarence McCarthy. No date.
Box 3
Folder 25 War Production at Armstrong Cork Co., 1940-1945
Insert 1 Letter to Samuel E. Dyke from James B. McMullin about using one of his papers at the Lancaster County Historical Society. 1 January 1981.
Insert 2 “War Production at Armstrong Cork Co., 1940-1945,” by Samuel E. Dyke. No date.
Folder 26 Armstrong’s Concealment Materials. Building Materials Division, Lancaster. 1942.
Folder 27 War Contract Pre-Termination Planning. Munitions Division, Lancaster. 1944.
Folder 28 Booklet. “Armstrong Reporting for Duty.” Munitions Division, Lancaster. [1954].
Folder 29 Blueprint for Standardizing Dept. 910. 1954.
Folder 30 Memorandum to W. E. Martin from E. W. Stanley with an outlined Engineering Progress Report for the Shell Shop. 29 March 1963.
Folder 31 Research and Development Center
Memorandum to Mr. Anstaett from Elizabeth Bowerman, librarian, regarding the Research and Development Center Library. March 1956.
Informational booklet with floor plan of the library. 1956.
Brochure. “Welcome to the Research and Development Center.” No date.
Folder 32 Cork
Cork and Its Uses, by Giles B. Cooke, Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. Reprinted from Journal of Chemical Education, vol. 8, no. 8, August 1931.
Cork: Being the Story of the Origin of Cork, the Processes Employed in Its Manufacture, and Its Varied Uses in the World Today. Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1930.
“Armstrong’s Cork Tile Floors.” Tile Floors Department, Building Materials Division. 1937.
Folder 33 Linoleum
Booklet. “The Story of Linoleum.” Floor Division, Lancaster. No date.
The Story of Linoleum: the Evolution of Floors, the Invention of Linoleum, How It is Made and How It is Used. Linoleum Division, Lancaster. 1922.
Folder 34 Linoleum sample pattern book. Linoleum Division, Lancaster. No date.
Folder 35
Pattern Book: Armstrong’s Linoleum, Armstrong’s Quaker Rugs and Floor Coverings. Floor Division, Lancaster. 1929.
Wholesale price list. 10 November 1928.
Folder 36 Flooring
Label for Coronelle Vinyl Corlon, with pattern number, shade, gauge, and directions. No date.
“Armstrong’s Linotile.” Tile Floors Department, Building Materials Division, Lancaster. 1937.
“Armstrong-Stedman Reinforced Rubber Tile.” Tile Floors Department, Building Materials Division, Lancaster. 1937.
“Accotile Floors.” Tile Floors Department, Building Materials Division, Lancaster. 1937.
Folder 37 “Quaker Girl Color Book for Paints and Crayons” with pictures of animals to color, rhymes about the pictures, and information about the new Quaker Rug patterns. 1935. Gift of Harold Bechtold, 1999.
Folder 38
Armstrong’s Asphalt Tile Specifications. Floor Division, Lancaster. March 1953.
Armstrong’s Rubber Tile Specifications. Floor Division, Lancaster. April 1953. Gift of Gary Hawbaker, January 2001.
Folder 39 Booklet. “How to Build a More Comfortable New Home.” Building Materials Division, Lancaster. 1949. Gift of Harold Bechtold, 1999.
Folder 40
Portfolio of Room Interiors, by Hazel Dell Brown. Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster. 1946. Gift of Harold Bechtold, 1999.
Decorator’s Data Sheet to be submitted to free decoration advice from the Bureau of Interior Decoration, Linoleum Division, Lancaster. No date.
The Attractive Home: How to Plan Its Decoration, by Hazel Dell Brown. Linoleum Division, Lancaster. 1928.
Folder 41
Brochure for Armstrong’s Idea House. Lincoln Highway, one mile west of Lancaster. 25 March to 30 September 1953. Gift of Harold Bechtold, 1999.
“A Houseful of Decorating Ideas: A Complete Pictorial Tour of Armstrong’s Idea House.” 1953. Gift of Thomas Kloss, October 2003.
Folder 42 “Welcome to Armstrong.” Employee handbook. No date. Gift of Ronald C. Carpenter, May 2006.
Folder 43 Salary and Personnel
Insert 1 Memorandum from C. J. Backstrand regarding Organization and control. 26 June 1944.
Manufacturing Salaried Jobs’ Classification List for Floor Production. 15 May 1944.
List of accepted abbreviations. No date.
Memorandum conveying charts.
Manufacturing Salaried Jobs’ Classification List for Munitions Production. 15 May 1944.
Insert 2 Factors for salary classification. 1944.
Insert 3 Reemployment Provisions—Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as Amended.
Veterans’ Reemployment Problem. 4 May 1944.
Insert 4 Pittsburgh Plant Wartime Organization. 13 September 1943.
Insert 5 Personnel records with names of employees, dates of employment, positions, and plants. 1930-1943.
Insert 6 Position specification for secretary for H. J. Marshall at Lancaster Floor Plant. 31 July 1953.
Insert 7 Salary classification schedule. No date.
Salary rate schedule approved by the War Labor Board. 23 October 1944.
Confidential Salary Administration Data. 1 September 1944. (part of document has been cut out)
Insert 8 Chart. Average Hourly Earnings of Wage Earners: 25 Manufacturing Industries, 1929-1944. National Industrial Conference Board, Inc. 1944.
Folder 44
Condolences from the Committee on Trustees and Honors, Gettysburg College, to the family of J. Donald Glenn. 6 October 1973.
“Company and Employees Share $83,000 Donations to Higher Education.” Armstrong newsletter. John Glenn, retired Assistant Manager of the Armstrong Closure Plant is featured. No date.
Folder 45 “To Live and Die for Armstrong,” by Hubert Kay. Reprinted solely for the information of the Armstrong organization. Time, Inc. 1964. Gift of Ronald C. Carpenter, May 2006.
Folder 46
Insert 1 Cover letter to the Lancaster County Historical Society from John M. Scheldrup, Manager of Corporate Information. 5 July 1989.
Copy of press release regarding a possible take-over attempt by the Belzberg family of Vancouver, Canada. 5 July 1989.
Insert 2 Photocopies of newspaper articles.
“Armstrong: Integrity Key Weapon,” by Doug Thomas. The Sunday News, Lancaster. 16 July 1989.
“Law Values Armstrong’s ‘Other’ Constituents,” by Doug Thomas. [The Sunday News], Lancaster.. 13 August 1989.
“Miller: Armstrong Takeover a ‘Coin Toss,’” by Doug Thomas. The Sunday News, Lancaster. No date.
Folder 47 Cover letter conveying the full text regarding The Industry Network Systems (TINS) lawsuit delivered by William W. Adams, Chairman and President of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 29 April 1991.
Folder 48 Leaders Digest. Armstrong Cork Company publication with discussions of lasting interest. Lancaster. 1939.
Folder 49 Annual Reports. 1958-1960, 1969.
Folder 50 Annual Reports. 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974.
Box 4
Folder 51 Annual Reports. 1976, 1978-1980.
Folder 52 Annual Reports. 1986-1988.
Folder 53 Annual Reports. 1992-1994.
Folder 54 The Armstrong Reporter. Company magazine for employees, retirees, and their families. April 1940, June 1941, December 1941, November 1942.
Folder 55 The Armstrong Reporter. September, October, November 1944.
Folder 56 The Armstrong Reporter. Fall 1961, Fall 1962, 1969 no.2, 1970 no.1, 1971 no.1.
Folder 57 The Reporter. 1977 no.1-2, 1978 no.2-4, 1979 no.1-3.
Folder 58 The Reporter. 1980 no.1-3, 1981 no.1-2, 1982 no.1-2.
Folder 59 The Reporter. 1982 no.3, 1983 no.1-3.
Folder 60 Armstrong Today. Company magazine, title change from The Reporter. 1984 no.1-3, 1985 no.1-4.
Folder 61 Armstrong Today. 1986 no.2, 1987 no.2, 1989 no.1, 1990 no.2-3, 1991 no.1, Spring 1992.
Folder 62 Army-Navy Production Award certificate issued to Mildred M. Rineer. 31 October 1942.
Folder 63 Program for Open House Week. Armstrong Cork Company, Floor Division Plant. Lancaster. 13-17 February 1939. Gift of Juliann Erb, 7 October 2006.
Folder 64 Letters to Robert F. McMurtrie, Salesman for the Linoleum Department, from the Armstrong Cork Company. Gift of Christian E. McMurtrie, 7 September 2007.
Insert 1 Letter to Robert in Altoona from D. L. Armstrong regarding an order from Besore Dry Goods Company of Waynesboro and praise for his work. With envelope. 25 February 1921.
Letter to Robert in Altoona from H. W. Prentis, Jr. regarding orders from James McLean & Sons of York and Besore Dry Goods to be billed through Empire Carpet Company and William Campbell, Inc.; praise for his work; a suggestion for completing reports; and mentioning that Mr. Barnes will be spending a week with each of the new salesmen. 26 February 1921.
Letter to Robert in Altoona from H. W. Prentis, Jr. regarding a toothache, inquiring after his health, and praising his work. 8 March 1921.
Insert 2 Letter to Robert in Reading from Sandy regarding an order of Pattern T-40 for Mr. McQuay of Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart of Reading which can be ordered from Gehly Carpet Company of York and praising his work. With envelope. 27 January 1922.
Letter to Robert in Altoona from Sandy regarding the health of Robert’s father and the upcoming Jobbers Convention. With envelope. 22 September 1923.
Letter to Robert on Altoona from H. W. Prentis, Jr. praising his work. With envelope. 19 October 1923.
Insert 3 Letter to Robert in Pittsburgh from H. W. Prentis, Jr. regarding an adjustment for Mr. Coplon of the Walk-On Rug Company in [Scranton] due to a shipping error. With envelope. 11 April 1924.
Letter to Robert in Altoona from Dwight Armstrong regarding orders from Stoehr & Fister in Scranton and the Walk-On Rug Company, and praising his work. With envelope. 20 May 1925.
Letter to Robert in Lancaster from H. W. Prentis, Jr. regarding Robert’s seven year anniversary with the company. With envelope. 17 August 1927.
Insert 4 Letter to Robert in Lancaster from Dwight Armstrong regarding a salary increase. 16 November 1929.
Letter to Robert from C. J. Backstrand regarding Robert’s twelve year anniversary with the company. With envelope. 16 August 1932.
Box 5
Folder 65 Letters, news articles to Arthur Barlow, Safety Committee, Armstrong Company. Gift of William Thomas Pfautz, 8 February 2008.
Insert 1 Letter from C. D. Armstrong regarding survey of the plant for guard positions to reduce risk to workmen. Congratulations on work. Changes to be made quickly, plant tours to continue at regular intervals. Hopes precautions will result in fewer accidents. 15 April 1912.
Insert 2 Letter from Alfred Jones regarding July 19 report. All items to be carried out with exception of two items to be considered further: crowding of freight platform and walls in mixing room. 10 July 1912.
Letter from C. D. Armstrong regarding December 31 report. Thanks the Committee for work and results and acknowledges the value of safety efforts. Is satisfied with Committee members but is willing to follow your judgment. 16 January 1913.
Insert 3 Letter from C. D. Armstrong regarding report for 1921. Congratulates the Committee on efficient work and beneficial results. Comments on unfortunate accidents, company compensation and benefits of precautions in place. 21 February 1922.
Memorandum from John Evans regarding the Executive Committee Safety Report of 1923. Agrees that results are not as good as efforts deserve but recognizes the work and results. 26 January 1924.
Insert 4 Letter from C. D. Armstrong regarding the Executive Committee’s 14th Annual Report. Recognizes the comprehensive and large field the Committee covers. Congratulates the team on efficiency, interest and savings to the company as well as the health of employees. 20 January 1926.
Memorandum from Alfred Jones regarding suggestion concerning hazards of working in the Inlaid Department. Referred to the care needed in the selection of men who work on certain operations and the necessity of changing at intervals to prevent injuries. 22 April 1926.
Insert 5 Letter from C. D. Armstrong regarding the 4th Annual Complimentary Dinner of the First Aid Association of Linoleum Division. Unfortunately, cannot attend. Compliments and supports the team on their efforts. Recognizes that awareness, co-operation, and efforts save lives. 7 May 1926.
Letter from John Evans regarding the 15th Annual Report of Executive Committee of Safety dated January 1927. Interesting report. Remembers when the Committee was first beginning and the difficulty arousing interest. Compares conditions then to present day and congratulates on progress. 2 February 1927.
Insert 6 Letter from Charles Armstrong regarding dinner Saturday, April 23 at the Hotel Brunswick for the First Aid Association. Not able to say if he will be attending. Expresses appreciation for work they do and feels grateful for work and assistance men do which my save a life and alleviate pain and suffering. Believes this noble work must give great satisfaction to those involved. 13 April 1927.
Letter from D. L. Armstrong regarding meeting at the Brunswick Hotel of the First Aid Association. Had hoped to be present but is on an extended trip out west. Recognizes the 46 graduates who have passed the examination test. Talks about Armstrong’s goal to provide adequate safety to workers. Offers best wishes to the graduates. 28 April 1928.
Insert 7 Letter from H. G. Smith regarding various matters. Appointment of dental representative has not been made but is confident Dr. Groff will receive consideration. Discusses several books including Woollcott’s “Second Reader”, “First Reader,” “An American Doctor’s Odyssey,” and “The Life and Death of a Spanish Town.” Comments on privation, suffering, and injustice on a small island off the coast of Spain. He and his wife leave for Belleair, Florida on February 11. 25 January 1938.
Letter from Hugh Clark regarding a note received. Thanks him for his thoughtfulness. He and his wife are heading for Atlantic City for several days and will see him upon their return. 12 April 1938.
Obituary Notice of Hugh Clark. No date.
Folder 66 Biography, news articles and certificate of naturalization for Arthur Barlow. Gift of William Thomas Pfautz, 8 February 2008.
Insert 1 One page biography of Arthur Barlow. Description of job history from age 13 in Manchester, England and Dundee, Scotland. Arrival in U.S. in 1907 with wife, Faith Taylor, and six children. Arrived with Charles Frederick Humphreys, James Buckley, Johns Barnet and Thomas Simecock.
Insert 2 Three articles honoring Arthur Barlow’s retirement. 21 January 1936.
One article honoring two Lancastrians with Appreciation Certificates from the American Red Cross for dedication and service.
One article recognizing Aviation Cadet William F. Pfautz on receiving silver wings of a pilot.
Insert 3 Receipt to Arthur Barlow from Charles Baker, Attorney at Law, in the amount of $5.00. 14 May 1910.
Certificate of Naturalization for Arthur Barlow. 14 October 1913.
Copy of Naturalization List containing Arthur Barlow’s name. 14 October 1913.
Folder 67 New Era Morning Journal articles about Armstrong employees and products. Gift of William Thomas Pfautz, 8 February 2008.
Insert 1 Pamphlet of The Armstrong Wholesaler. January-February 1936.
Insert 2 Article on the untimely death of Dwight Ludden Armstrong. 1944.
Insert 3 Newspaper advertisement for Armstrong products and celebrating the 75th anniversary. 14 February 1984.
Folder 68 Armstrong Wholesale Distributors Conventions
Insert 1 Eighteenth Annual Convention of Wholesaler Distributors Program. 3-4 January 1936. Gift of M. Eugene Hannum, 1 November 2007.
Insert 2 26th Annual Convention Wholesale Distributors of The Armstrong Line Program. 18-19 December 1947. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 3 26th Annual Banquet program, part of the 26th Annual Floor Division Wholesalers Convention at the Hotel Brunswick. Gracie Fields was the entertainer. 18 December 1947. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Folder 69 The Armstrong Reporter magazine containing articles about the Second Annual Convention Wholesale Distributors. July 1949. Gift of M. Eugene Hannum, 1 November 2007.
Folder 70 Armstrong Wholesale Distributors Conventions. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Thirty-fifth Annual Convention, Wholesaler Distributors of the Armstrong Line Program. 11-12 December 1956.
Insert 2 Thirty-sixth Annual Convention Program for Wholesale Distributors. 3-4 December 1957.
Insert 3 49th Annual Convention Wholesale Distributors, Armstrong Floor Division Line, welcome pamphlet. Held in Atlanta, Georgia. January 1971.
Insert 4 “Riding High,” Fifty-second Convention, Armstrong Floor Division, Wholesale Distributors welcome brochure and program for convention. 3-5 December 1973.
“Riding High,” Armstrong Cork Company Floor Division Wholesaler Salesman Merchandising Meeting Program. 7-8 December 1973.
Folder 71 Armstrong 50th Convention Materials. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 50th Convention guest list of wholesalers. 5-7 December 1971.
Insert 2 50th Convention guest list of wives, excluding speaker’s wives. December 1971.
Folder 72 Armstrong 50th Convention Materials. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Ladies packet and schedule of events. December 1971.
Insert 2 Thank you note from Anne Tafel to Dawn (Mrs. George Johnston). No date.
Insert 3 50th Convention Ladies’ Registration List including Armstrong Executive staff and wives. December 1971.
Insert 4 50th Convention Ladies’ Registration List including Armstrong Executives and wives. December 1971.
Folder 73 Armstrong 50th Convention Materials. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 50th Convention Wholesaler Packet and transportation schedule. 5-7 December 1971.
Insert 2 50th Convention Daily programs for Monday and Tuesday. 6-7 December 1971.
Insert 3 50th Convention brochures. The Brothers and Sisters and Miss Jeanne Steel at the Fulton Opera House program brochure. First Thing Monday Morning new product showcase. 6-7 December 1971.
Insert 4 50th Convention list of Wholesaler Guests and Ladies Registration List. 5-7 December 1971.
Folder 74 Armstrong Press Releases, Newspaper Articles, and Brochures. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Armstrong Information Service press release regarding the 50th Anniversary Floor Convention. December 1971.
Insert 2 “Commemorative Coin Minted for Armstrong Wholesalers,” The Sunday News. 5 December 1971.
“Entertainment Delights Armstrong Distributors,” Intelligencer Journal, regarding the concert by Jeanne Steele. 7 December 1971.
Insert 3 “Mystery Guest For Armstrong,” Intelligencer Journal, regarding the surprise guest, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, at the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
“1st Man on Moon Visits Lancaster,” Intelligencer Journal, regarding Neil Armstrong’s attendance at the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Insert 4 “Matamoros Sees Surge in National Economy,” Intelligencer Journal, regarding Armstrong’s vice president and chief economist, A.G. Matamoros outlook on home building. 8 December 1971.
“Carpet Wise,” Home Furnishings Daily, review of the 50th Convention by Jack Cox. 10 December 1971.
Newspaper article, “Armstrong Unit Convention is Optimistic About 1972.” No date.
Insert 4 Two copies of The Digest published by Armstrong. December 1971.
Armstrong Relay article regarding the new carpet named “Prodigy.” January 1971.
Folder 75 Armstrong 50th Convention Schedules and Materials. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Fulton Opera House Seating Plan and the transportation schedule. 5-7 December 1971.
Insert 2 Personalized invitation to Dawn (Mrs. George Johnston) and a general invitation. 5 November 1971.
Insert 3 Letters to Mrs. Tingle and Miss Kutsop following up on the invitation to the 50th Convention. 5 November 1971.
Insert 4 Interoffice Communication to R. C. Croessant from G. F. Johnston regarding the an estimated total of attendees to the 50th Convention. 18 November 1971.
Insert 5 Follow-up letter and RSVP card to the Wholesaler and Special and invitees as well as the Speaker’s wives of the 50th Convention. 20-21 November 1971.
Insert 6 Interoffice Communication from the Convention Committee to various employees regarding seating arrangements and the Fulton Opera House seating plan. 1 December 1971.
Insert 7 Letter to Benjamin Iannone from J.P. Hill, Marketing Manager confirming attendance at the Cocktail Reception and Buffet at the Hamilton Club. 4 December 1971.
Insert 8 Welcome letter to the attendees of the 48th Annual Convention and the 50th Convention. key Events Schedule. 5 December 1971.
Insert 9 The Hamilton Club of Lancaster banquet memo worksheets. Arrangements made by Mrs. G. F. Johnston. 5 December 1971.
Folder 76 Armstrong 50th Convention Magazine Ads, and Thank You Letters. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Ad commemorating Armstrong floor coverings. No date.
Insert 2 Thank you letter from Russell Stabern to George Johnston. 8 November 1971.
Interoffice communication from H. C. Bond, Jr. to G. F. Johnston regarding the help from Bob Olsen in getting the Fulton Theater scheduling squared away. 7 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Bill Reusswig of Albany Linoleum and Carpet to George Johnston. 8 December 1971.
Insert 3 Interoffice communication from R. H. Caldwell to G. F. Johnston thanking George for inviting him to the convention. 8 December 1971.
Interoffice communication from J. W. Wilkinson to G. F. Johnston thanking George for being the recipient of a commemorative coin in honor of the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Newton J. Krabbe, J. J. Haines & Company, to George for the great time at the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Thank you letter from C. Jordan Vail, Albany Linoleum and Carpet, to George for the hospitality at the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Insert 4 Thank you letter from Morris A. Cox, Volker Home Furnishings, to George for the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Letter from Edgar A. Yale, Armstrong, to George congratulating the gang for a superb performance at the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Edward H. Rose, Raymond Rosen & Co., to George thanking him for the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Don Goldstrom to George for the invitation to the convention. No date.
Insert 5 Thank you letter from R. A. Siegel, The R. A. Siegel Company, to George for the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Jo Larry to George for the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Elaine Rosen to Dawn and George for the 50th Convention. Postmarked 9 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Edward W. Stanley to George regarding the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Insert 6 Thank you and congratulation letter from Curtis N. Painter to George regarding the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Thank you and congratulation letter from Robert C. Gillander, Cain & Bultman, Inc., to George regarding the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Wid J. Prater, Volker Home Furnishings, to George regarding the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Paul Tafel, Jr., Tafel Electric and Supply Company, to George regarding the 50th Convention. 9 December 1971.
Insert 7 Interoffice communication from E. C. Fearnow, to G. F. Johnston, congratulation George on the 50th Convention. 10 December 1971.
Thank you letter from G. G. Voith, The R. A. Siegel Company, to George regarding the 50th Convention. 10 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Mrs. Levin A. Slege to George regarding the 50th Convention. 11 December 1971.
Thank you letter from A. B. Strickler, Jr. to George regarding the 50th Convention. 13 December 1971.
Insert 8 Thank you letter from K. Sondifer to George regarding the 50th Convention. 13 December 1971.
Thank-U-Gram from Mickey Walker to George for the great 50th Convention. No date.
Interoffice communication from J. J. Aungst, Armstrong, to R. D. Gates regarding a copy of a letter from Vic Menfee concerning the convention. 14 December 1971.
Letter to John Aungst from Vic Menefee regarding the great job done for the 50th Convention. 8 December 1971.
Insert 9 Interoffice communication from C.A. Carmichael, Armstrong, to George regarding the 50th Convention. 15 December 1971.
Thank you letter from Mrs. Edmond D. Henley to George regarding the 50th Convention. 15 December 1971.
Letter from Peter Stewart, The Stewart Company, to George thanking him on the 50th Convention. 7 December 1971.
Letter from G. F. Johnston to Peter Stewart, The Peter Stewart Company, responding to his letter and comments of 7 December 1971. 16 December 1971.
Insert 10 Letter from Walter and Elizabeth Bosserman, Jr. thanking George for the invitation to the 50th Convention. Sunday, 1971.
Letter from R. P. Casper, Ohio Plate Glass Company, to George for the 50th Convention invitation. 14 December 1971.
Letter from M. Lee Marston, J. J. Haines & Company, to George thanking him for the wonderful time at the 50th Convention. 14 December 1971.
Letter from Frank Cabell, Cabell Electric Company, to George thanking him for a wonderful 50th Convention. 28 December 1971.
Insert 11 Christmas card from Marilyn to George. No date.
Christmas card from Jerry and Gee Gee to George and Dawn. No date.
Thank you note from Marcia Kreyling to George for the invitation to the 50th Convention. No date.
Thank you card from Harriet Gilbert to George thanking him for the invitation to the 50th Convention. No date.
Folder 77 Armstrong Fashion Center Merchandising First Convention. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Invitation and RSVP card to the First Floor Fashion Center Merchandising Convention. 11-13 February 1973.
Insert 2 First Floor Fashion Center Merchandising Convention Welcome and Program. 11-13 February 1973.
Folder 78 Armstrong Floor Division Conventions. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 48th Floor Division Convention Welcome titled “In The Year 1971.” 7-8 December 1969.
Armstrong Floor Division Organization Chart. 14 March 1969.
Insert 2 Communication to Wholesale Salesmen regarding the article in Modern Floor Coverings about resilient flooring. March 1973.
Copy of Modern Floor Coverings with resilient flooring article. January 1973.
Insert 3 Edition of Armstrong Logic, Volume 50, Number 2. March 1973.
Edition of Armstrong Sign of the Times, Volume 2, Number 1. Spring 1973.
Insert 4 Edition of Armstrong Logic. December 1972-January 1973.
Folder 79 The Armstrong Reporter. January 1978. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Folder 80 Magazine and Newspaper Articles. Gift of George F. Johnston, 1 November 2007.
Insert 1 Article from Armstrong Logic about the 30,000th graduate. March 1969.
Letter from B. R. Funsten & Company employees regarding the 49th Annual Convention in San Francisco. First convention held out of Lancaster, post WWII. 9 February 1971.
Insert 2 Article from Floor Covering Weekly regarding “The Age of Function” address to the National Association of Floor Covering Institute. 10 April 1972.
Article from Floor Covering Weekly regarding the first Armstrong retailer convention focused on floor fashion center.
Insert 3 Article from Lancaster New Era by Tim Mekeel, “Armstrong Demolition Nearly Done.” 12 July 2007.
Article from Lancaster New Era by Bernard Harris, “Armstrong Flooring Demise Retold.” 21 August 2007.
Article from Lancaster New Era by Jack Brubaker, “Armstrong’s Golden Age as Told by Those Who Created It.” 24 August 2007.
Insert 4 Letter from Bob Frey to George F. Johnston regarding newspaper articles and George’s suggested book. 26 August 2007.
Article from Sunday News by Jo-Ann Greene reviewing the book, How Armstrong Floored America. 26 August 2007.
Article from Sunday News by guest author Bill Adams regarding Armstrong. 2 September 2007.
Box 6
Folder 81 Trademarks and Certificates of Registration. Acquired in 2008.
Insert 1 Invoice showing Armstrong Bro. and Co. trademark, “Cork Tree.” Manufacturers and wholesale dealers in machine-cut corks. Pittsburgh. 1870.
Trademark of Armstrong Bro. & Co. Cork and cork articles. 1889.
Insert 2 Certificate of registration of trademark for bottle and prescription corks made by Armstrong Cork Company, Pittsburgh. Application number 55475. Filed 1905, granted 1906.
Renewal of certificate of registration, to expire in 1926. 1906.
Document showing trademark. 1906.
Statement and declaration from the United States Patent Office. 1906.
Sample of trademark glued to certificate. (Circle A)
Insert 3 Certificate of registration for trademark for linoleum made by Armstrong Cork Company, Pittsburgh. Application number 94859. Filed 1913, granted 1914.
Statement and declaration from the United States Patent Office. 1914.
Sample of trademark glued to certificate. (Circle A)
Insert 4 Certificate of registration for trademark for linoleum and felt-based floor coverings made by Armstrong Cork Company, Pittsburgh. Application number 230733. Filed 1927, granted 1927.
Statement from the United States Patent Office. 1927.
Sample of trademark glued to certificate. (Quaker Girl)
Insert 5 Certificate of registration for trademark for linoleum and felt-based floor coverings made by Armstrong Cork Company, Pittsburgh. Application number 231720. Filed 1927, granted 1927.
Statement from the United States Patent Office. 1927.
Sample of trademark glued to certificate. (“Quaker”)
Insert 6 Certificate of registration for trademark for linoleum, cork carpet, and felt-based floor coverings made by Armstrong Cork Company, Pittsburgh. Application number 247581. Filed 1928, granted 1928.
Certificate of renewal. 1948.
Statements from the United States Patent Office. 1928, 1948.
Sample of trademark glued to certificate. (Circle A over “Armstrong’s”)
Insert 7 Certificate of registration for trademark for architectural wall panels.
Folder 82 The Armstrong Reporter. Contains an article on the history of the company, “Pioneer in Cork—Thomas M. Armstrong: An Address by H. W. Prentis, Jr., Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of the Armstrong Cork Company.” April 1950. Gift of Norman J. Hoffman, May 2009.
Folder 83 “Brochures for Solarian Flooring”. Entitled: Designer Solarian, Designer Solarian II, Timespan, Popular Choice, Crowne Corlon, Solarian Supreme Pearl Glaze Collection, Sundial Solarian, Prevail, and Sundial Solarian Bath Collection (2 copies). 1988. Donated by Abe Rudisill.
Folder 84 “Advertising Brochures” 1985-1989. Donated by Abe Rudisill.
Insert 1 “Oh what a difference an Armstrong floor makes”. FA387S. Four photographs of bathrooms (Three in color, one in black and white.) advertising Armstrong Sundial Solarian floors. Ran in BH&G, LHJ, and Good Housekeeping in June, Parents and Family Circle in September, and Southern Living and McCall’s in October. No date.
“The Executive Suite”. FA287S. olor photographs and a color illustration advertising Armstrong Popular Choice floors. Ran in House & Garden, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Working Mother, and Metropolitan Home in May, Parents in October, McCall’s in September, and Home Mag. in June. No date.
“Foreign Intrigue”. FA886S. Color photographs and a color illustration advertising Armstrong Designer Solarian II floors. Ran in Better Homes & Garden, House & Garden, Ladies Home Journal, Metro Homes, and Working Mother. No date.
Insert 2 “Open up your kitchen; let the sun shine in”. Color and black and white photographs advertising Armstrong Designer Solarian floors. Ran in Home, Metro Home, Parents, and Country Living April 1985, and Colonial Home, House & Garden, and Working Mother May 1985.
Insert 3 “Open House”. Color photographs and a color illustration advertising Armstrong Solarian floors. Ran in BH&G, Creative Ideas, Home, Ladies Home Jrl., House Beautiful, and Met. Home in April 1987, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, McCall’s, and Sunset in May, and Southern Living in August. (2 copies)
“Small Wonder”. Color photographs and a color illustration advertising Armstrong Solarian floors. Ran in Home, Working Mother, Ladies’ Home Journal, 1001 Home Ideas, Parents, and McCall’s in September, Colonial Homes, Better Homes & Gardens, and Country Home in September/October, and Metropolitan Home, Creative Ideas For Living, and Woman’s Day in October 1987.
“Speciality of the House”. Color photographs and a color illustration advertising Armstrong Solarian floors. Ran in Good Housekeeping, House and Garden, McCalls, and Working Mother in November 1987.
Insert 4 “Rekindle The Romance”. Color photographs and illustrations advertising Armstrong Designer Solarian II floors. Ran in House Beautiful, Sunset, Parents Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, Grauvre, Better Homes & Gradens, and Rotograuvure in October, Colonial Homes November/December, and Better Homes & Gardens and County Home in December 1988. (2 copies)
Insert 5 “This new kitchen floor comes with a little bread.”. Color photograph advertising Armstrong Solarian floors. (2 copies)
“Now get up to $100 back on a new Armstrong floor.” Color photographs advertising Armstrong flooring. Ran in BH&G and Woman’s Day May 1989.
“Armstrong Puts The Height Of Fashion Right At Your Feet.”. Color photography advertising Armstrong flooring. Ran in Architectural Digest, BH&G, Bon Appetit, Family Circle, Food & Wine, Home, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, New Homeowner Guide, New Yorker, Southern Living, Sunset, Victoria, and Woman’s Day in May 1989, BH&G Kit. & Bath Ideas in Summer 1989, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful/Home Remodel, Ladies Home Journal, and Woman’s Day Kit. & Bath in June 1989, Decorating Remodeling in June/July 1989, and House Beautiful Kitchen & Bath in August 1989. (2 copies)
“Armstrong Puts The Height Of Fashion Right At Your Feet.”. Color photographs advertising the Country Collection of Armstrong Solarian floors. Ran in New Homeowners Guide and WD Home Improvements in August 1989, Architectural Digest, New Yorker, and Victoria in September 1989, Remodeling Ideas and Traditional Home in Fall 1989, and Bon Appetit, New Yorker, and Victoria in 1989. (2 copies)
“Armstrong Puts The Height Of Fashion Right At Your Feet.”. Color photographs advertising the Country Collection of Armstrong Solarian floors. Ran in BH&G, Bon Appetit, Country Home, Family Circle, Home, House & Garden, 1001 Homme Ideas, and Southern Living in September 1989, BH&G, Family Circle, Food & Wine, House Beautiful, LHJ, Metro. Home, New Homeowners Guide, Sunset, Kitchen & Bath in October 1989, Colonial Homes in September/October 1989, BH&G Kitchen & Bath and Decorating/Remodeling in Fall 1989, Country Home, Victoria, and Woman’s Day in November 1989, Home Specials in December 1989, and Decorating/Remodeling and HB Home Remod. in Winter 1989.
Folder 85 “1989/90 Floors”. 1989. Photographs and illustrations (both in black and white and color) and charts giving information about various Armstrong flooring products. Donated by Abe Rudisill.
Folder 86 “Miscellaneous”. 1942, 1953, 2003. Donated by Robert W. Snyder.
Insert 1 “Army-Navy Production Award”. Certificate awarded to Robert W. Snyder by President of Armstrong [H.W. Prentis]. 1942.
Insert 2 “Armstong’s Idea House”. Pamphlet describing rooms in Armstrong’s Idea House, includes floor plan. 1953.
Insert 3 “Ever green”. Scan of Intelligencer Journal article on Philadelphia Eagles use of Armstrong turf. 2003.
Folder 87 “Style and Design of Floor Products and Building:Miscellanous”. 1958-1973, date unknown. Donated by Carol L. Morgan.
Insert 1 “Letter to Marjorie S. Garfield from J.E. Smith.” Typewritten. 1958.
“Official Invitation to the Opening of the Armstrong Styling Center.” Envelope included. 1958.
Insert 2 “Fifty Years Design Booklet”. Contains color photographs. 1959-1960.
Insert 3 “Newsletter Regarding Promotions”. Typewritten Divisional Newsletter. 1961.
Insert 4 “Richard Morgan, carpet stylist.” Black and white photograph and Typewritten biography of Richard Morgan. c. 1968.
Insert 5 “Product Styling and Design Building”. Pamplet, contains black and white photographs. Date unknown.
“ArmstrongReporter”. Cover of Armstrong Reporter. 1971.
“Armstrong Cork’s Product Styling and Design Building”. Black and white photograph of the interior of Armstrong Cork’s Product Styling and Design Building. Reprinted from Interior Design, March, 1972.
Insert 6 “The Digest”. Monthly Armstrong publication. Contains black and white photographs and various articles. October 1973.
Folder 88 Sheet music. “Sweet Quaker Maid,” words and music by James L. Knipe. Introduced by the Armstrong Quartet at the Eleventh Annual Convention of Armstrong Jobbers. “He’s Cuckoo (He’s a Member of the Koo Koo Klan),” words and music by James L. Knipe. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Linoleum Division, Lancaster. 1927. (2 copies) Gift of James L. Knipe. Used in the Quaker Follies of 1927. Armstrong Cork Company had recently adopted the Quaker Girl trademark for its Felt Base Rugs and the theme of the show was built around this trademark. Sheet music for the other numbers used in the show should be in the Armstrong archives.
Raw Material souvenir program and song folio. Produced by Arthur K. Barnes; staged by J. C. McCarthy; music and lyrics by James L. Knipe. Performed at the Fulton Opera House for Armstrong Wholesalers on 10 November 1928 and for the public, sponsored by the Lancaster Advertisers’ Club to raise funds for charity on 12 November 1928. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Floor Division, Lancaster. 1928. Gift of James L. Knipe.
Folder 89 Sheet music. “Sweet Quaker Maid,” words and music by James L. Knipe. Introduced by the Armstrong Quartet at the Eleventh Annual Convention of Armstrong Jobbers. . “He’s Cuckoo (He’s a Member of the Koo Koo Klan),” words and music by James L. Knipe. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Linoleum Division, Lancaster. 1927. Gift of Charles F. Nestel, April 2000.
Sheet music. “He’s Cuckoo (He’s a Member of the Koo Koo Klan),” words and music by James L. Knipe. Successfully introduced at the Eleventh Annual Convention of Armstrong Jobbers by “Koo Koos” Art Barnes and Earl Grosh. . Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Linoleum Division, Lancaster. 1927. Gift of Charles F. Nestel, April 2000.
Raw Material souvenir program and song folio. Produced by Arthur K. Barnes; staged by J. C. McCarthy; music and lyrics by James L. Knipe. Published by Armstrong Cork Company, Floor Division, Lancaster. 1928. Gift of Charles F. Nestel, April 2000.
Folder 90 “Semi-Annual Report of Operations to the Employees of the Armstrong Cork Company.” 30 June 1937.
Folder 91 “Factories and Offices of Armstrong Cork”. Typewritten list of Armstrong factories and offices stating their principal products. Handwritten notes in pencil. Date unknown. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 92 “Personnel Chart”. Typed Organizational Chart with handwritten notes in pen and pencil. January 2, 1946. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 93 [“Canada List”, handwritten list of products]. Date unknown. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
“Patent Licenses Granted To Armstrong”. Typed, date unknown. Originally attached to [“Canada List”]. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 94 “Products of Armstrong Cork Company”. Typewritten list of products produced by Armstrong divided by division with handwritten notes. Date unknown. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 95 “Preparing Linoleum Cement and Manufacturing Linoleum Floor Coverings,” written by Felix Fritz. Typewritten with black and white photographs and illustrations. Photocopy. January 28,1928. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 96 “Armstrong Products Exported To Cuba In The Prewar Period”. Type written list divided by division. Date unknown. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 97 Dream Kitchens for 1941, written by Hazel Dell Brown. Catalog of Armstrong products. Typewritten with color illustrations. 1940. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 98 Letter to Mr. H.C. Seaman. Typewritten letter with pencil notations. Written by Carolyn G. Keen to H.C. Seaman of the Legal Department of Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Inc. January 16, 1946. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Folder 99 Lorenzo Elgass Agreement. 1910, 1935. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Insert 1 Typewritten document, entirely in German, no translation provided.
Insert 2 Typewritten document, entirely in German, no translation provided. Signatures in pen and pencil. Official seal.
Insert 3 Envelope written on in pen and pencil, originally held documents in Inserts 1 and 2.
Folder 100 Letters from Geo. Gudewill and L. Elgass. 1904. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Insert 1 Handwritten letter in German from L. Elgass to Geo. Gudewill, with typewritten English translation, and a typewritten note advising to file the papers.
Insert 2 Handwritten Letter from L. Elgass to Geo. Gudewill, entirely in German, with typewritten English translation. Previously attached to documents in Insert 1.
Insert 3 Typewritten documents written on in pencil and pen and sealed by the U.S. Consulate, for the purpose of obtaining a patent.
Insert 4 Document certifying the sale of patent, typewritten, written on with pen and pencil, and given the seal of the seal of the U.S. Consulate in Bremen, Germany.
Insert 5 Handwritten letter to Mr. Armstrong and typewritten letter to Mr. Gudewill.
Insert 6 Envelope written on in pen, originally held documents in Inserts 1-5.
Folder 101 Letters Patent. 1918. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Insert 1 Document relating to patents, entirely in Spanish, no translation provided. Typed in some places handwritten in others, stamps of the Republic of Argentina.
Insert 2 Envelope that originally contained contents of Insert 1. Typed notation.
Folder 102 Letters Patent. 1918. Gift of R. Martin Keen, 2017.
Insert 1 Document relating to patents, entirely in Spanish, no translation provided. Typed in some places handwritten in others, stamps of the Republic of Argentina. Also contains black and white diagrams.
Insert 2 Envelope that originally contained contents of Insert 1. Typed notation and written on in red pen.
Oversized Box 1
Blueprints. First and second floor designs for Hager-Fox Home Center Kitchen Displays in Lansing, Michigan. [Designed by Carol L. Morgan.] Job no. 03995. Scale: layout 1/4” = 1’0”; enlargement 1/2” = 1’0”. Armstrong Bureau of Interior Design. 13 August 1965. Gift of Carol L. Morgan, 18 August 2008.
Broadside advertising Armstrong’s Country Cottage vinyl flooring, showing Country Cottage 82281. Printed in the United States, F-3749-791. No date. Gift of Abe Rudisill, 17 December 2007.
Reprint of “To Live and Die for Armstrong,” by Hubert Kay, Fortune Magazine, March 1964. “Reprint solely for the information of the Armstrong Corporation. printed by Time, Inc. First image, in mosaic, is of Abe Rudisill. Letter to Armstrong employees from M. J. Warnock, president of Armstrong Cork Company, regarding the Fortune Magazine article. 2 April 1964. Gift of Abe Rudisill, 17 December 2007.
Advertisements for “Sculptured Page” Solarian flooring. FA-189-P. (2 copies) To appear in listed magazines in May, June, July 1989. Gift of Abe Rudisill, 17 December 2007.
Framed advertisement for Armstrong linoleum from The Ladies’ Home Journal. “Are the floors in this old Manor House more modern than your own?” Images of and information about Armstrong Manor in Lancaster with an invitation to visit. August 1925. Gift of David W. and Anitra Archer, 12 February 2008.
Scrapbook Please make an appointment with the archivist for viewing.
Corsair Planes Production, March 1942- February 1944. James W. Grove, compiler.
Now known as Armstrong World Industries, Armstrong Cork Company helped the war effort during World War II. Armstrong had a plant solely dedicated to the development of parts for Corsair Fighter Planes. James W. Grove worked for Armstrong and aided in the production of airplane parts including fins, Curtiss stabilizers, rudders, bulkheads, wing tips and other detail parts. The airplane plant created these parts that were used to create the Corsair Fighter planes for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps pilots. This scrapbook includes magazine articles, newspaper clippings, photographs, telegrams and correspondence.
Oversized Box 2
The Literary Digest advertisement for Armstrong Linoleum. “In the Spanish manner with floors to match”. Interview with Stephen Strahota, interior designer. Sepia photographs of Armstrong linoleum. Write to request Hazel Dell Brown’s “The Attractive Home-How to Plan Its Decoration”. September 25,1996. Gift of F.A. Stoner, 25 June 1998.
Ladies’ Home Journal advertisement for Armstrong linoleum. “Wake up your bedroom with new beauty underfoot.” Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request “Home Decorator’s Idea Book”. April 1932. Gift of F.A. Stoner, 25 June 1998.
28 Armstrong Advertisements in The Saturday Evening Post. Gift of F.A. Stoner, 6 June 1998.
“The living-room of a salaried man” [The Saturday Evening Post]. Sepia and black and white illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to Bureau of Interior Decoration for ideas, no charge. Will send Frank Alvah Parsons’ “The Art of Home Furnishing and Decoration” for fee. Circa 1920s.
“A room of light and color to which the floor adds charm”. [The Saturday Evening Post]. Sepia and black and white illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to Bureau of Interior Decoration for ideas, no charge. Will send Frank Alvah Parsons’ “The Art of Home Furnishing and Decoration” for fee. Circa 1920s.
“The Comfort Floor for Your Office [The Saturday Evening Post]. Sepia illustration advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request “Business Floors”. Circa 1920s.
“Retail Stores Need Bright, Smart Floors”. [The Saturday Evening Post]. Sepia illustration advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request “Business Floors”. Circa 1920s.
“The Growing Vogue for Pattern Floors”. Colored illustrations of Armstrong products, advertising linoleum and pattern floors. Write to request Agnes Foster Wright’s “Floors, Furniture, and Color”. 1925.
“A Music Shop must have Quiet Floors”. Colored illustrations of Armstrong linoleum flooring. Write to request “Business Floors”. July 4, 1925.
“Make Christmas Dollars Go Far”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong’s Quaker Felt Rugs, new pattern and accolac finish. December 3,1927.
“Never Before… such Beauty and Wear in rugs that cost so little”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong’s Quaker Felt Rugs, new pattern and accolac finish. Write to request “Rich Beauty at Low Cost”. January 28, 1928.
“Now It Can Be Told”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum flooring and new accolac finish. Write to request Hazel Dell Brown’s “The Attractive Home—How to Plan Its Decoration”. 1928.
“Here they are… The New Rugs you hear about on the Radio”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong’s Quaker Rugs. Write to request Armstrong Quaker Rugs selection folder. 1930.
“Now…New Decorative Effects heretofore unknown in low-priced rugs”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong’s Quaker Rugs and new designs. 1930.
“These Rugs Do Double Duty”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong Quaker Rugs. Write to request “Style-Setting Beauty in Work-Saving Rugs”.1930.
“Sure, you can teach an old kitchen new tricks!”. Colored illustrations and black and white photograph advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request “Tomorrow’s Ideas in Home Decoration. 1940.
“Business Acclaims New Armstrong Floor”. Colored illustrations adverting Armstrong Asphalt Tile. Write to request book with ideas for “money-saving, business-building floors.” 1941.
“From “We Deliver” to “Cash-and-Carry” Without Losing A Customer!” Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong flooring. Armstrong flies Army-Navy “E”. Write to request “Better Floors for Better Business”. 1943.
“The house nobody wanted is now filled with paying apartments”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Army-Navy “E”. Write to request “New Ideas for Old Rooms. 1944.
“Set The Stage For Selling With This Low Cost Floor”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong asphalt tile. Write to Request “Low-Cost Floors for Modern Business”. 1946. (2 copies)
“See How Little it Takes To Modernize a Store”. Colored illustrations and colored photographs advertising Armstrong asphalt tile. Write to Request “Low-Cost Floors for Modern Business”. 1946.
“Now you can be sure it’s Armstrong’s”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. 1947.
“Ideas for a music store”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request “IDEAS Portfolio”. 1947.
“Ideas for a children’s shop”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong linoleum. Write to request free “IDEAS Portfolio”. 1947.
“Here’s an object lesson in low-cost remodeling”. Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong asphalt tile. Write to Request “Low-Cost Floors for Modern Business”. 1947.
“Exciting new plastic floors”. Colored illustration and colored photograph advertising Armstrong Corlon. 1954. (2 copies)
“The modern fashion in plastic floors”.Colored illustration advertising Armstrong Corlon. Write to request free portfolio. 1955. (2 copies)
“The modern fashion in floors”. Colored illustration adverting Armstrong cork tile. Write to request free booklet. 1955.
Oversized Box 2, Oversized Folder Gift of Charles F. Nestel
Insert 1 “Ask yourself these searching questions:” Color illustration adverting Armstrong Montina Corlon floors. Ran in New Yorker February 6, 1965 and in Time February 12, 1965.
“Need more fun space?” Color illustration and color photograph advertising Armstrong Excelon Tile floors. Prepared by Batten, Barton, Durstine, & Osborn, Inc.. Third Proof. Hand written note stating “inside page rotograuvre”. Ran in Women’s Day March, 1965.
“There’s a rumor going around…” Color illustration advertising Montina Vinyl Corlon floors. Ran in New Yorker June 12, 1965 and Time June 18,1965.
“A Montina Vinyl Corlon floor goes with any style of color television set, especially on Wednesday evenings.” Black and white illustration color photography advertising Armstrong Montina Vinyl Corlon floors. Ran in New Yorker September 11, 1965 and Time September 17, 1965.
“Need more “deck” space?” Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong Excelon Tile. Write for room plant, furnishing list, and folder of Embossed Excelon Tile colors. Ran in Parents’ and Woman’s Day November, 1965.
Insert 2 “Buy your wife a Montina Vinyl Corlon floor, and here’s what she’ll think of you.” Colored illustration advertising Montina Vinyl Corlon floor. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in New Yorker February 5, 1966 and Time February 11, 1966.
“The floors for the active rooms: Armstrong vinyl floors.” Color photographs advertising Armstrong Montina Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in House & Garden March, 1966, House Beautiful April 1966, New Yorker April 2, 1966, Time April 8, and Better Homes & Gardens September 1966.
“The floors for the active rooms: Armstrong vinyl floors.” Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong Ebossed Excelon Tile floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in American Home March, 1966, Better Homes & Gardens March 1966, Redbook Magazine March, 1966, Woman’s Day March 1966, Good Housekeeping April, 1966, and Parents’ August 1966.
“The floors for the active rooms: Armstrong vinyl floors.” Colored illustrations advertising Armstrong Coronelle Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in Better Homes April 1966 and Sunset April 1966.
“FOR RENT Victorian Gothic Lighthouse”. Colored illustration advertising Armstrong Montina Corlon floors. Ran in Time Aprill 22, 1966 and New Yorker April 30, 1966.
Insert 3 “Armstrong quietly introduces the new vinyl floor with cushioned comfort”. Color photographs and color illustration adverting Armstrong Cambrian Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for free samples Cambrian Vinyl Corlon. Ran in Interior Design May, 1966 and Interiors June, 1966. (2 copies: 2nd has no date, but has handwritten notations)
“Write us for a free sample of this Armstrong cushioned vinyl floor.” Color Photograph advertising Armstrong Cambrian Cushioned Vinyl Corlon floors. Ran in American Home March, 1967, Better Homes & Gardens March, 1967, Family Circle March, 1967, Good Housekeeping March, 1967, McCall’s March 1967, Redbook March, 1967, Sunset March, 1967, Woman’s Day March, 1967, National Review April 18, House Beautiful April, House & Garden May, 1967.
“Put in an Armstrong Excelon Tile floor. You won’t have to put out a lot of money.” Color illustrations advertising Armstrong Excelon Tile floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in Parents’ April, 1967, Better Homes & Gardens April, American Home May, 1967, National Review June 13, 1967.
“Put in the vinyl floor that thinks it’s Spanish tile.” Color photographs advertising Armstrong Coronelle Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in Good Housekeeping April, 1967, House & Garden April, 1967, House Beautiful May, 1967, Woman’s Day, May,1967, The American Home June, 1967, Better Homes & Gardens June, 1967, and Sunset June, 1967.
Insert 4 “This new Armstrong vinyl floor is so comfortable you won’t believe your feet.” Color illustrations advertising Armstrong Cushioned Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in Family Circle May, 1967, Parents June, 1967, and National Review August 8, 1967.
“A new Armstrong vinyl floor. It happens in the best of family rooms.” Color photographs advertising Armstrong Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in House Beautiful November, 1967, House & Garden December, 1967, Better Homes & Gardens February, 1968, McCall’s February, 1968, Good Housekeeping February 1968, and Sunset February, 1968.
“Armstrong Cushioned Vinyl Corlon: Now you can take a load off your feet without even sitting down.” Color photographs advertising Armstrong Cushioned Vinyl Corlon floors. Write for booklet of decorating ideas. Ran in House Beautiful December, 1967, House & Garden November, 1967, Better Homes & Gardens December, 1967, McCall’s October, 1967, American Home January, 1968, Woman’s Day October, 1967, Good Housekeeping November, 1967.
“Think colorful thoughts”. Color illustrations advertising new Armstrong Vinyl Corlon patterns. Write for “Color Creates the Mood”. Ran in House Beautiful June, 1968, House & Garden July, 1968, Better Homes & Gardens August, 1968, Woman’s Day August, 1968, McCall’s September, 1968, Redbook Magazine September, 1968, and Sunset, September, 1968.
“Don’t cry, it’s an Armstrong vinyl floor.” Color photograph illustrating Armstrong Vinyl Corlon floors. Ran in Life (26 markets) March 28,1969, Redbook May, 1969, American Home May, 1969, Ladies’ Home Journal May, 1969, House & Garden June, 1969, Better Homes & Gardens June, 1969, House Beautiful July, 1969.
Insert 5 “Don’t cry, it’s an Armstrong vinyl floor. Color illustration advertising Armstrong Vinyl Corlon floors. Ran in Better Homes & Gardens April, 1969, Life April 18, 1969, American Home July/August, 1969.
Insert 6 “To My Fellow Employees”. Letter from H.W. Prentis stating the importance of the 1936 presidential election and advising employees to vote and to follow their conscience. Dated October 26, 1936.