George C. Cram Company collection
Collection
Identifier: L511
Scope and Contents
This collection contains items from the George C. Cram Company ranging from 1845 to 1955 and includes a notebook with patent documents, images and specs (1845-1947); the booklet Trade-Marks, Trade-Names, Unfair Competition by the law offices of Linton, Kellogg, Robic and Bastien (1926); patent document for Arthur Schrenkeisen's globe (1920); correspondence regarding patent dispute (1935-1951); the National Map Company ledger (1916-1917); a company scrapbook with clippings, brochures, advertisements, photographs of globes, and a company newsletter (1918-1949); National Map Company record book of minutes and stock certifcates (1915-1944); and a saleman's binder with map samples, catalogs and other promotional materials (1955).
Dates
- 1845-1955
Creator
- George C. Cram Company (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Legal title, copyright, and literary rights reside with Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN. All requests to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Rare Books and Manuscripts.
Historical Note
The George F. Cram Company was one of the largest map and atlas publishing businesses in the United States during the 20th Century. The company was established in 1867 in Chicago by George F. Cram and his Uncle Rufus Blanchard. Originally called Blanchard and Cram, George took full ownership after two years and renamed it after himself. In 1921, Cram sold the company to Edward A. Peterson, owner of the National Map Company of Indianapolis. The two companies were combined in 1928 under one name, the George F. Cram Co., and the product line was expanded to include globes. In 1968, Loren B. Douthit became the president of the company and the Douthit family continued to run the business until it was sold to Herff Jones, Inc. in 2005.
Sources:
Martin, Eric. "Two City Business Legends Merging: Herff Jones to Buy Map, Globe Maker George F. Cram Co.; Jobs Remain Secure." Indianapolis Star (IN), February 22, 2005. Accessed February 22, 2018. https://search.proquest.com/docview/240732752?accountid=57494.
Monnier, Cynthia L., ed. Business in Indianapolis. Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Business Journal, 1995.
"Payroll builders of Indianapolis: Map Company Head." Indianapolis News (IN), September 26, 1927.
Rizzo, Russ. "Globe Company Expands into Worldwide Market." Indianapolis Star (IN), August 12, 2002. Accessed February 22, 2018. https://search.proquest.com/docview/1903044093?accountid=57494.
Sources:
Martin, Eric. "Two City Business Legends Merging: Herff Jones to Buy Map, Globe Maker George F. Cram Co.; Jobs Remain Secure." Indianapolis Star (IN), February 22, 2005. Accessed February 22, 2018. https://search.proquest.com/docview/240732752?accountid=57494.
Monnier, Cynthia L., ed. Business in Indianapolis. Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Business Journal, 1995.
"Payroll builders of Indianapolis: Map Company Head." Indianapolis News (IN), September 26, 1927.
Rizzo, Russ. "Globe Company Expands into Worldwide Market." Indianapolis Star (IN), August 12, 2002. Accessed February 22, 2018. https://search.proquest.com/docview/1903044093?accountid=57494.
Extent
0.5 Cubic Feet (1 manuscript box; 1 half-size manuscript box)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is arranged by subject.
Custodial History
This collection was received by Rare Books and Manuscripts as a records transfer from the Indiana Division and from a donation by William L. Douthit on 2016/07/05.
Accruals
No further additions are expected.
Processing Information
Collection processing completed 2018/02/27 by Laura Eliason. EAD finding aid created 2018/02/27 by Laura Eliason. EAD finding aid revised 2025/06/03 by Brittany Kropf.
Creator
- George C. Cram Company (Organization)
- Title
- George C. Cram Company collection
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact:
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
