Benjamin Olney papers

Collection

Identifier: D.169

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Benjamin Olney was born in Wayland, New York December 30, 1887. After graduating from Wayland High School in 1904, Olney worked for the Century Telephone Construction Company in Buffalo, New York until 1907, when he changed jobs to work forthe Ingersoll Telephone Company. After leaving that position in 1920, Olney took the position of Engineer-in-charge for the Stromberg- Carlson Company's electrical laboratory. He work for Carlson- Stromberg until 1950. During that thirty year period, Olney founded an acoustical laboratory for the company, and became the Director of Research.

Upon retirement, Olney formed a partnership with Roy Anderson. Their company, Olney and Anderson offered acoustical consulting services.

During his career, Olney secured eight patents for inventions he made to as contributions to the acoustical engineering industry. These included the Acoustical Labyrith, a radio receiver. Olney was a member of the Institute of Radio Engineers, Acoustical Society of America, and represented Stromberg- Carlson at the Industrial Research Institute.

Olney was married to Mabel Gleason and died on May 16, 1963.

Abstract

The Benjamin Olney papers document Olney's career as an acoustical engineer in the Rochester, New York area. Included in this collection are correspondence, design sketches, as well as industry periodicals and meeting programs.

Creator

Olney, Benjamin, 1887-1963 (Person)

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1935-1963
Creation: 1888-1963

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1.5 linear feet (3 Boxes)

Abstract

Access

The Benjamin Olney papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

Reproductions are made upon request but can be subject to restrictions. Permission to publish materials from the collection must currently be requested. Please note that some materials may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information contact rarebks@library.rochester.edu

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Benjamin Olney papers were made a gift by Mabel Harkness on , November 7, 1980.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Benjamin Olney papers, D.169, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Arrangement

The Benjamin Olney papers consist of three series: Personal Papers, Career Materials, and Acoustical Society of America. The first series includes biographical material, correspondence dating from 1942- 1950, Olney's war record and related materials, as well as several newspaper obituaries and a copy of his autopsy report. Career Materials includes design sketches, correspondence, business records related to Stromberg- Carlson, as well as Olney and Anderson. The third series includes correspondence from the Acoustical Society of America from 1935- 1962, publications from the Society, as well as their programs for their semi-annual conferences dating from 1929- 1963.