The Dryer Architectural Collection of added material is comprised of eight archival boxes and complements the existing collection of the Dryer Architectural Collection (D.242). This added material was uncovered by Robert L. Fitch, grandson of O.W. Dryer when he was cleaning out his grandparents' home.
The majority of this collection is business and monetary records of the company; along with inspection reports on their projects. There is a section that deals with the companies' involvement in the Defense Plant Corporation and its interest in the war industry.
Box 3 contains issues of the publications Building Progress and Rochester Engineer. Images of Rochester homes and other buildings in the area are located in Box 4.
Two items in this collection of personal interest to the family:
1. The Secretaries Report of 1848 found in box 1, folder 2 is from the Young People Missionary Society of Millers Corner. Orrin C. Dryer was 24 years old at the time.
2. The partnership agreement between Jay Fay and O.W. Dryer found in box 1, folder 3, according to Robert Fitch is interesting. O.W. Dryer's brother, George Herbert Dryer was a District Superintendent in the Methodist Church at that time, and his position gave him knowledge about Methodist churches that were in the process of building new structures. Therefore, O.W. Dryer was able to get his foot in the door and bring new business to the firm, even though he was a very young man. This is why Robert Fitch believed he was made a partner in the firm, even though he was less than 30 years old at the time. His share of the business was limited to work outside of the City of Rochester, which would have included these small churches.
Database:
The Dryer Architectural Collection Addition is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.
In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.
[Item title, item date], Dryer Architectural Collection Addition, D.367, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Recommendations for effecting immediate savings of critical materials in the selection, application and use of Westinghouse equipment... and the same time getting more production from present equipment.
v.2(6) December 1923 (2 copies); v.3(10) April 1925, v.4(10) April 1926; v.5(10) April 1927(2 copies); v.21(8) February 1943