Wilford G. Bartenfeld papers

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0029

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

This collection contains marine architectural subject files regarding vessel construction and conversion projects from 1901 to 1976. Most files are from the period 1940-1960. Many of Bartenfeld's projects involved vessels being converted to and from military uses in the World War II era. The technical aspects of shipbuilding are documented through files on technology and products related to vessel design. Bartenfeld's numerous patents on unloading devices for cargo vessels reflect his significant contributions to marine architecture.

Dates

Creation: 1895-1976

Extent

28 Cubic Feet (22 record storage cartons and 5 flat file drawers)

Creator

Bartenfeld, Wilford G. (Person)

Scope and Contents

The files compiled by Wilford G. Bartenfeld document ship construction activities primarily in the years from 1940 to 1960. Files begin as early as 1896 and extend to 1976, however these dates range far from the core of the collection. Much of the work performed by Bartenfeld and Company involved converting older vessels to new uses on the Great Lakes. This was particularly true of cargo and troop transport vessels of World War II. Post war projects converted many of these vessels to car ferries and freighters suitable for Great Lakes duty rather than ocean voyages.

Subject files on vessel construction and architectural drawings form the body of this collection. A subdivision of the subject files into five subseries contains information under the following categories: A. Vessel Name, B. Vessel Type or Shipbuilder, C. Product File for Shipbuilding, D. Technology File for Shipbuilding, E. General Alphabetical File.

Photographic images (562 items) have been separated from the collection for cataloging in the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes photographic file. Printed materials have also been separated for inclusion in the main book and periodical collection.

Biographical Sketch

Wilford G. Bartenfeld's career as a marine architect was noted for over three decades of sound management of his architectural firm, for a reputation for expertise that led to inclusion of his comments on technical papers in the printed proceedings of professional organizations and for a status as a published author. W.G. Bartenfeld and Company was managed from Cleveland, OH while national and international contact were maintained.

Service as a U.S. Naval Engineering Officer enhanced Bartenfeld's development of detailed technical knowledge regarding military vessels. During World War II Bartenfeld was a representative on the Great Lakes for the British War Ministry. Following the war much of the Company's trade revolved around refitting military vessels for commercial functions.

Contributions to marine architecture include coauthorship with Thomas Buel in 1923 of the Barge Canal Register devoted to vessels on New York State's waterways, authorship in the Mav 1959 issue of the Journal of International Cargo Handling Coordination Association of "Bulk Cargo Handling in Self Unloading Ships," and the publication of his comments on a paper entitled, "The Conversion of T2 Tankers for Great Lakes and Seaway Service" in the 1960 Transactions of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Architectural design achievements include Bartenfeld's Channel System for cargo hold construction and numerous patents held in the United States and abroad. Most patents were for modifications of unloading devices used on bulk cargo vessels.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The files of the Wilford G. Bartenfeld Collection were transferred to HCGL on June 5, 1975.

Processing Information

Final processing was completed by Mark J. Barnes and Monica Manny with the assistance of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in August 1991.