Hans Hansen Welding Company records

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0056

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

Dates

Creation: 1942-1979

Extent

5 Cubic Feet (5 record storage cartons)

Creator

Hans Hansen Welding Company (Toledo, OH) (Organization)

Scope and Contents

This collection reflects the activities of the Hans Hansen Welding Company in Toledo, Ohio through nearly four decades of vessel repair and construction projects, from 1942 to 1979. These project files document the work performed by a company representing marine repair businesses in the Great Lakes region. Hansen employees made their living providing repair and refitting services for vessels in the large Great Lakes freighting fleets. Company profits were supplemented by construction of small utility vessels and tugs.

The project files compiled in this collection reflect the daily activities involved in marine construction and repair services. Most files contain blueprint copies of the plans pertinent to the project. Financial material in the form of invoices and cost sheets gives detailed information on the expenses involved in marine repair work.

Company History

The Hans Hansen Welding Company was founded by Hansen in Toledo, Ohio in 1922. Hansen's welding services were greatly in demand during his tenure as company owner. Shipping companies routinely maintained accounts with Hansen due to rapid and thorough completion of repairs to lake vessels. Services were offered to the railroad companies located in toledo bringing an additional revenue source to the company. Hans Hansen died in 1968 but his company continues in Toledo as H Hansen Industries, Inc.

Current owner Anthony Lamantia began working for the company in 1956 before assuming his current position. Lamantia operates with a workforce that fluctuates in size during the year. When vessels are docked in the winter, employment rises to accommodate orders for repairs. Such practices reflect a common employment pattern in the Great Lakes region for similar companies. Construction of vessels under 150 feet in length supplements repair work for the staff.

Now named H. Hansen Industries, Hans Hansen's brainchild of the 1920s survived the Great Depression, built vessels during World War II, and provides service today for municipal fleets of cars and trucks. A large and diverse clientele relies on Hansen Industries today. Hansen staff shorten masts on vessels that need to sail under bridges over Toledo's Maumee River, repair railroad cars, and weld industrial machinery in local factories. Hans Hansen's dream continues in the form of a company now viewed as an institution on Toledo's waterfront.

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

Separated Materials

Photographs of the Hans Hansen work site on Summit Street in Toledo are located in the port photograph file on Toledo.

Other photographs depicting vessels and vessel work were filed under the appropriate vessel name in the Vessel Photograph collection.