Joseph E. Burns Collection, 1909 - 1987
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Burns, Joseph Edward, 1879-1942
- Abstract:
- Personal and business items from Joseph Burns, founder of the Burns Manufacturing Company in Syracuse NY.
- Extent:
- 5 boxes
- Language:
- English Swedish
Background
- Scope and content:
-
This collection documents the inventions and business activities of Joseph E. Burns, founder of the Burns Manufacturing Company in Syracuse, NY. It contains photographs, patents, product advertisements, and items which Burns either manufactured or used in the course of his work.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Joseph Edward Burns was born in Honesdale, PA in 1879. Burns was widely known throughout the country and abroad as a manufacturer and inventor of many machines and devices relating to cutlery and the cut glass industry. He started out as a manufacturer of cut glass and an instructor in glass cutting. For a time he had factories in England and Canada, and he traveled throughout Europe. In 1919, Burns patented a serrated knife which was the first of its kind and the foundation of his business, the Burns Manufacturing Company. The Burns Manufacturing Company was located alongside the Erie Canal on Water Street in Syracuse, NY. In 1914, the company established a glass cutting factory in Canastota, NY. Burns was also affiliated with the Norton Company in Worcester, MA.
Mr. Burns died on April 15, 1942 at his home in Syracuse, NY.
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Erie Canal (N.Y.)
- Places:
- Syracuse (N.Y.)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research use.
- Terms of access:
-
The Erie Canal Museum is providing access to these materials for personal, educational, and research purposes only. Prior permission from the Erie Canal Museum is required for any other use.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact: