2016-09-06Guide to the Ralph D. Mershon Papers, 1870s-1966
RG.42.71Finding aid prepared by Karen GlennOhio State University Libraries Special Collections1858 Neil AvenueColumbus, OH, 432102016 September
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2019-05-13T12:51-0400EnglishDescribing Archives: A Content StandardRalph D. Mershon PapersRG.42.71Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections11.86 Cubic feet1870s-1966The Ralph D. Mershon Papers contain correspondence, biographical files, patents, research reports, artifacts, and writings, dating from the 1870's to 1966. The majority of the materials relate to Mershon's research in hydroelectricity and his interest in promoting civilian military training programs at universities in the United States. Mershon was an 1890 alumnus of Ohio State University and a renowned inventor in hydroelectricity.(27) 5" letter document boxes, (1) 2.5" letter document box, (1) oversize flat box, (1) flat boxEnglishMershon, Ralph D.
Arrangement of Materials
This collection is arranged in ten series:
Series 1: Biographical
Series 2: Business Matters
Series 3: Civilian Military Training
Series 4: Correspondence
Series 5: Legacy
Series 6: Organizations
Series 7: Patents
Series 8: Research
Series 9: Writings
Series 10: Artifacts
Acquisitions Information
Accession Number UA.2011.0078: Ohio State University Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, 2011 May
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], Ralph D. Mershon Papers, RG 42.71, Ohio State University Archives, Ohio State University
Access to Materials
Materials in this collection are available for patron research, but may be used only in the University Archives Reading Room. Audiovisual materials may need a use copy produced before access is allowed. Some materials in this collection may be stored off-site, and are only available if requested 72 hours in advance of your visit. Contact the University Archives for more information.
Use of Materials
Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright, and are made available for research and educational purposes. In general, the OSU Libraries do not own the copyright for materials from our collections and cannot grant copyright permissions for these materials. The user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status. If copyright protection applies, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exceptions to the law. Works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and do not require permission to use.
Processing Information
Finding aid written by Karen Glenn, 2016 September
Biographical Note
Ralph Davenport Mershon was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on July 14, 1868. He enrolled at Ohio State in 1886 and graduated in 1890 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began experimenting and consulting in the fields of electrical engineering, which would eventually gain him worldwide recognition for his inventions and with hydroelectricity, particularly at Victoria Falls in South Africa. During World War I, Mershon served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He later worked to establish a civilian military training programs on United States university campuses, arguing that curriculum should be broadened so that students would be ready to serve as military officers once they graduated. This effort first led to the Ohio Plan for Reserve Officers. In 1916, the Ohio Plan was presented to Congress; that year, the National Defense Act was passed, and it included a provision for the establishment of the ROTC. Mershon died on February 14, 1952, leaving his estate to Ohio State University. An endowment fund was established, with half of the annual income allocated to promote military education. The bequest also led to the establishment of the Mershon Center for International Security Studies and funded the construction of the Mershon Auditorium, which opened in 1957.
Scope and Contents
The Ralph D. Mershon Papers contain correspondence, biographical files, patents, research reports, photographs, artifacts, and writings, dating from the 1870's to 1966. The majority of the materials relate to Mershon's research in hydroelectricity and his interest in promoting civilian military training programs at universities in the United States.
Related Materials
Ohio State University, Office of the President (William Oxley Thompson) RecordsRalph Davenport MershonCivilian Military Education Fund.Mershon, Ralph D. -- ArchivesOhio State University--History.Ohio State University--Students.United States. Army. Reserve Officers' Training Corps.College students--Ohio--Columbus--19th centuryCultural artifactsMilitarization--United States--20th centuryPatentsUnited States--Armed Forces--Officers--20th centuryWater-power--Research--19th centuryWater-power--Research--20th centuryProcessed11.86 Cubic feet1870s-1966(27) 5" letter document boxes, (1) 2.5" letter document box, (1) oversize flat box, (1) flat boxBiographicalSeries 11911-1951Financial ContributionsUA.RG.42.71.000111932-1951MemorabiliaUA.RG.42.71.00012undatedMershon Family DataUA.RG.42.71.00013undatedMershon Family in America (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.00014undatedMershon Family in America (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.00015undatedMilitary ServiceUA.RG.42.71.000161917-1920Poems by Ralph Smith MershonUA.RG.42.71.000171911Professional Career Summary to 1913UA.RG.42.71.000181913Business MattersSeries 21908-1942American Radio & Research Corp.UA.RG.42.71.000231922-1924American Radio & Research Corp.UA.RG.42.71.000241923-1926AMRAD Corp., OthersUA.RG.42.71.000251927-1929Canadian StocksUA.RG.42.71.000261936-1940Contract RecordUA.RG.42.71.00027undatedDELCO Products Corp.UA.RG.42.71.000311933Inawashiro Hydro-Electric Power Co.: Tokyo, JapanUA.RG.42.71.000321912, 1920, 1941-1942Magnavox Co. Ltd. & Electro Formation Inc.: Wet Type CondenserUA.RG.42.71.000331931-1932Tallapoosa Construction Company, including stock certificatesUA.RG.42.71.000341908-1911Civilian Military TrainingSeries 31915-1950ClippingsUA.RG.42.71.000351917-1940C.M.E.F. Correspondence - Hayes, RalphUA.RG.42.71.000361928-1932, 1943-1948C.M.E.F. Military Education Survey II CorrespondenceUA.RG.42.71.000371932C.M.E.F. - Regional ROTC Conference at Lehigh UniversityUA.RG.42.71.000381933C.M.E.F. - Regional ROTC Conference at Purdue UniversityUA.RG.42.71.000391934C.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000411933 JanuaryC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000421933 DecemberC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000431936 JanuaryC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000441937 FebruaryC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000451937 DecemberC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000461939 FebruaryC.M.E.F. - Visit to Washington D.C.UA.RG.42.71.000471940 AprilGeneral CorrespondenceUA.RG.42.71.000481928-1945Implementing Ohio Plan Military Engineers ROTCUA.RG.42.71.000491915-1919Mershon Military Education FundUA.RG.42.71.0004101948-1950Mershon Military Training Fund Advisory CommitteeUA.RG.42.71.0004111928-1937Mershon Military Training Fund Advisory CommitteeUA.RG.42.71.000511938-1939Mershon Military Training Fund Advisory CommitteeUA.RG.42.71.000521940-1948Mershon Military Training Fund in the New York Community TrustUA.RG.42.71.000531927-1943Reserve Officers Association of U.S.UA.RG.42.71.000541928-1934ROTC ScholarshipsUA.RG.42.71.000551926-1927CorrespondenceSeries 41897-1947Acceptance by Military Officers of Book Offered by MerhsonUA.RG.42.71.000561933General: A-ZUA.RG.42.71.000571914-1947Improvement of the Patent SystemUA.RG.42.71.000581938-1942Labor Relations Study in ConnecticutUA.RG.42.71.000591941-1946Magnavox CompanyUA.RG.42.71.0005101934-1938Political ConcernsUA.RG.42.71.0005111933-1947Ross, PAUA.RG.42.71.000611915-1939S.S. Malolo Safety ConcernsUA.RG.42.71.000621930-1931Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co.UA.RG.42.71.000631897-1898, 1906-1910, 1920-1922LegacySeries 51900s-1966Correspondence - Anthoensen PressUA.RG.42.71.000641955-1956Correspondence - Cockins, Edith D.: Re: BiographyUA.RG.42.71.000651954-1955Correspondence - Mershon, M.L. - AttorneyUA.RG.42.71.000661953-1956Correspondence - Mershon Memorabilia RoomUA.RG.42.71.000671956-1966Correspondence - Reeder, James P. - Attorney with Evans, Mershon, Sawyer, Johnston & SimmonsUA.RG.42.71.000681951-1955Correspondence - Riddle, John Scott and Edith Cockins: Re: BiographyUA.RG.42.71.000691954-1955Mershon Memorabilia Room: Edith Cockins Drafts of Wall Panel TextsUA.RG.42.71.000610undatedNewspaper ClippingsUA.RG.42.71.0006111900s-1950sOrganizationsSeries 61902-1948American Institute of Electrical Engineers: Copies of Some Meeting Procedures from "Transactions"UA.RG.42.71.000711902-1917Boys' Club of AmericaUA.RG.42.71.000721939-1941Boys' Club of Miami and Miami Boys' Club FoundationUA.RG.42.71.000731939-1948The Ohio State University Alumni AssociationUA.RG.42.71.000741910-1918PatentsSeries 71897-1942CanadaUA.RG.42.71.000751906, 1908CanadaUA.RG.42.71.000761909CanadaUA.RG.42.71.000771911, 1921Five-Party Cross-License AgreementUA.RG.42.71.000781933Litigation: Copper Can Patent: Mershon vs. O'NeillUA.RG.42.71.000811938Litigation: Mershon vs. RobinsonUA.RG.42.71.000821937-1942Litigation: Mershon et al vs. SpragueUA.RG.42.71.000831937-1938Transfer of Ownership: E.F. Andrews and L. Hammond to Andrews-Hammond Corp.UA.RG.42.71.000841926-1930Transfer of Ownership: Moscicki to Robinson to Hutchinson to MershonUA.RG.42.71.000851912-1913USAUA.RG.42.71.000861906-1907USAUA.RG.42.71.000871909-1911USAUA.RG.42.71.000881912-1916USAUA.RG.42.71.000911918-1922USAUA.RG.42.71.000921923-1925USAUA.RG.42.71.000931926-1931USAUA.RG.42.71.000941932-1934USAUA.RG.42.71.000951935-1942Westinghouse Co. Offer to Purchase Foreign PatentsUA.RG.42.71.000961897-1898ResearchSeries 81891-1942Condenser Tests - Daily Logs: No. 12 & No. 14UA.RG.42.71.000971915-1916Condenser Tests - Daily Logs: No. 18 & No. 24UA.RG.42.71.001011917, 1918-1921Condenser Tests - Daily Logs: No. 15 & No. 17UA.RG.42.71.001021915-1921, 1916Condenser Tests - Daily Logs: No. 20 & No. 21UA.RG.42.71.001031917-1918, 1918-1920Condenser Tests - Daily Logs: No. 22 & No. 23UA.RG.42.71.001041918-1920, 1918-1921Condenser Tests DescriptionsUA.RG.42.71.00105undatedCondenser Tests: No. 7UA.RG.42.71.001061919-1920Condenser Tests: No. 8UA.RG.42.71.001071920-1927Condenser Tests: Nos. 11 & 12UA.RG.42.71.001111920-1925Condenser Tests: No. 13UA.RG.42.71.001121921-1928Condenser Tests: Nos. 14-19UA.RG.42.71.001131921-1924Condenser Tests: Nos. 20-22UA.RG.42.71.001141922-1925Condenser Tests: Nos. 23-25UA.RG.42.71.001151924-1926Condenser Tests: Nos. 26-38UA.RG.42.71.001161925-1926Condenser Tests: Nos. 39-45UA.RG.42.71.001171927-1928Condenser Tests: Nos. 46-55UA.RG.42.71.001211927-1928Condenser Tests: Nos. 56-66UA.RG.42.71.001221928-1929Condenser Tests: Nos. 67-81UA.RG.42.71.001231929-1930Condenser Tests: Nos. 82-98UA.RG.42.71.001241930-1931Condenser Tests: Nos. 99-113UA.RG.42.71.001251931-1932Condenser Tests: Nos. 114-127UA.RG.42.71.001261931-1934Condenser Tests: Nos. 128-136UA.RG.42.71.001311932-1933Condenser Tests: Nos. 137-149UA.RG.42.71.001321933-1937Condenser Tests: Nos. 150-161UA.RG.42.71.001331934-1936Condenser Tests: Nos. 162-173UA.RG.42.71.001341935-1937Condenser Tests: Nos. 174-184UA.RG.42.71.001351936-1937Condenser Tests: Nos. 185-199UA.RG.42.71.001361936-1938Condenser Tests: Nos. 200-217UA.RG.42.71.001411937-1941Condenser Tests: Nos. 218-236UA.RG.42.71.001421937-1940Condenser Tests: Nos. 237-251UA.RG.42.71.001431938-1942Condenser Tests: Nos. 252-260UA.RG.42.71.001441938-1941Condenser Tests: Nos. 261-270UA.RG.42.71.001451939-1941Condenser Tests: Nos. 271-283UA.RG.42.71.001511939-1942Condenser Tests: Nos. 284-298UA.RG.42.71.001521940-1942Condenser Tests: Nos. 299-314UA.RG.42.71.001531940-1942Condenser Tests: Nos. 314-329UA.RG.42.71.001541941-1942Condenser Tests: Nos. 330-342UA.RG.42.71.001551941-1942Condensers: Writings: "The Art of Making the Mershon A.C. Electrolytic Condenser"UA.RG.42.71.001611942Condensers: Writings: "Circuit-Breaker" and "Scheme for an Electrolytic Condenser"UA.RG.42.71.001621919, 1909Condensers: Writings: "Mechanical Operations Involved in Making Corrugated Sections for Aluminum Condenser Electrodes"UA.RG.42.71.001631940Condensers: Writings: "Electrolyte Losses with Slotted Anodes"UA.RG.42.71.001641932Condensers: Writings: "Electrolyte Losses" and "Explanation of Condensers and the Filter Circuit"UA.RG.42.71.001651921-1925, 1931Condensers: Writings: "Electrolytic Condensers and Harmonics" and "The Electrolyte Condenser"UA.RG.42.71.001661922, 1927Condensers: Writings: "Composite Cast Terminals" and "Smoothing Condenser"UA.RG.42.71.001671928, 1932Diagrams: UnidentifiedUA.RG.42.71.00168circa 1910Elimination of DyeUA.RG.42.71.001691936-1937Induction Motor: Notes and Sketches, Calculations and Drum MudingsUA.RG.42.71.0016101903-1906Induction Motor: Writings and SketchesUA.RG.42.71.0016111926-1937Laboratory Reports and Undates, IncompleteUA.RG.42.71.001711914-1924Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001721925-1926Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001731927Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001741928Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001751929Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001761930Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001771930Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001811931Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001821932Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001831932Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001841933Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001851933Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001861934Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001871934Laboratory ReportsUA.RG.42.71.001911935Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001921936Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001931936Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001941937Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.001951937Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002011938Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002021938Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002031939Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002041939Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002051940Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002061940Laboratory Reports (1 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002111941Laboratory Reports (2 of 2)UA.RG.42.71.002121941NotebookUA.RG.42.71.00213circa 1891Notes and SketchesUA.RG.42.71.002141923Rectifier TestsUA.RG.42.71.00215undatedSpecial Tests Nos. 1-15UA.RG.42.71.002161920-1921Special Tests Nos. 16-35UA.RG.42.71.002171921-1924Special Tests Nos. 36-62UA.RG.42.71.002181924-1927Special Tests Nos. 63-91UA.RG.42.71.002191927-1928Special Tests Nos. 92-119UA.RG.42.71.002211928-1929Special Tests Nos. 120-145UA.RG.42.71.002221929-1930Special Tests Nos. 146-170UA.RG.42.71.002231930Special Tests Nos. 171-206UA.RG.42.71.002241930-1931Special Tests Nos. 207-236 (Test 231 Missing)UA.RG.42.71.002251931-1932Special Tests Nos. 237-264 (Test 247 Missing)UA.RG.42.71.002261932-1933Special Tests Nos. 265-290UA.RG.42.71.002311932-1933Special Tests Nos. 291-322 (Test 292 Missing)UA.RG.42.71.002321933-1934Special Tests Nos. 323-345UA.RG.42.71.002331934-1935Special Tests Nos. 346-381UA.RG.42.71.002341935-1936Special Tests Nos. 382-414UA.RG.42.71.002351935-1937Special Tests Nos. 415-446UA.RG.42.71.002361937-1938Special Tests Nos. 447-481UA.RG.42.71.002371938-1940Special Tests Nos. 482-501UA.RG.42.71.002411940-1941Special Tests Nos. 502-527UA.RG.42.71.002421941-1942Special Tests for Patent Litigation: Mershon vs. Sprague Specialties Co., Mershon vs. Utica Sales Co., Mershon vs. Condenser Corp. of AmericaUA.RG.42.71.002431932-1934Special Tests Subjects Nos. 1-527UA.RG.42.71.002441920-1942Submarine Detection for U.S. Naval Consulting Board (1 of 3)UA.RG.42.71.00245undatedSubmarine Detection for U.S. Naval Consulting Board (2 of 3)UA.RG.42.71.00246undatedSubmarine Detection for U.S. Naval Consulting Board (3 of 3)UA.RG.42.71.00247undatedTechnical Pamphlets and ArticlesUA.RG.42.71.002481894-1895Vibrating Mass & Vibrating Reed: Writings and SketchesUA.RG.42.71.002511913WritingsSeries 91890-1937Determination of the Permeability of Iron and Its Alloys; Drop in Alternating Current LinesUA.RG.42.71.002521890, 1897, 1926Dye Elimination Through the UrineUA.RG.42.71.002531937Grounded Wire as a Protection Against Lightning; Mechanical Specifications of a Proposed Standard Insulator Pin; The Maximum Distance to Which Power can be Economically TransmittedUA.RG.42.71.002541903, 1904High-Voltage Experiments at TellurideUA.RG.42.71.00255circa 1895High-Voltage Experiments at Telluride; High-Voltage Measurements at Niagara; Electric Power from Shawinigan FallsUA.RG.42.71.002561896, 1908, 1904High-Voltage Insulation; Measurement of Voltage PeaksUA.RG.42.71.002571915, 1924High-Voltage Tests at Niagara Falls, N.Y.UA.RG.42.71.002581904-1907Lecture on the Gas Engine for Central Station Service, including notesUA.RG.42.71.002591904Lightning and Lightning ProtectionUA.RG.42.71.002510undatedResistance to Flow Between Z Plates Immersed in a Conducting Medium; The Time of Settling of Particles in SuspensionUA.RG.42.71.002611928, 1937Some Notes on Multiphase Power Transmission; The Output of Polyphase Generators and Rotary TransformersUA.RG.42.71.002621894, 1895Some Things Engineers Should Know Concerning the Rudiments of Corporate FinanceUA.RG.42.71.002631912Theory of Tesla Motors; Friction Clutch in Theory and Practice; Estimated Cost of Electrical Transmission PlantUA.RG.42.71.002641893, 1894Transforming Heat Source in Electrical Energy (3 volumes)UA.RG.42.71.002651891-1895Transmission Plant of the Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Co., High-Voltage Measurements at Niagara; The Polyphase Induction MotorUA.RG.42.71.002661907, 1908, 1900Untitled/UnpublishedUA.RG.42.71.00267undatedWater Powers and Their Governmental Control; Some Aspects of Institute AffairsUA.RG.42.71.002681911, 1913ArtifactsSeries 101870s-1956Film negative album, with 12 sleeves of about 10 negatives each; images appear to be of Mershon's various trips, but are unidentifiedUA.RG.42.71.0027undatedPhoto album, apparently related to Mershon's parents; appears to include photos of a trip somewhere northUA.RG.42.71.0027circa late 1800'sFolder with string, encasing mostly photos of Mershon and mostly mounted. Several portraits of unidentified women.UA.RG.42.71.00271909Two unidentified pinsUA.RG.42.71.0028undatedBenjamin G. Lamme MedalsUA.RG.42.71.00281924, 1932John Scott medalUA.RG.42.71.00281901Scrapbook on civilian military trainingUA.RG.42.71.002911916-1948Scrapbook with programs, clippings, notes, photos and correspondence on various subjects (not in any particular order)UA.RG.42.71.00292circa 1900-1940sScrapbook of photos of Mershon, his parents, and his homesUA.RG.42.71.002931870s-1940sTwo oversized portraits of MershonUA.RG.42.71.0029circa 1940sOversized photo of an unidentified womanUA.RG.42.71.0029circa 1890sOversized photo of an unidentified womanUA.RG.42.71.0029circa 1890sBiographical SketchesUA.RG.42.71.003011909, 1923, 1931-1932, 1936Certificate of Registration of a Claim to Copyright (two-volume biography: Edith Cockins)UA.RG.42.71.003021956Correspondence (College and family letters)UA.RG.42.71.003031876-1907WillsUA.RG.42.71.003041929, 1934