Series 1. Working With Their Hands, bulk: Undated, 1993-1996
Series
Scope and Content Note
From the Collection:
The bulk of this collection is comprised of Richard McLeod’s research and draft materials for his
unpublished manuscript, Working With Their Hands: Artisans in Philadelphia 1800-1850. This
manuscript is a revision and expansion of his doctoral thesis, The Philadelphia Artisan 1828-
1850, which was completed in 1971. Working With Their Hands is an analysis of the early
nineteenth century urban artisan and intends to clarify the distinction between the terms “artisan”
and “working class.” McLeod claimed he undertook this study because no major scholarly
monograph existed at the time that explored this sub-group of working people. He anticipated to
combine economic, political, and social history studies into one complete manuscript and placed
his work into the sub-field of “new labor history.”
Included are McLeod’s research materials for Working With Their Hands: Artisans in
Philadelphia 1800-1850, which consist of reference materials, annotated research notes,
directories, bibliographies, drafts, and computer files. The collection also contains his doctoral
thesis, The Philadelphia Artisan 1828-1850 and master’s thesis Development of Superior
Wisconsin as an Industrial and Transportation Center 1854-1900. A small biographical file
includes professional and personal photographs, a resume, obituary and remembrance files, and
donor correspondence.
The records are arranged in 4 series: 1) Working With Their Hands, 2) Research Projects, 3)
Biographical Files, and 4) Computer Files. Series 1 contains five sub-series to distinguish the
various files McLeod created during his research and writing process.
Dates
- Majority of material found in Undated, 1993-1996
Extent
From the Collection: 8.92 Linear Feet (16 archival boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Overview
This series contains McLeod’s research and writing of his unfinished manuscript Working With
Their Hands: Artisans in Philadelphia 1800-1850. It includes his research materials; notes and
directories for the specific chapter on Thomas W. Dyott; index cards with names of artisans and
companies; bibliographical index cards; and manuscript drafts.
Repository Details
Part of the Shippensburg University Archives & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
Ezra Lehman Memorial Library room 207
Shippensburg University of PA
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg PA 17257
717-477-1123 x3357
specialcollections@ship.edu
Ezra Lehman Memorial Library room 207
Shippensburg University of PA
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg PA 17257
717-477-1123 x3357
specialcollections@ship.edu