Atkinson (Harold) Papers, 1916-1960

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Harold Atkinson Papers
Dates:
1916-1960
Creators:
Atkinson, Harold
Abstract:
Extent:
.25 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Harold Atkinson Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Background

Scope and content:

Papers consist of a) Letter to Electronic Museum from donor, Donald J. Seymour b) Assorted radio technical diagrams, small brochures c) ”First Sending Exercise Wireless” d) Time Card for The Holt Manufacturing Company (1917) e) Commercial Radio-Operator Examination for Harold Atkinson of Stockton, California (1917) f) Transcript of broadcast of world’s championship fight between Carpentier and Dempsey (1921) from the radio telephone installed at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, through co-operation of the San Francisco Bulletin and the Leo J. Meyberg Company. (27 pages, some on Leo J. Meyberg letterhead). Leo J. Meyberg was the successor to the Haller-Cunningham Electric Company at 428 Market Street, San Francisco. g) Oakland Bank of Savings cancelled checks (1916) h) technical drawings/notes on Haller-Cunningham Electric Co. letterhead (528 Market Street, San Francisco) i) Envelope from the Hotel Senate, Turk St. at Larkin, San Francisco j) U.S. Navy Yard blank Radio Telegraph paper k) 1B and 1BA Telephone Answering Sets: Identification and Assembly of Parts, Bell System Practices, Issue 1, October 1960 l) Preliminary Instruction Book for Model RBL-2 Radio Receiving Equipment, Navy Department Bureau of Ships, Contract NXs-4683, 30 April 1942.

Biographical / historical:

From the limited information available in the papers, it would appear that Harold Atkinson was a commercial radio operator in the early 1900s, and worked for The Holt Manufacturing Company, and possibly Haller-Cunningham/Leo J. Meyberg. The transcript on Meyberg letterhead suggests that Atkinson may have participated in the Fairmont (6XG) radiotelephone broadcast of the Dempsey-Carpentier fight. According to the July 1921 issue of Pacific Radio News, "all radio experimenters within range of 6XG are requested to listen in at 10 a.m. when a musical program will be in progress. The first returns will probably reach San Francisco at 11 a.m. and immediately upon receipt of same they will be broadcasted from the Fairmont."

Acquisition information:
Donated to the Foothill Electronics Museum in 1986, received by History San Jose in 2003 as part of the Perham Collection of Early Electronics.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff.
Date Prepared:
1916-1960
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The papers are available to the public for research, by appointment with the Curator of Library and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Harold Atkinson Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Location of this collection:
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112, US
Contact:
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
Website