Fonds MS-4-14 - Robb Engineering Works Ltd. fonds

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Robb Engineering Works Ltd. fonds

General material designation

  • Textual record

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Level of description

Fonds

Reference code

MS-4-14

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Edition statement

Edition statement of responsibility

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

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Physical description area

Physical description

45 cm of textual records and technical drawings

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Archival description area

Name of creator

(1848-1964)

Administrative history

Robb Engineering was a metals manufacturer in Amherst, Nova Scotia, with its origins in the mid-nineteenth century. Originally founded in 1848 for general work on coal mining and lumber machinery, the factory expanded to manufacture boilers, electric engines and small generator plants. They also designed and manufactured locomotive engines. In 1964 Robb Engineering was acquired by the Dominion Bridge Company and its assets merged into Dominion's Canada Car and Foundry subsidiary. Robb Engineering gained notoriety during the 1990s after being blamed as the maker of faulty open web steel joists, some of which experienced catastrophic failure, resulting in at least one roof collapse.

Custodial history

Records were donated to the Dalhousie University Archives in eight accessions: (1971-048) in March 1971 by Norman Ritchie; (1975-039) in August 1975 and (1976-045) in June 1976 by Robb Engineering Co.; (1976-058) in September 1976 by Jack McGee; (1982-016) in April 1982 by Len Perry; (1985-025) in April 1985 by Brian MacDonald; (1985-042) acquired in 1985; and (1986-058) acquired in 1986.

Scope and content

Fonds contains the business records of Robb Engineering Co. Ltd., including an engine record book (1893-1902); deeds, indentures and agreements (1879-1905); plans, catalogues and photographs (1890-1950); engines and boiler plans (1898-1956); engine and boiler specifications; patent records (1886-1923); engine and boiler registers; engine indexes (1893-1930); correspondence; and other records.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Arrangement

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Language and script note

English

Location of originals

Availability of other formats

Restrictions on access

There are no access restrictions on these materials. All materials are open for research.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Materials do not circulate and must be used in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.  Materials may be under copyright.  Contact departmental staff for guidance on reproduction.

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Accruals

Further accruals are not expected.

General note

Preferred citation: [Identification of item], Robb Engineering fonds, MS-4-14, Box [box number], Folder [folder number], Dalhousie University Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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