J. Walter Thompson Company. San Francisco Office records, 1948-1999 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
J. Walter Thompson Company. San Francisco Office
Abstract:
Founded in 1864, the J. Walter Thompson Company (JWT) is one of the oldest and largest enduring advertising agencies in the United States. The JWT San Francisco office was opened in 1923. The JWT San Francisco Office Records span the years 1959-1999, and includes advertising proofs, commercial artwork, print schedules, marketing plans, manuals, company history materials, correspondence, Creative Library catalogs and audiovisual materials (audio cassettes, VHS video cassettes and videotapes). Also included are the papers of Harry A. Lee, a JWT executive involved in the development of JWT's Pacific Rim business during the 1960s. Companies represented in the collection include California Raisin Advisory Board, Dean Witter, Ferry-Morse Seed Company, Labatt's, Morris Plan, and Schlage. JWT offices touched on in the collection include New York, Manila (Philippines) and Tokyo (Japan). Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
Extent:
5.8 Linear Feet
1800 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00746

Background

Scope and content:

The JWT San Francisco Office Records span the years 1959-1999, and includes advertising proofs, commercial artwork, print schedules, marketing plans, manuals, company history materials, correspondence, Creative Library catalogs and audiovisual materials (audio cassettes, VHS video cassettes and videotapes). Also included are the papers of Harry A. Lee, a JWT executive involved in the development of JWT's Pacific Rim business during the 1960s. Companies represented in the collection include California Raisin Advisory Board, Dean Witter, Ferry-Morse Seed Company, Labatt's, Morris Plan, and Schlage. JWT offices touched on in the collection include New York, Manila (Philippines) and Tokyo (Japan).

Biographical / historical:
Harry A. Lee Biography
Date Event
1910 Jan. 10
Born, Santa Monica, Calif.
1920s-1931
Educated at Principia High School, St. Louis, Missouri and Stanford University
1931
McCarty Advertising Agency, Los Angeles
1936
Media research, junior account representative, JWT San Francisco Office
1942-1945
Commissioned Lieutenant J.G. Commanded naval air patrols from Canal Zone, Central and South America. Later a navigator for Naval Air Transport Service, Pacific and Far East areas. Discharged after the war as a Lieutenant Commander
1945
Founded and operated Philippine Advertising Associates Inc., in Manila and Japan Advertising Associates in Tokyo
1955
Sold agencies to JWT and rejoined the agency as Vice President and Pacific Area Manager
1958-1963
Director of School Board, Hillsborough, Calif.
1961
Chairman, Advertising Committee, Invest in America
1960-1964
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: Director and member of the Executive Committee (1960-1964); President (1962-1963); Chairman, Board of Directors (1964)
Acquisition information:
The J. Walter Thompson Company. San Francisco Office Records were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift in 1987 with additions in subsequent years.
Processing information:

Processed by Robert Rosenthal and Richard Collier, July 2010

Encoded by Robert Rosenthal and Richard Collier, August-December 2010

Accessions 79904, 85108, 93-132, 93-153, 93-254, 97-091, 98-532, 2004-032 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into three series: Harry A. Lee Papers, General Office Files and Audiovisual Materials. The Harry A. Lee Papers include correspondence, clippings, and memoranda. General Office Files include primarily documents from the 1980s and 1990s including advertisements, a Creative Library and materials relating to JWT's 125th anniversary. Audiovisual Materials include videotapes and non-print media. Where possible, original folder titles have been retained.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Access note. Collection contains fragile audiovisual formats that may need to be reformatted before use. Contact Research Services for access.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], J. Walter Thompson Company. San Francisco Office Records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1c046