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Archives at The Museum of Flight


Ray M. and Leonard H. Grimshaw Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2017-01-24

Scope and Contents of Collection

The Ray M. and Leonard H. Grimshaw collection relates primarily to the military service of Ray M. Grimshaw during World War I. The collection contains correspondence, military documents, photographs, postcards, diary, booklets, and ephemera related to Ray's time with the 95th Aero Squadron, where he served as a mechanic. There is also a small amount of correspondence from his older brother, Leonard H. Grimshaw, who also served in World War I.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1917-1969 (bulk dates 1917-1922)
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1917 - 1922

Language of Materials

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information contact us.

Conditions Governing Use

The Museum of Flight (TMOF) Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the archives and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from TMOF archives before any publication use. TMOF does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Biographical Note: Leonard H. Grimshaw

Older brother of Ray M. Grimshaw, Leonard H. Grimshaw was born November 10, 1888 in Kansas to George and Mary Grimshaw. During World War I, Grimshaw served as a Sergeant in the 15th Company, 2nd Air Service Mechanics Regiment and was stationed in France. He died April 7, 1971 in Florence, Oregon.

Source:

Biography for Leonard H. Grimshaw derived from collection materials.

Biographical Note: Ray McKinley Grimshaw

Ray McKinley Grimshaw was born July 17, 1894 in Corvallis, Oregon to George and Mary Grimshaw. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 30, 1917 in North Bend, Oregon. He was sent to Camp Kelly, San Antonio, Texas to serve in the Aviation section of the Air Signal Corps. On July 12, 1917 Grimshaw received orders to go to France but it was not until August 22, 1917 that Ray boarded the S.S. Baltic headed for France. On January 27, 1918, Ray was transferred to the 95th Aero Squadron. It appears Grimshaw was a Sergeant, 1st Class, upon discharge.

After his return, Grimshaw re-entered the tire business, founding Ray Grimshaw, Inc., one of the original tire retreaders in Portland, Oregon. Grimshaw died October 30, 1969 in Portland, Oregon.

Sources and Further Information:

Biography for Ray M. Grimshaw derived from collection materials.

Harold Buckley, Squadron 95. Paris : The Obelisk Press, 1933.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (1 full-width legal size document box and 1 map drawer)

Abstract

Ray (1894-1969) and Leonard (1888-1971) Grimshaw were brothers who served as mechanics during World War I. The collection contains correspondence, military documents, photographs, clippings, newspapers, a diary, and booklets primarily relating to the military service of Ray M. Grimshaw but also includes a small selection of correspondence from his brother, Leonard.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

Existence and Location of Copies

Materials from this collection have been digitized and are available at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections.

Related Archival Materials at the Museum of Flight

The following collections at the Museum of Flight also relate to the 95th Aero Squadron, in which Ray Grimshaw served during World War I:

Nancy Harkness Collection of World War I Photograph Albums. Three albums of World War I photographs depicting various U.S. Air Service squadrons stationed along the French-German border during and after the war, including the 95th.

Norman "Jim" S. Archibald Collection. Collection relating to the life and military service of Norman "Jim" S. Archibald who served with the 95th in World War I.

Separated Materials

The following items have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in Objects storage:

  • One (1) pilot headgear, leather


  • One (1) cloth letter pouch


  • One (1) side panel with Kicking Mule emblem from aircraft

Title
Guide to the Ray M. and Leonard H. Grimshaw Collection
Status
Completed Level 4
Author
J. Parent
Date
2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English
Sponsor
Processing, cataloging and digitization of this collection was made possible by a Council on Libraries and Information Resources (CLIR) "Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives" grant.
Edition statement
1st Edition

Repository Details

Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository

Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874


The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org