Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association Records

Collection

Identifier: Ms 093

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The records of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association consist of correspondence, meeting minutes, photographs, and publications. The records date from 1906 to 1972, but the bulk of the materials are from 1950-1972. The correspondence is between the SCMA and their member organizations, as well as correspondence concerning different questions about cypress. The correspondence files are ordered alphabetically by the company name or topic of inquiry.

There are about 800 photos that seem to relate to advertising conducted by the SCMA. The SCMA's goal was to demonstrate the strength, durability, and endurance of cypress, and the photos demonstrate a myriad of uses for cypress. There are many examples of cypress usage in homes, churches, and restaurants, including such well known destinations as the Parthenon in Nashville, TN (photos 225-228) and George Washington's home, Mt. Vernon (photo 240). Several of the photos are from the New York World's Fair in 1939-1940. The SCMA created an exhibit at the fair to show off the different usages of cypress (photos 530-539, 580-589, 591-605, 621-630, 649-683, 691-712, 724-744). Photos also include images of cypress trees and cypress swamps as well as different cypress manufacturing techniques including the machinery used (photos 26-29, 92-94, 113-114, 203-209, 405-417, 477-478, 490-494, 576).

The minutes of the association's annual meetings are in five notebooks and in files in Box 6. These include annual financial statements and audits. The publications include booklets referring to the codes and standards for cypress manufacturing and distribution. Many of them are issued by the United States and printed by the SCMA. Also there are booklets about different types of cypress and their usage.

Dates

Creation: 1906-1972
Creation: Majority of material found within 1950-1972

Creator

Southern Cypress Manufacturers' Association. (Organization)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association (SCMA) was founded in 1905 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group was organized by manufacturers of cypress in order to establish grading standards for cypress lumber. One of the founders and an active member of the association was Frank B. Williams, who was referred to as the "Cypress Lumber King." The SCMA was a conglomerate of members of those companies that manufactured or sold cypress lumber. The association maintained offices in New Orleans and Jacksonville, Florida, among other cities.

Today, the SCMA is still a functioning organization, and companies may apply to become a part of the association. The association still provides information regarding the proper treatment and installation of cypress as well as grade standards and usage. For more information: http://cypressinfo.org/.

Extent

4.3 Linear feet (7 boxes and 5 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association oversaw the standards, advertising, and regulation of cypress in the United States.

Physical Location

University of Florida Smathers Library Building

Acquisition Information

Gift of Southern Hardwood Lumber Manufacturers Association, Memphis, Tenn.

Processing Notes

The collection was partially processed upon receipt. In 2011 the collection was fully processed. Photos were out of order and rearranged by their photo number. Materials in Boxes 8, 9, 10, and 12 on the original inventory were removed and are awaiting disposition. These consisted of cancelled checks, ledgers, financial statements, and certificates of inspection for member companies. There were also a few booklets not published by the SCMA relating to cypress.