Institution: Henry Ford Museum
Collection Title: Fred R. Black and C.W. Olmstead Papers
Date (inclusive): 1934-1948
Collection Identifier: Accession 554
Repository (location info): Benson Ford Research Center, The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI
Finding Aid link: Inquire with Archive. A copy is also on file with The ONWARD Project.
Website link: www.thehenryford.org

RBMVE Biographical Note: RBMVE Director, Ansel Hall, arranged cooperative relationship with Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company provided the Expedition with brand new vehicles in exchange for sending a cinematographer and a photographer with the Expedition to take photographs and motion film for advertising purposes. Out of this partnership, the 1937 film “Adventure Bound” was created.
Scope and Content: From finding aid on file with The ONWARD Project: “The Fred R. Black and C.W. Olmstead Collection consists of the files of the Ford Motor Company’s public relations department spanning from 1934 through 1948. These files contain a variety of materials including: contractual agreements, display design, manufacturing technical specifications, labor requirements, attendance reports, cost analysis, tour plans, lectures, brochures, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and photographs. This collection provides detailed information on all aspects Ford Motor Company used to promote their company and its ideals. (Black was head of advertising dept in Ford Motor Co. With Olmstead as assistant, they planned Ford’s exhibits at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1934-5, the New York World’s Fair, and the San Francisco Golden Gate exposition, among other large advertising campaigns.)”

Container List or Summary of RBMVE-related Material: Box 21 “Trade Shows” contains Rainbow Bridge – Monument Valley Expedition, 1936-1938 correspondence