DeEscott Green papers

Collection

Identifier: collection 537

Content Description

This small collection contains mainly letters written from English businessman Frank J. Malloy to Grand Rapids resident and American Seating sales representative, DeEscott "Jack" Green from 1939 to 1956. Also included is a letter of recommendation for Jack Green from Jim VerMeulen of American Seating Company and letters written to the collection's donor, Esther Melcher, following Green's death in 1962.

Dates

Creation: 1939 - 1962

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open and available for researcher use.

Biographical / Historical

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DeEscott “Jack” Green was born in Ionia, Michigan, in 1888 to Charles Russell and Nellie Green. He married Norma Inez (née Banks) Welch (1880–1959) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1913. The couple had no children of their own but served as foster parents.

From 1920 to 1935, Jack owned the Gravens-Green Picture Frame Company in West Virginia before returning to Grand Rapids as a sales representative for American Seating Company. After a short time, Jack was transferred to American Seating’s New York office until 1942, when he went to work for the War Production Board, serving as a metals inspector for various war plants. Prior to retirement, Jack was the owner of the Home Fire Extinguisher Supply Company in Grand Rapids for 15 years. Jack died of cancer in 1962, and donated his body to the University of Michigan.

Frank J. Malloy was born about 1916 in the United Kingdom. An advisor to Winston Churchill, Frank became an American citizen in the 1950s and moved to New York City.

Full Extent

.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Frank J. Malloy and DeEscott “Jack” Green were international business acquaintances who later became friends, as evidenced by this small collection of letters dating from 1939 to 1956. Jack Green (1888–1962) was born in Ionia, Michigan, and worked for American Seating, primarily in the company’s New York offices. During the Second World War, he served as a metals inspector for the War Production Board. Frank Malloy, born in Britain in 1916, later became an American citizen.

Only Malloy’s letters to Green survive. The collection also contains several additional pieces of correspondence, most notably a letter of recommendation for Green from Jim VerMeulen, Vice President and General Sales Manager of American Seating. This letter provides further biographical information about Green and refers to his close friendship with Malloy.

Researchers interested in sales at the American Seating Company, in DeEscott Green or Frank J. Malloy, or in British experiences during the Second World War may find this collection especially useful.