Vivien Kellems (1896-1975)
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Download IIIF ManifestRequest permissionsDownload image PrintID: SIA Acc. 90-105 [SIA2008-4682]
Creator: Blank & Stoller
Form/Genre: Black-and-white photographs
Date: 1940
Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 90-105, Science Service Records, Image No. SIA2008-4682
New England industrialist Vivien Kellems (1896-1975) co-founded Kellems Cable Grips Inc., in 1927, with her brother, who had patented a special grip design that became widely used in construction, electrical connections, and medicine. By 1940, when this photograph was distributed in connection with her most recent lecture tour, Kellems had become known as the only woman manufacturer in the electrical industry and a clever and popular speaker. Her October 1939 talk at the Engineers Club of Philadelphia was titled "King Tut Laughed at It," and the invitation emphasized that "ladies are particularly invited." "Stop worrying about the collapse of civilization, the impending wars, the troubles and sorrows here at home. For an hour or so listen to and laugh with Miss Kellems as she tells of the ups and downs of the cable grip business.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 90-105, Science Service Records, Image No. SIA2008-4682
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520
1940
Black-and-white photographs
SIA Acc. 90-105 [SIA2008-4682]