Victor S. Johnson Jr. Files
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Johnson, Victor S., Sr., 1882-1943
label: Collection Creator
content: Johnson, Victor, Jr., 1906-
label: Collection Creator
content: Aladdin Industries, Inc. (Nashville, Tenn.).
setName: label: See more items in
content: Aladdin Industries, Inc. Records
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1914-1983
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.0844, Series 3
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: The largest series in the collection, it is divided into three subseries: biographical data, subject files, and files about Aladdin Divisions.  The subject files are arranged alphabetically. The files cover a wide range of topics from the Atomic Energy Commission to research and development matters within the company to the King-Seeley Thermos case.  The files include correspondence (both incoming and outgoing), product literature, internal memos, drawings, advertisements, financial data, company histories, and documentation on Aladdin's subsidiaries, such as Aladdin Electronics and Aladdin Synergetics Inc.  Overlap exists between Victor S. Johnson Jr. Files and other series.  For example, company histories are found in Series 1: Historical and Background Materials, 1919-1997, but some of the same material is duplicated in Johnson's files. Researchers should consult both as some items are annotated. 

There are several subject files that are noteworthy.  The William Adler Advertising Agency, 1947-1979, played a large role in promoting Aladdin and its products.  Many of the promotional campaigns and other literature about Aladdin products can be found here. The Carl Bramming files document the head of research and development at Aladdin and provide insight into product development through the drawings found in the files. The King-Seeley Thermos case files, 1962-1980, highlight Aladdin's involvement over the trademark use of the word thermos.  In a 1963 court ruling, it was established that Aladdin and its customers use the word thermos in all lowercase, never use the word  in solid capitals letters and can only have an initial capital letter if the rules of grammar require it.  Additionally, the word thermos must be preceded by a possessive of the name Aladdin and in advertising it must clearly identify material as Aladdin. 

The subseries dealing with Aladdin Divisions contains the Jack Imber's files, 1932-1960, documenting the relationship between Johnson and his managing Director of Aladdin Industries Limited in England.  The board of director's files, 1950-1959, contain financial data, sales and inventories data, and product information.