| | Abstract: | The Electrical League of Northern Ohio, Inc. was founded in 1909 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was incorporated in 1915 as the Electrical League of Cleveland Inc., a non-profit association of electrical companies. Founding members included George E. Miller of the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and J. Robert Crouse of the General Electric Company. Under the leadership of John E. (Jack) North, president from 1923 to 1949, the League's primary function was the promotion of electrical products and services available to consumers through its membership, which included electrical manufacturers, distributors, dealers, contractors, and key Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company employees. Educational programs, meetings, and trade shows sponsored by the League were designed to educate the public on the uses of electricity and to provide technical training and marketing techniques to League members. The League established collateral organizations, including the Electrical Maintenance Engineers Association, the Women's Division, and the Sight Saving Council of Cleveland, in order to bring its educational and promotional programs to targeted groups. By 1949, the League became primarily an industrial organization. In 1958, the League was reorganized as a trade association. Its name was changed in the 1980s to the Electrical League of Northern Ohio, Inc. This collection also contains substantial personal papers of John E. (Jack) North, documenting his career in the electrical industry. The collection consists of individual portraits of League directors, officers, and meeting speakers; group portraits of general membership and other meetings; and views of trade shows and fairs, events, trips, inspections, educational programs, social functions, and other League activities. Also includes photographs of activities and individuals of affiliated organizations, including the Electrical Maintenance Engineers Association. Photographs reflect League sales activities aimed at promoting the use of electrical appliances to consumers, as well as social events and outings. Of particular interest are photographs of classes and programs for women, designed to educate them about uses of electricity in the modern home, and depictions of early electrical consumer goods. The collection also contains photographs relating to John E. (Jack) North, longtime president of the Electrical League, and his family. | |
