Archive Record
| Catalog Number | 2014.004.173 |
| Object Name | Proclamation |
| Scope & Content |
Proclamation printed in black text on a white background, mounted on gold colored board, and housed in a blue "Coleman A. Young Mayor" folder. The text of the proclamation reads as follows: "ELIJAH McCOY Elijah McCoy, a Black inventor, was so renowned for the quality of his work that a new phrase came into the English language -- everyone demanded the 'real McCoy.' Born in Canada in 1843 and educated as a mechanical engineer in Scotland, McCoy received the first of his 75 patents in 1872 for an automatic lubricator -- some version of which is even today standard equipment on machinery, including the moon-exploration vehicles. In the 1880's he moved to Detroit and in 1920 organized the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company where he continued his unique career until his death in 1929. The dedication of the home site of Elijah McCoy, at 5730 Lincoln Avenue in Detroit, will take place on May 4, 1974, at St. Dominic's Church. Therefore, I, Coleman A. Young, Mayor of the City of Detroit, issue this proclamation honoring one of our nation's outstanding inventors and calling upon all citizens to take pride in Elijah McCoy, a distinguished Detroiter whose work and reputation truly live on for the benefit of all." The proclamation is signed by Mayor Young and is affixed with the gold seal of the Mayor of the City of Detroit. |
| Date | 1975 |
| Extent of Description | 11" x 14" |
| Collection | Biographical |