Dominic Rotonto family photographs

Collection

Identifier: MS R68

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection primarily comprises photographs of employees, activities, and views of the Morse Instrument Company (Morse Controls), ca. 1960s. Many of the photographs appear to be an employee holiday event, with views of different employees and some views of the interior of Morse Controls. Other photographs include group portraits of various employees, photographs of employees working, some views of various Morse Controls products as well as views of the interior and exterior of the Morse Controls property in Hudson. Dominic Rotonto and John Morse are pictured in many of the photographs.

The collection also includes two group portraits of Hudson public school 7th and 8th grade classes (1945/1946, 1946/1947). Loretta Rotonto is pictured in both.

Dates

Creation: 1945 - 1969
Creation: Majority of material found within 1963 - 1969

Creator

Rotonto, Dominic L., 1923-2001 (Person)

Biography of Dominic Rotonto and family

Hudson resident Dominic Rotonto was a pyrotechnician who worked at Morse Controls for more than 30 years. He also served as pyrotechnician for the Hudson Fireworks Company. Rotonto served in the US Army during World War II. Loretta Rotonto, Dominic's sister was a graduate of Hudson High School.

History of Morse Instrument Company (Morse Controls)

Morse Instrument Company (later Morse Controls) operated in Hudson for over 60 years. In 1941 John F. Morse, Jr. (1905-1994) opened a small four-person photographic equipment manufacturing business here. The company quickly grew into a large corporation specializing in military-use equipment sprawled out over 11 acres. In 1969 Morse sold Morse Instrument Company (the company was renamed Morse Controls). Morse Controls operated until 2001. The property then was developed into the present First and Main, a large business and retail district in downtown Hudson.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Photographs of employees, social and work activities, machinery/products, and some views of the Morse Controls property collected by Dominic Rotonto, former Morse Controls employee. The collection also includes two photographs of the 1945/46 and 1946/47 Hudson 7-8th grade classes, which include images of Loretta Rotonto, Dominic's sister.