Subject files, 1913-1949, bulk: 1934-1945
Scope and Contents
During Fiorello LaGuardia’s years as Mayor, his office received and processed large quantities of constituent correspondence on a wide array of subjects. These letters, responses, background reports, diagrams, blueprints, supporting materials and progress reports make up the bulk of the Subject Files series. These records represent the full scope of issues, events, persons, and activities that filled the three terms LaGuardia served as Mayor.
The Subject Files series was created by consolidating three file systems into a single study of the issues and events that prompted the highest degree of constituent correspondence. These materials were organized and identified by (1) general correspondence – compiled and organized by the clerical staff of the general mayoral file room; (2) the Mayor’s “personal” files – kept by his secretaries; and (3) category files – which represent materials on designated and coded categories. These sets of records have been integrated and alphabetized in this series. Original titles have been retained where appropriate and are generally self-explanatory. They represent word usage prevalent during the 1930s and 1940s – for instance, under the designation Airports, LaGuardia Airport is listed by its original name, North Beach Airport, and Kennedy Airport is listed as Idlewild Airport. Furthermore, titles may use language that is inappropriate for present use but continues to exist to preserve the authenticity of the original filing system.
Correspondence is placed in its designated file by the appropriate secretaries according to their system of indicators. A designation is determined by either letterhead, signatory, or letter subjects, and is usually noted by a pencil check mark at the appropriate indicator or by a pencil-written note across the top. A subject designation applied by the original clerical staff was not changed during the archival processing.
The Subject Files series was created by consolidating three file systems into a single study of the issues and events that prompted the highest degree of constituent correspondence. These materials were organized and identified by (1) general correspondence – compiled and organized by the clerical staff of the general mayoral file room; (2) the Mayor’s “personal” files – kept by his secretaries; and (3) category files – which represent materials on designated and coded categories. These sets of records have been integrated and alphabetized in this series. Original titles have been retained where appropriate and are generally self-explanatory. They represent word usage prevalent during the 1930s and 1940s – for instance, under the designation Airports, LaGuardia Airport is listed by its original name, North Beach Airport, and Kennedy Airport is listed as Idlewild Airport. Furthermore, titles may use language that is inappropriate for present use but continues to exist to preserve the authenticity of the original filing system.
Correspondence is placed in its designated file by the appropriate secretaries according to their system of indicators. A designation is determined by either letterhead, signatory, or letter subjects, and is usually noted by a pencil check mark at the appropriate indicator or by a pencil-written note across the top. A subject designation applied by the original clerical staff was not changed during the archival processing.
Extent
288 cubic feet (576 boxes)
Dates
1913-1949, bulk 1934-1945
Creators
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons are required to use microfilm for those series for which it is available. Advance notice is required for using original material. Please contact us to arrange access.
Additional Description
Arrangement
This series is arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically.
Physical Location
31 Chambers St., Shelf 3363-3938
Existence and Location of Copies
This series has been microfilmed. See microfilm rolls 1-261 (master negative nos. 25052-25299) for boxes 1-576 (box 576, folders 1-8 only) and roll no. 262 (master negative no. 25299A) for box 576, folders 9-12.