Motion picture theatre matron license applications, circa 1933 to 1949
Collection REC0049 - RG 036. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Abstract
The Motion Picture Theatre Matron License Applications consists of original applications and Board of Health approvals for applicants to become motion picture theatre matrons. The files contain physical exam reports, personal history questionnaires, photographs, renewal applications, and signatures by the Board of Health.
Extent
37 cubic feet (88 half cubic foot boxes and 1 quarter cubic foot box)
Dates
circa 1933-1949
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. The collection has not been digitized. Original materials can be reviewed onsite at 31 Chambers Street in Manhattan. Please contact us to arrange access.
Additional Description
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was transferred to the New York City Municipal Archives from the New York City Department of Health in 1990.
Processing Information
The collection was processed by Barbara Hibbert, 2022-2023.
Scope and Content Note
The Motion Picture Theatre Matron License Applications consists of original applications and Board of Health approvals for applicants to become motion picture theatre matrons. The files contain physical exam reports, personal history questionnaires, photographs, renewal applications, and signatures by the Board of Health.
Each application generally includes the name and location of the theatre; a small passport-sized black and white photograph of the applicant; the applicant's name, home address and years lived there; date and place of birth; marital status and name of husband (if married or widowed); names and ages of children; places, dates, and other information regarding past employment; level of education; a brief physical description; and general health questions. Renewal applications contain much less data but still include the applicant's home address and the name and address of the theatre.
Each application generally includes the name and location of the theatre; a small passport-sized black and white photograph of the applicant; the applicant's name, home address and years lived there; date and place of birth; marital status and name of husband (if married or widowed); names and ages of children; places, dates, and other information regarding past employment; level of education; a brief physical description; and general health questions. Renewal applications contain much less data but still include the applicant's home address and the name and address of the theatre.
Biographical/Historical Information
In 1937 the New York City Administrative Code, Chapter 2 of Title 20 (Consumer Affairs) was amended to add a new Subchapter 1 (Motion Picture Exhibitions), licensing motion picture theatres, and a new Subchapter 2 (Admission of Children) to regulate the admission of children to motion picture theatres without adult escorts. In 1943, the City began requiring a health examination and licensing requirements for motion picture theatre matrons. At some point, New York City theatres no longer required theatre matrons, but the 1937 rules were not repealed by the City until 1995 and the 1943 rules requiring a health examination and licensing requirements were repealed in 2013. In 1990, before the rules were repealed, the New York City Department of Health transferred the theatre matron collection to the New York City Municipal Archives.
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by permit number.
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title
- Guide to the motion picture theatre matron license applications, circa 1933 to 1949
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Patricia Glowinski and Barbara Hibbert
- Date
- 2023 March
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
Subjects