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Finding Aid Compiled by
Anna Appleman and
Amy C. Schindler
January 2003
M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives
University Libraries / University at Albany / State University of New York
1400 Washington Avenue / Albany, New York 12222 / (518) 437-3935
VOLUME: .2 cubic ft., 1 poster
ACQUISITION: All items in this manuscript group were donated to the University Libraries, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, prior to 1991. The poster was donated in June 2005 by Lisa Gray.
ACCESS: Access to this record group is unrestricted.
COPYRIGHT: The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
The City Club of Albany was established February 5, 1919, to give "women an opportunity through membership to take an intelligent part in public affairs."[1] The group participated in public affairs with "a program that determines through careful study and full discussion what [its] aims should be, and helps achieve those aims by informing and stimulating public opinion."[2] The City Club was interested in a variety of issues including services for senior citizens, city planning, world health, youth, environmental concerns, and others. The Club shared information in the form of pamphlets and brochures often produced by other organizations. The Club held regular meetings as well as annual anniversary luncheons and events.
1. Elizabeth M. Smith, "The City Club States its Credo," 1.
2. The City Club of Albany, New York, "Handbook, 1947-1948," 3.
The collection documents the City Club of Albany and contains organizational records from 1957-1959 mainly concerned with issues of the Citizen's Platform. The collection is composed chiefly of files retained by Harriet D. Adams as vice president of the club when it was particularly interested in urban planning. The Citizen's Platform of 1957 consisted of the City Club's position on issues such as city planning, housing, health, education, child welfare, recreation, safety and law enforcement, local government finances, and "a cleaner Albany." City Planning materials from Schenectady, New York were also retained as background material. Organizational records also include the City Club's mission, membership, monthly reports, a budget report, reports from the Nominating Committee and the Civic Affairs Committee, newsletters, and correspondence of the Civic Affairs Committee. Other materials include summary reports, notes, news clippings primarily related to city planning and housing, 1957-1959, and materials relating to the City Club of Albany's 40th anniversary in 1959. The publications folder includes materials produced by other organizations such as the Junior League, United Nations, New York City Youth Board, and the New York State Youth Commission on topics covering world health, youth, and human rights.
The poster by Jerry Costello honors Mrs. Arthur W. Wright, president of the City Club of Albany and Costello's aunt. The poster includes a drawing of Mrs. Wright and references to the Armed Forces Day parade ("today"), "Tidy Up for Tulip Time," and 5th Annual Albany Scholastic Track and Field Championships.
Box 1
Folder
1. City Club, 40th Anniversary Luncheon and Tea, 1959
2. City Club, Committee Reports and Budgets, 1958-1959
3. City Club, Correspondence to Civic Affairs Committee, 1958
4. City Club, Membership, Mission, Citizen's Platform, 1945, 1947-1950, 1957-1961
5. City Club, Newsletters, 1958-1959
6. City Planning, Albany Master Plan and American Council to Improve Our Neighborhoods (ACTION), 1958
7. Council of Community Services of the Albany Area, Annual Report and Correspondence, 1958-1959
8. Finances, City and County, News Clippings and Correspondence, 1958-1959
9. Nature Conservancy, News Clippings and Notes, 1958
10. News Clippings, 1957-1959
11. Publications, 1957-1959
12. Senior Citizens, Brochures, 1949, 1957, undated
13. Tivoli Lakes Nature Study Sanctuary, 1958
Flat File
Poster, Honoring Mrs. Arthur W. Wright, by Jerry Costello, circa 1953