During the Covid pandemic in 2020 the Department of Records & Information Services assigned several Municipal Archives staff to assignments that could be completed remotely. The projects included transcribing collection inventories, lists, finding guides and other descriptive materials into searchable databases and spreadsheets.
Pen-maker John Foley to Mayor Abram Hewitt, 1887. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Recently, archivist Cynthia Brenwall resumed transcribing descriptions of documents in the Early Mayors’ collection. This series comprises correspondence and documents from New York City mayoral administrations from 1826 through 1897 and totals 157.5 cubic feet. The collection had been assembled by Rebecca Rankin during her 32-year tenure as the Director of the Municipal Library between 1920 and 1952. This was a core collection in the Municipal Archives when it opened in 1952, and remains one of the most important series documenting nineteenth-century government and policies.
One feature of the correspondence noted by Ms. Brenwall during her work in 2020 and again more recently, is the elaborate commercially produced stationery and letterheads used by businesses and governments. This week For the Record takes a closer look at these wonderful works of art that defined an era of letter writing.
Real-Estate Union letterhead form 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
An example of the original documents that were transcribed by NYC Municipal Archives staff in 2020. Entry 146 is the reference to the Real-Estate Union letterhead shown above.
Pastor Nathan Hubbell to Mayor Gilroy, 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Johnson & Johnson Company, 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Twine, rope, cord and hammock makers the Travers Brother Company highlighted the products that they produced in this elaborate letterhead. 1892. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Sherriff John J. Gorman to Mayor Grant in 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Leo Schlesinger & Company was located on Crosby Street and manufactured tin toys, among other items. 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
The 1893 letterhead for the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company the graphic logo of the original glass company. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle logo is boldly centered on this stationary dating from 1887. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Technically, the term letterhead did not appear until 1890. Before then, it was simply called “letter paper.” The rich illustrations depicted on the stationery corresponds with industrialization in America. By the 1860s, the images became more detailed and creative. It was a period when Americans could see their growing nation reflected in the artwork on their bills and correspondence.
The primary role of these illustrations was publicity. The images show busy factories, bustling street corners, and bold bank buildings. Government agency and department correspondence visually conveys the nature of their responsibilities.
While the content of the letters in the Early Mayors’ collection might be standard government business, the stationery offers a delight for the eye and creates a window into the business and government culture of a time gone by. For more examples, readers are also invited to review two For the Record articles published in 2020: The Transcription Project, Early Mayors’ Collection and Early Mayors Collection Part 2
The Grand Union Hotel was located across the street from the Grand Central Depot. 1888. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
William McCoy to Mayor Thomas Gilroy shows off the work of both the engraver and designer of this letterhead. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
This detailed letterhead features an image of a beehive to promote the business of a grocery and tea dealing company. Letter from the office of Callahan and Kemp sent to Mayor Hugh Grant, 1889. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Eureka Fire Hose Company logo on a letter dated 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Cooper Union letterhead from 1888. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
H. Clausen & Son Brewing Company, located at 309 East 47th Street, to Mayor Gilroy, 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Eva Mudge, Comedienne to Mayor Gilroy, 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Letter from Albany Mayor James H. Manning to Mayor Hugh Grant, 1893. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Huber’s Palace Museum letterhead from 1892. Early Mayors records, NYC Municipal Archives.