Details

Inclusive Dates

1851 - 1991

Linear Feet

18.0

Finding Aid Url

Direct Link

The East Side House Records document the settlement from its founding in Manhattan in 1891 to its activities in the South Bronx over a century later. The records include several items dating from the decades prior to the establishment of the settlement which shed light on the philosophy and motivation of its founders. They offer a unique view of the first wave of the settlement house movement in America, and document social conditions, demographic change, political activity, and philanthropy in New York City. The date span of the records is from 1851 to 1992. The records include: addresses and correspondence of East Side House founder Everett P. Wheeler; Board of Managers minutes, correspondence and annual reports; Resident Manager, Headworker and Executive Director files; program files; and audio-visual materials such as photoprints, negatives and video tape. The origins and early history of East Side House are best documented in the "Everett P. Wheeler Papers" series. Addresses by Wheeler provide evidence of his views on a wide range of social questions and testify to his prominent role as a New York lawyer and civic reformer. Wheeler's correspondence details his role in the establishment of East Side House and the development of its early programs. Records in the "Administration" series on the East Side Club, the Webster Free Library and settlement lobbying for the construction of John Jay Park fill in the picture of the early years. There are major gaps during the periods 1902-1946 and 1950-1960 in the "Resident Director, Headworker and Executive Directors" series. Fortunately these periods are well documented by other series. Board of Managers minutes document the painful deliberations of the late 1920s and early 1930s, when East Side House nearly closed its doors. Annual reports offer the most comprehensive view of the full spectrum of settlement programs and services from its founding to the early 1960s. These records are complemented by video tape and film in the "Audio-Visual Material" series, which show a variety of youth activities at East Side House during the 1950s. The South Bronx period of East Side House is thoroughly documented by records in Series II - VI, described in greater detail below. Highlights include correspondence and reports to city and state agencies that funded East Side house programs, and photographs of settlement programs, staff and special events from the 1970's and 1980's.

Sites of Teaching & Learning

These sites of teaching & learning mention the East Side House Records, 1851-1991

Location

• Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University
  Temporary