EAD
TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the Flushing Historical Society Collection
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Flushing Historical Society (Flushing, New York, N.Y.) | |
| Title | Flushing Historical Society Collection, | |
| Dates: | 1661-1935(Bulk 1786-1935) | |
| Abstract: | There are two sub-groups herein, namely, Internal Records of the Society, and Manuscripts Collected by the Society. There are several series within these sub-groups, especially in the latter. The collection measures about three and a half to four cubic feet, consists of both bound volumes and loose papers, totaling about 800 individual items. | |
| Extent: | 16 boxes, 8.6 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | F-2 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
The Flushing Historical Society was founded in 1903 by persons interested in the history of the Village of Flushing, as well as the areas encompassed by the old township. Among some of the early officers or those who occupied offices for long periods were George W. Pople, Robert E. Parsons, George S. Halleran, Frank S. Pokorney, Frances Dondero, Henry L. Bogert and Fannie C. Lowden.
Over the years it began a rather active acquisition program to collect mementos of Flushing's past, and was responsible, as well, for publishing some pamphlets of Flushing. Sometime in the late 1960s, the Society, though not disbanded, became inactive.
The following are descriptions of the records creators found in this collection.
Mutual Fire Engine Company No. l served Flushing from its inception in 1854 to its disbandment in 1909. The few records found herein are not placed in the previous archival series because essentially, fire engine companies of the period were really volunteer private groups rather than strictly regulated by city governments as we know them today.
Thomas D. Sugden, member and officer of the Society was an artist. As an artist and lover of local history, he became interested in preserving some of the Flushing Village’s history. Evidently, he was a very accomplished engraver for he is mentioned in the DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN PAINTERS, SCULPTORS AND ENGRAVERS, by Mantle Fielding (pub in 1965, page 356). He was the pupil of T.W, Strong, and was connected for years with the engraving department of the then well-known Century Company. Mr. Sugden in 1904 also published an article or perhaps a book on the subject of wood-engraving.
As stated above, Mr. Sugden’s interest in history led him to commenting on and sketching scenes he knew were forever vanishing from Flushing due to the inroads of progress. His sketches were mainly rural depictions (brooks, lakes, etc.) or old houses abandoned or perhaps scheduled for demolition.
The Flushing Improvement Association was founded in 1880, but its date of disbandment is not known. Samuel B. Parsons and Isaac Peck were its first officers.
Return to the Table of Contents
Scope and Content Note
There are two sub-groups herein, namely, Internal Records of the Society, and Manuscripts Collected by the Society. There are several series within these sub-groups, especially in the latter. The collection measures about three and a half to four cubic feet, consists of both bound volumes and loose papers, totaling about 800 individual items.
It is quite obvious that only a fraction of records of the Society exist, assuming, of course, that minute books, account books and the like were maintained from the earliest years of its existence. What is included here is rather fragmentary, and may possibly be the records maintained by one or two officers. Two series exist -Bound Volumes and Loose Documents.
The Bound Volumes series contains the following. Scrapbook compiled by Thomas D. Sugden of the "Committee on Cuttings”. Contains newspaper clippings dated 1907 and 1908 with a few a little earlier or later. In one way or another, clippings pertain to happenings in the Flushing area. An index to the obituaries in the volume is included.
Scrapbook compiled by the Society containing newspaper clippings dated ca. 1906-1908 referring to activities of the Society. Contains a note signed by member Thomas D. Sugden concerning its compilation. Volume is rather fragmentary, less than half of it having been utilized.
Scrapbook probably compiled by the Society. Though dealing mainly with various aspects of Flushing's history, the history of various other places on Long Island are covered as well. It consists largely of newspaper clippings, though there are a few other items as well including some photographs, dated ca. 1898-1920 with a few a little earlier or later.
Volume titled CATALOGUE FLUSHING HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBIT. Apparently, the volume was intended to be a register listing materials owned by the Society, or if not owned, exhibited by the Society during various meetings or functions. Though the volume is a large one, only some forty pages have been utilized. Though several pages have been torn out in the section holding the listing, the numerical sequence wasn't altered. Several pages before the listing have also been torn out. It is not clear as to what these contained. All told, the register has 692 itemized articles and these include books, paintings, documents and other artifacts. Though the volume is not dated, it was probably compiled or used during the mid 1920s or very early 1930s.
Accompanying the register is a small note book type volume, in actuality, a duplicate of the large register with the exception that the listing only goes up to No.486. Also included is an alphabetical listing of the items, probably complete, but this is not known for sure. The listing was compiled by Albert E. Sholes, and is also a smaller notebook type volume. Perhaps these registers were also compiled ca. 1925-1930.
A very few miscellaneous documents were enclosed with these volumes. These consist of newspaper clippings, letters or notes, and some stationery of the Society bearing the name of the president of the time, George W. Pople. These miscellaneous items are either undated or dated ca. 1889 - 1930.
The Loose Documents Series contains the following. These consist of a number of different items, many of which seem to have been part of files of various officers. For examples, there are minutes of meetings; a few treasurer reports; and a few letters which were addressed to some individuals. More specifically, the following is included.
Minutes of Meetings - These minutes consist of typewritten sheets. These are dated 1920 to 1923, (one 1930), as well as for the very earliest years, 1903-1907, (one or two sheets undated). It is not clear if all the meetings held during the above periods are included, but it is very doubtful if this is the case. Some of these minutes appear to have treasurer reports attached to them or part of them. Some have some notes or corrections on them, and some appear to be carbon copies. As part of this file is a small notebook that contains but eight pages of minutes (1920-1921) written in pen and pencil.
Treasurer Reports - About ten reports which appear to be rough ones for some months in 1922-1925 and 1928.
Incorporation Documents - The half dozen or so items in this series, in one way or another deal with the incorporation of the Society, but essentially are type written copies -not original documents. There is, for example, a copy of the Limited Charter granted to the Society by the State on June 28, 1906. Also included are some early minutes of "The Committee of the Flushing Association” and a petition signed by a number of individuals desirous of becoming members of the Society.
Miscellaneous - There are about 40 items in this file, such as some Society letterheads; two typewritten copies of papers read before the Society; a few letters some of which are addressed to Miss Fannie C. Lowdin, treasurer; and a copy of a resolution passed on the occasion of the passing of a member, Lebaron Bradford Prince, and two court documents regarding wills in which the Society was mentioned as a beneficiary.
Sub-group Manuscripts Collected by the Society
One of the aims of the Society as spelled out in a copy of its Incorporation Notice was "to discover and obtain either as a loan or in ownership whatever may relate to the history of Flushing and its neighborhood, including the present and former county of Queens …”
The materials in this sub-group are, then, those various manuscripts which in one way or another came into the Society's hands -at least a portion of them. We are not sure of exactly how they were acquired, but it is apparent that most of them were probably donated to the Society by a number of members or officers, and in a sense perhaps, can also be considered the personal papers of these individuals. Some of these donations were the members own papers (for example, Thomas D. Sugden’s materials); others, manuscripts in the hands of some of the members or their families. Several documents have the name Prince on them.
Nine series exist -Flushing Village and Town Archives, Mutual Fire Engine Company No. 1 Records, Long Island City Archives, Smith Fund Account Books, Thomas D. Sugden Sketch and Note Books and Diaries, Flushing Improvement Association, Prince Family Personal Papers, Miscellaneous Volumes, and Miscellaneous Documents.
The Flushing Village and Town Archives series contents are as follows. There are only nine volumes and about a dozen loose documents in this series, but all are, apparently official village or town archival items. Before being incorporated into the City of New York in 1898, the Town of Flushing was one of a number of towns in the County and had its own town government. The records herein are some of the official records produced by this government. They may have come into the hands of various individuals at the time of the disbursement of Flushing town and village, and sometime later found their way into the Historical Society. These records consist of the following:
Assessment Roll Books, Town of Flushing - These two small volumes (were probably bound together at one time) consisting of about 25 pages each with covers lacking. In these volumes were listed in alphabetical order those residents (a few non-residents included) of the village who owned real estate and/or personal estates on which tax was due. One assessment was taken in Jun 1817, the other in Jun 1821. Both contain signed statements by the assessors or other pertinent officials attesting to the correctness of the assessments or making similar statements.
Assessment Roll Book, Village of Flushing - Similar to the above, but concerned with the village only. This volume also has a Dollars and Cents column which apparently indicates the amount of tax due on the real and/or personal estates. A column also lists exemptions, while another titled "Aggregate” (abbreviated agg.) merely lists the total of the real and personal estates. Signatures of pertinent officials attesting to the correctness of the assessments are Undated This volume is dated 1857 and contains about 250 to 300 names in alphabetical order. Non-residents listed separately.
Account Book Maintained by the Commissioners of the Town Hall - Only about half of this small volume has been utilized. Accounts are arranged by name of individual, and there is a name index. Usually it is difficult to determine the nature of these accounts for the wording is extremely brief consisting only of a word or two. Accounts cover period ca. November 1861 to Jun 1864.
Justice's Court Docket Book of the Town of Flushing - This volume contains abstracts (some more complete than others) of cases brought up before the Justice's Court of Flushing Town for the period ca. 1877-1881. The docket or abstract provides such information as the names of the complainants and defendants, the nature of the complaint, legal costs involved, and the outcome of the trial. This is a fragmentary volume, only about a quarter having been utilized. The presiding judge in the Justice's court was the Justice of the Peace. For the most part, the particular judge involved in these cases was Edward H. Frame.
This particular volume is labeled on the spine as being “No. l”. Perhaps this was the first volume maintained by the Justice's Court, but this is by no means certain. About a dozen pages near the beginning of the volume have been torn out.
Minutes Book of District No.5 of the Board of Education of the Town and Village of Flushing - These minutes cover the period ca. 1841 (evidently the year in which the District or the Board was formed) to 1876. On the cover of this volume has been pasted a note which reads as follows: "This book was given to John Holley Clark by Samuel B. Parsons. It was presented by Dr. Clark to the Flushing Historical Society March 27, 1922. In an address delivered on the occasion of the presentation, Dr. Clark referred to some of the most interesting con tents of this book. A report of this address is also among the archives of the Society".
Roll Book of Public School No. 1 - This small roll book was used principally in 1848. There are, nevertheless, a few entries for 1849-1851. Current classes 6 through 9, and the ages of the students vary from about 7 to 16. Other information provided is the name of the father, his occupation and his residence. Apparently, the classes covered were simply in the field of arithmetic, for the following sub divisions are noted in the volume: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Junior Arithmetic and Senior Arithmetic. Covers are missing from this volume.
Roll Book - Though not labeled as such, and though in a slightly different format than the above, this volume also appears to be a roll book. However, the school is not indicated. The volume does bear the title, Senior Classes", however. The following subjects are indicated; Grammar; Arithmetic (both school and home work); Senior Reading Class; Spelling and Definitions; Astronomy; Zoology; Geography; Physiology; Deportment. Period covered is 1852, and probably a year or so earlier or later. Ages, or names of parents are not indicated. Several numbers found along some columns are not too clear as to their meaning. Perhaps, they may have been used to indicate scores on examinations.
Roll Book - Though not labeled on the cover, most of the pages within this volume are labeled as "Attendance List". Period covered is ca. 1852-1853. Name of the school is not indicated, but this volume appears to be a companion piece to No.7 for names of students are basically the same.
Miscellaneous Documents - These include an Agreement made Jan 14, 1873 between the Trustees of the Village of Flushing and James C. Rossi for drawing a map of the Village (bears a note "From L.B. Prince”); Resolution passed at a meeting of the Board of Town Auditors on February 21, 1871; an account from the Commission of Highways, dated September 27, 1855; an account of William Areson, apparently for taking a census of Flushing inhabitants, dated 1786; tax levy statements dated 18771886. Also included are the following which may not actually be official archival documents. These are a resolution or minutes of a "Meeting of citizens”, concerned apparently with nominating candidates for trustees, dated 1896; a Roll for Attorneys sworn in the Supreme Court, dated 1790s (this may not be an original document but a copy); an account of the Overseers of the poor of the town of Gravesend, dated 1827; an account of the Overseers of the poor of the town of Flatbush, dated 1828; and some minutes of the Union County Central Committee, dated 1864.
The series Mutual Fire Engine Company No. l Records contents are as follows.
Minutes of Meetings Volumes - Five volumes of minutes covering the following period, April 5, 1854 - January 16, 1909. The earliest volume has a published copy of the Code of Laws tipped in. The latest volume has a note dated April 12, 1909 regarding distribution of certificates, and final disbandment of the company. All volumes are full ones.
Miscellaneous Volumes -There are two volumes in this grouping. One is a receipt book maintained by the treasurers of the company, virtually for the entire span of its existence, May 16, 1854 May 2, 1907. In this volume they wrote very brief descriptions of various monies they collected. The vast majority were from "fines and dues”. These monies were received by the treasurer from the secretary, and entered into the volume by the former.
The other volume is a Time Book. It is only partially filled and covers period 1901 - 1908. It appears to be a record of firemen who were at their posts or perhaps attended various meetings. However, the "Remarks11 column apparently lists the various fire calls to which the company responded. The volume also appears to have been used to record one or two miscellaneous entries such as "Badges Issued October 1908".
The series Long Island City Archives contains the following. This small grouping apparently is official Long Island City archives, at least the majority of the documents in it. There are two series within this group. Water Supply Matters - Dated in the 1890s, the approximately dozen items herein apparently deal with the efforts of the Long Island City Water Commissioners to obtain new or better water supplies. Among the documents is an agreement with a water supply company; and a chemical analysis of waters prepared by the chemical laboratory of the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. These documents are both in typescript and manuscript.
Miscellaneous Matters - There are only about four items in this file, three of which deal with charges prepared by the Long Island City pf Fire Commissioners against some individuals, dated 1890s.
The series Smith Fund Account Books contains the following. Not much has been researched concerning The Smith Fund Books as it was called. It was, however, a fund set up to help some of the indigent in the Flushing area, and probably derived its name from the donor.
There are five account books in this grouping, all basically of the same small format and size. Some of the writing on the covers is difficult to read, but it would appear that the accounts were maintained by the trustees of the Fund-with individuals who supplied indigents with some goods. The overwhelming majority of entries are for coal or wood deliveries. There is a possibility that one small volume is not part of this series since it bears the confusing title "William Mitchell on account with William Mitchell". Others bear titles such as "Smith Fund in account with Peck”; "Smith undated F. Smith, William Mitchell and Ezra W. Miller with Isaac Peck and Co."; "Smith Fund with Isaac Peck and Son"; "William Mitchell, trustee Smith Fund with (William Hamilton, Sr.)”. Entries respectively are dated ca. 1850-1866; 1845-1850; 1849-1850; 1854-1861. The William Mitchell on account with William Mitchell column is for 1854 and most entries state "on acct of building", perhaps connected with the construction of a building. One volume contains a "List of Donors to the Smith Fund" and a listing of "Benefactors of Smith Fund". At least one volume appears to have been "Audited by the Board of Town Auditors for Services on Acct Smith Fund".
These small account books then were probably used more or less simultaneously by the trustees to keep an account with various merchants.
The series Thomas D. Sugden Sketch and Note Books and Diaries contains the following.
Folios - There are two distinct groupings of sketches labeled by Mr. Sugden as Folio I and Folio II. These folios contain accompanying notes or identifications of the sketches, as well. Besides these sketches and notes, Mr. Sugden evidently gathered together some 100 or so newspaper clippings pasted on about 55 pages dealing with the theme of Flushing history. These are clippings concerning some of the notable people of the village, and clippings referring to new real estate developments, for example. These he labeled Folio III. At one time, these folios or volumes were loosely bound and thus could be said to be "folios", but now they exist primarily as loose items. These notes and sketches are all mounted on rather soft paper, but the sketches themselves are, by and large, much smaller. In some instances, the notes were written on small pieces of paper then pasted on to the larger; in other instances, written directly on the larger.
Wood Engravings - Over and above the preceding, and presumably apart from them, is yet another folio, again now existing simply as loose items. These, as labeled by Mr. Sugden, consist of "A Collection of 185 wood engravings by some of the best wood engravers in America, they are interesting, rare, and unique”. The above description is also written in French and is signed and dated January 8, 1906. Few, if any, can be said to refer to Flushing. Several deal with the old West, and several are depictions of famous political figures, such as, Abraham Lincoln. All are mounted on very light paper. The engravings themselves are mainly smaller in size, perhaps on the average. Apparently, these engravings were intended for periodicals or other publications of the period.
Miscellaneous Items - The few items (ca.20) herein consist of a few small sketches or newspaper clippings which apparently do not fit into any of the above sequences (at least as far as can be determined); a very few letters or memoranda which probably concern themselves with some donations of material made by Mr. Sugden; and one or two miscellaneous printed items.
Diaries - There are two diaries, maintained in rather small notebooks. Both volumes are full ones containing about 60 to 80 sheets each. Apparently, all, or most of the entries concern Sugden’s relationship with the Flushing Historical Society, that is, his impressions of meetings and the like. One volume covers Dec 1904 - Dec 1906; the other, May 1907 to Jun 1908.
Autographs - Also found among the Sugden series is a collection of about 38 autographs of various individuals which, evidently, Sugden collected. The small envelope in which they originally were in, stated that these were "original autographs, names of prominent persons, donated to the Flushing Historical Society of Flushing, Long Island, New York”, A note on the envelope also stated "From T.D. Sugden (esq.?)”. Presumably, then, Mr. Sugden collected them, or, at least, they came in his possession and he donated them to the Society. Those which are dated are all virtually dated 1891. With but two or three exceptions, these signatures are found on small cards• The others are parts of letters, all of which were addressed to Mr. Thomas Lyons of New York City.
The series Flushing Improvement Association contains the following.
Minutes - Loose minutes, 6 items, for the year 1880. A few may be mistakenly dated 1880 and may be 1881.
Miscellaneous Documents – Thirteen letters addressed mainly to Isaac Peck with some printed notices and a copy of the Association's constitution, dated 1880.
The Flushing Historical Society was founded by LeBaron Bradford Prince of the famous Flushing nursery family. The vast majority of the papers herein are his, and not other members of the family. It should be noted that perhaps some documents scattered elsewhere in this collection may possibly belong in this series. These documents had the name of L.B. Prince somewhere on them, but these probably were not part of his personal papers, but perhaps either collected by him, or somehow coming temporarily into his possession. These, however, could not have amounted to many items.
Real Estate Documents - There are about fifty to sixty documents herein all of which in one way or another deal with real estate matters in which Prince was concerned. Perhaps if not directly concerned he acted as legal counsel, so some of these may actually be part of his personal legal papers, dated principally in the 1870s1880s and very early 1900s.
Non-Real Estate Documents - The approximately thirty documents in this file are primarily political in nature. Included is a broadside announcing a political speech in Farmingdale. Also included is a lengthy manuscript speech presumably read or written by Prince. There are also several letters from various individuals. This grouping is dated principally in the 1870s and 1880s.
Other Prince Family Members -The approximately sixty documents in this file are virtually all cancelled checks (dated 1859-1860) issued on William R. Prince's account. Also included is an 1841 letter to William Prince from William C. Pinkney and an 1863 document which reads "Evergreen Plants required for...Central Park…”
There are four volumes in this small series as follows: Account book maintained by butcher George Pople of Bridge Street in Flushing with unknown person. The brief listing on the pages bear receipt signatures of Pople for having received payment for the meat products he sold. Similar to the account books of "Smith undated" this item would not seem to have any bearing with that undated dated ca. 1871-1875.
This volume contains signatures of stock holders of The Flushing, College Point and New York Steam Ferry Company. Number of shares and the amount they were worth are listed. Several pages at back of volume were, perhaps, used to jot down other names, but for what reason it is unknown. These latter names are written in pencil and are difficult to decipher, and have been crossed out, dated 1859.
Daybook, evidently utilized by a street construction company or perhaps even an official village or town archival item, but this is not clear. Evidently, the volume was used at two distinct time periods. The front page, apparently torn out-spine bears initials J.R.. The first period of time this volume was utilized was July 1869 to January 1870. It is difficult to determine exactly for what purposes the book was maintained, other than to list various financial expenses incurred, and payments made for the same. Headings are all "New York" suggesting, of course, what is now the borough of Manhattan. Most or at least a good portion of the expenses appear to be connected with printing or stationery for there are such listings as “to cutting calendar cards”; "20 sheets Post Bd." and “50 sheets and blanks”.
The second portion, very minor in length, is dated 1903 and appears to be dealing with accounts for various kinds of road work. It is written in pencil, and among some of the brief entries are "Resurfacing 1st Avenue..."; "Cleaning Whitestone Avenue...". From other streets mentioned, the area involved is essentially Flushing. Inserted into the volume at this point are about half a dozen "Weighing Tickets" issued to or by the firm of Donoghue and Halleran, evidently deals in coal, wood and masons material.
There is yet a third portion, but it appears to be connected with the former. Entries are for 1903 and 1904. Evidently it is a listing of workmen employed in resurfacing various streets in Flushing Town area. Presumably, the figures following each name indicate the amount paid, but this is not clear. One page itemizes various tools on hand. One or two pages from this section appear to have been torn out.
Published book titled A LITTLE BOOK FOR LITTLE CHILDREN in London in 1661. The book is in very poor condition. The pages in it may have gotten loose and were re-sown, but title page apparently sewed on towards back of book, not front.
The Miscellaneous Documents series contains the following. There are about 150-200 documents in this series, all of a varied and miscellaneous nature. An attempt has been made to group them essentially according type of document. The following are these groupings:
Acts - This is an extremely small file consisting of less than a dozen petitions addressed to the New York State Legislature urging passage of acts pertaining to toll roads or the draining of lands. These are dated 1871. Also included are three other documents, two of which are drafts of acts, the other apparently a manuscript copy of an act. These also are probably dated in the 1870s.
Bills and Receipts - About a dozen items dated ca. 1789-1896. Among the documents are receipts for newspaper subscriptions; and a receipt issued for payment made for "rent of the main audience room of the Town Hall”.
Clippings and Tear sheets - The majority of the approximately twenty items in this file are tear sheets from the "Long Island Times” or other newspapers referring to Finance Reports of the village of Flushing, and are dated ca. 1878-1886.
Court Documents - Four miscellaneous documents, including what appears to be an indictment to the grand jurors of Kings County, dated April 17, 1786.
Letters - About half a dozen letters including one from J. Browne Jr. dated Jun 22, 1910 enclosing a photograph of "The Fox Oaks”; one from Freeman Loomis, dated Aug 2, 1909 regarding the ancestry of the Bloodgood family; and a letter from Senator William J. Youngs, dated February 2, 1881. On the verso of this latter letter is a note reading "Autographs given by L.B. Prince, May 8, `05”.
Maps - About five items, the most unique of which is a very large map on linen type paper titled “U.S. Coast Survey...Flushing Bay and Approaches", published in 1855.
Military Documents - About 21 documents comprise this file, half a dozen of which were labeled by the Society as being "duplicates of all papers referring to the roll of honor which were sealed in a lead box and placed in the center of the World War Monument by the William A. Leonard Post #422 of the American Legion, May 30, 1925". Among these few documents is an approximately 60 page typewritten list containing the names of the individuals from Flushing who fought in World War I.
The other documents refer largely to one or two veteran posts in Flushing, or are miscellaneous documents of one kind or another, such as a "Muster Roll of Captain Thomas L. Robinson Company L in the Second Regiment of Light Artillery..", dated 1861.
Publications - Four pamphlets published in 1850s (one probably early 20th century) on various topics. Also a leaflet issued in 1913 describing an European tour; and a leaflet on woman suffrage.
Quaker Meeting House - Two letters and a memorandum dated 1908 regarding the history of Flushing's Quaker Meeting House.
Queens Borough Public Library - Typewritten book list titled "Selected Reading List on History", There are about 8 copies of this three page document.
Real Estate Deeds and Related Documents - About a dozen items dated ca. 1798-1874. Not all appear to be related to Flushing. Among the items is a rental agreement pertaining to a house in New York County and a bond between two individuals of Gravesend.
Real Estate Deeds Pertaining to Peck Family - All but one of the eleven documents in this file were originally in an envelope marked "Old Deeds -Isaac Peck 2nd, Loaned by E. J. Peck, 25 Lawrence St." All or nearly all of these deeds in one way or another refer to land held by the Pecks, dated early 19th century.
Tax Bills or Receipts - All or nearly all of the approximately dozen items in this file are receipted tax bills of Robert Tripp or Isabel Robinson for having paid various property taxes to the village or town of Flushing.
Transportation Documents - There are about nine documents in this file, about half of which are letters. Also included is a petition containing about 100 signatures against "An Act to incorporate the New York and Long Island Bridge Company11; and a time table of the Sunday trains of the Flushing, North Shore and Central Rail Road; and a broadside addressed to "All Citizens of Flushing and other Stations on the Flushing and North Side Railroad", dated primarily in the 1880s.
Wills - Four wills or related documents, dated 19th and 20th century.
Miscellaneous - There are 31 documents in this file. Among them is a typescript titled "Reminiscences of Flushing Seventy Years Ago”, by John J. Van De Water, dated 1910; a few envelopes; a blotter issued by Cornell's Print Shop (1930s?) an account of the sale of the estate of John Leverich; a genealogical family tree sheet of the Bowne and Parsons Families; an invitation presented to George' W. Pople by the Sons of the Revolution (ca.1910s) to become a member of an historical committee; and a print of the Civil War monument erected by the Flushing Monument Association; and an appointment, dated April 22, 1782, of William Wright to a fire engine company.
Return to the Table of Contents
Return to the Table of Contents
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The Flushing Historical Society Collection, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Provenance
The materials in this collection are primarily those items donated or collected by the Society, and not to any great extent internal records, such as minutes of meetings or the like. Though we have no substantial idea as to how much material the Society collected, there can be no doubt that what is represented in this collection is but a small part. It should also be remembered, that besides old documents and manuscripts, it collected, or at least was given, artifacts of one type or another, none of which are represented here.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
Return to the Table of Contents
Access Points
Subject Organizations:
- Flushing Historical Society (Flushing, New York, N.Y.)
Subject Places:
- Flushing (New York, N.Y.)
Return to the Table of Contents
Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
