Henry A. Meyer scrapbooks
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Abstract
The Henry A. Meyer scrapbooks date from 1888 to 1934 and consists of five scrapbooks which document the professional life of Henry Meyer, a Brooklyn businessman, real estate developer, and government official. The scrapbooks contain news clippings, correspondence, programs, photographs, and memorabilia. In addition to the scrapbooks, the collection includes a copy of Vanderveer Park, by Meyers, inscribed to his mother, 1901.
Biographical note
Henry Adolf Meyer (1860-1940) was born in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Meyer began his career as a grocer, serving as president of the Retail Grocer's Association of Brooklyn and the Retail Merchants Association of Brooklyn. In 1891, Meyer ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Brooklyn as a Republican. He formed the Germania Real Estate and Investment Company, which in 1892 began the development of the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, especially Vanderveer Park. Meyer was also committed to the development of Jamaica Bay as an industrial area and a harbor, working as the head of the Jamaica Bay Improvement Commission and as deputy New York City Dock Commissioner from 1918 to 1933. He authored two books: Vanderveer Park , published in 1901, and Looking Through Life's Window, an autobiography published in 1930.
Scope and Contents
The Henry A. Meyer scrapbooks date from 1888 to 1934 and measure 2.25 linear feet. The collection consists of five scrapbooks which document the professional life of Henry Meyer, a Brooklyn businessman, real estate developer, and government official. The scrapbooks contain news clippings, correspondence, programs, photographs, and memorabilia. The scrapbooks document the following topics: Meyer's campaign for mayor of Brooklyn and work with the United Retail Grocers' Association; publication of Meyer's autobiography, Looking Through Life's Window; the Meyer family, politics, real estate, and development of Jamaica Bay and Vanderveer Park; launch of the municipal ferry boat Henry A. Meyer; and Meyer's work with the New York City Docks Department, including Jamaica Bay and the Staten Island Ferry, as well as his campaign to be appointed postmaster of Brooklyn.
In addition to the scrapbooks, the collection includes a copy of Vanderveer Park, by Meyers, inscribed to his mother, 1901.
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Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Henry A. Meyer scrapbooks, 1977.193, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. Alfred Steers, Jr., 1957.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Minimally processed to the collection level.
