Ruth D. Cruikshank papers
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
This collection contains various typed and handwritten notes and news clippings on Brooklyn history compiled by Brooklyn resident Ruth D. Cruikshank (b. 1892) and organized by subject matter, as well as materials related to the Decker family of Brooklyn.
Biographical note
Reuben S. Decker (1830-1911) was partners with Hamilton Weed in the Capitoline Grounds, which were located on Decker's land, once the estate of the prominent Lefferts family of Brooklyn. One of Decker's daughters was Laura Cruikshank, who may have been Ruth D. Cruikshank's mother.
Arrangement
The materials are arranged into folders by subject matter.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains various typed and handwritten notes and news clippings on Brooklyn history compiled by Brooklyn resident Ruth D. Cruikshank (b. 1892) and organized by subject matter. Subjects include banks, mayors, the military, transportation, recreation, prominent Brooklyn citizens and organizations, the Capitoline Grounds on Bedford Avenue, the neighborhood of East New York, and the East Reformed Presbyterian Church, among others. Also included are materials relating to Reuben S. and Sarah A. Decker. Items pertaining to the Decker family include a journal, legal papers from a dispute between the Decker and Brevoort families, receipts, tax bills, and certificates. The collection spans the period 1863 to 1947.
Subjects
Families
People
Topics
Places
Conditions Governing Access
The folder of original "History notes" is restricted due to its fragile condition. The provided photocopies should be used instead.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Ruth D. Cruikshank papers, 1977.429, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Ruth D. Cruikshank, 1965.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Due to the fragile nature of the originals, researchers should use the phocopied "History notes" whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Originally minimally processed to the collection level, this collection was rehoused and the finding aid revised by Dee Bowers in November 2023. At that time, news clippings were photocopied and the originals discarded.
Sponsor Note
Repository
View Inventory
History notes by topic - originals, undated
Conditions Governing Access
This folder is restricted due to the fragility of the documents.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Researchers should use the provided photocopies for access.
History notes by topic - photocopies, undated
Scope and Contents
Topics in alphabetical order: Academy of Music, Advertisements, Autograph album, Banks, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Institute, Brooklyn Theatre victims at Greenwood, Buildings, Columbia Heights, Coney Island, Draft Riots, East River ice, Fires, Friends (Society of), Friends Cemetery, Gas Lighting, Greenwood Cemetery, Irishtown, Judges, Manhattan Beach, Mayors, Monuments, Monument to Lafayette, Orchards, Otton family, Plymouth [Church], Politicians, Ponds, Pratt Institute, Pumps, Revolutionary War, Rollerskating, Sanitary Fair, Schools, Singers, St. John's Church (Fort Hamilton), Streets, Telephones, Temperance, Theatres, Transportation, Waterfront, Williamsburg, Yacht Clubs and Yachting. The subject topics are followed by individuals listed by surname: Abbott, Dr. Lyman; Beecher, Henry Ward; Conway, Lillian; Cragin, Mrs. E.S.; Fancher, Mollie; Kidd, Captain; MacFarland, Daniel; McLean, Andrew; MacMonnies, Frederick; Mosher, Dr. Eliza; Storrs, Rev. Richard Salter; Stranahan, J.S.T.; Talmage, T. De Witt.
The Capitoline Grounds documents and clippings, circa 1888-1947, inclusive
Scope and Contents
One oversize survey of the Grounds and several blocks surrounding them, with points of interest marked, is stored in a flat file.
East New York history notes, undated
East Reformed Presbyterian Church document and notes, undated
Scope and Contents
One circa 19th century document with specifications of the mason work to be done at the church and three pages with Cruikshank's research notes.
"Staging Area - Brooklyn," pp. 11-64, December 9, 1945
Scope and Contents
A publication of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle about Brooklyn's role in WWII.
Processing Information
The archivist photocopied the fragile original pages and discarded the originals.
Research notes, undated
Scope and Contents
Topics include Brooklyn Free Library, Navy Yard, Tom Paine, Henry Ward Beecher, Long Island Bank, R.D. Alliger, and the Brooklyn Theatre fire.
