Series IV: Publications and Articles

Spanning the period from 1890 to 2003, the Annual Reports provide an excellent overview of BCNY's activities and philosophy and the organization's evolution over time. They are also a rich source of information about the neighborhoods in which BCNY operated (the East Village, the Lower East Side, and Harlem), and about the economic and social conditions of the times. For example, the 1917 Annual Report includes a photograph of a minstrel show performed by the boys; the 1925 Annual Report is titled "A Flame Beneath the Melting Pot;" and the 1941-1942 Annual Report focuses on "Training for Service" and "Men of the Post-War World." Beginning in 1907, reports are illustrated with photographs depicting clubhouse and camp activities and, occasionally, neighborhood scenes. Annual reports also reflect the evolution of social work in America.

This subseries consists of pamphlets and newsletters issued by BCNY, the former to solicit funds and volunteers, and the latter to highlight current programs and the achievements of individual members and staff. Pamphlets include images and many summarize BCNY's achievements, providing capsule histories of the organization. Like the Annual Reports, they are also a good source of information about economic and social trends.

This subseries consists primarily of issues of The Boys' Club Record, an in-house publication of the boys containing news of Club activities and events, as well as reports of individual members' achievements. Published between the 1890's and 1960's, the Record provides information about the small "clubs" into which the boys were organized (for example, the Senior Club, the Law & Order Club, the Dramatic and Debating Club, etc.), and about athletic events, lectures, dances, theatrical productions, and other clubhouse activities. Some issues also contain essays and profiles of members.

The Record was published monthly. The collection includes both loose copies and issues that were bound together by BCNY for their library.

In addition to the Record, this subseries includes various other publications by individual clubs within BCNY.

This subseries contains newspaper clippings and magazine articles about BCNY and people associated with the organization. Magazines featuring BCNY advertisements are also included.

This subseries includes a history of BCNY, written by Sharon Zane for the organization in 1990, as well as various other historical sketches, reminiscences, and interview transcripts. There is also some correspondence relating to these projects.

This subseries includes a book of quotations for public speakers, and a published book about E.H. Harriman and his estate, Arden Farms.