Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. papers
Call Number
Date
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. papers include documents related to Nathan's civic service as a politician and communitarian, particularly within Jewish organizations. The collection includes speeches, correspondence, reports, and memorabilia from his time as a delegate to the 1938 New York Constitutional Convention, as Manhattan Borough President (1941-1945), and as a Justice to the New York Supreme Court (1946-1965), in addition to containing papers on his lifelong work in the Jewish community, particularly with Congregation Shearith Israel and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Print matter (much of it related to Judaism), photographs, general personal correspondence, and materials related to his time in the practice of law or in the service of the War Trade Board during World War I can also be found in the collection, along with limited materials related to Nathan's ancestry and early Jewish immigration to America.
Biographical / Historical
Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. was born in New York City to parents Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. and Sara N. Solis on 28 August 1891. As a young man, Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. attended the Collegiate School, graduating in 1909 and receiving his A.B. degree from Williams College in 1913. Following in his father's footsteps, Nathan then studied law at Columbia University, where he received his L.L.B. After graduating from Columbia in 1916, Nathan briefly practiced law in his father's firm, Cardozo & Nathan (though relatives of Benjamin N. Cardozo worked for this firm, there are no records in this collection of Benjamin N. Cardozo in conjunction with Cardozo & Nathan), before marrying his lifelong wife, Mabel Unterberg, in 1917, with whom he would have two sons: Edgar J. Nathan, III and Frederick S. Nathan. When World War I began, he got a job at the War Trade Board, where he remained for two years. He climbed the ranks of his department, becoming the Chief of the Division of Restricted Imports before he resigned to return to the practice of law at Cardozo & Nathan.
Nathan, a direct descendant of Abraham de Lucena, one of the 13 original Jewish settlers in America, came from a very prestigious bloodline with deep ties to the United States, New York City, Judaism, and Shearith Israel—the earliest Jewish congregation in America, which was founded by Nathan's ancestors upon their arrival in New Amsterdam in 1654. As a result, Nathan dedicated large portions of his life to Jewish service and held positions of power in various Jewish organizations, including such titles as Vice-President, and later President, of Shearith Israel (for much of his life), Director of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Director and Vice-President of the American Jewish Historical Society, Secretary of the Jewish Family Service, President of the League of Fraternal and Benevolent Organizations of the Jewish Education Committee, and Director and President of The Judeans, among others. Nathan also did philanthropic work outside of the Jewish community, working as Director of the Goodwill Industries of New York and Honorary Director of the Knickerbocker Hospital in addition to donating large sums of money to various organizations, including his alma maters, all three of which (in addition to the Jewish Theological Seminary) eventually granted him awards or honorary degrees.
Though Nathan attempted to secure a position as Assistant Attorney General in 1920, it was not until 1937 that he was elected to his first political office, as a Republican delegate to the New York Constitutional Convention. There, he was on the Committees on the Judiciary, Bill of Rights, and Cities, where he worked with such notable politicians as Al Smith and Robert Wagner. One year later, in 1939, he ran for a vacant position on the New York Supreme Court, but failed to obtain the office, and so returned to the practice of law.
In 1941, Nathan successfully ran for Manhattan Borough President on the Republican and Fusion Party tickets. While in office, from 1941-1945, he worked alongside Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and Robert Moses on post-war construction works, including the East River (FDR) Drive and plans for the proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX), though it was never built. When he ran for reelection in 1946 and was ousted, he briefly joined the law firm of Gale, Bernays, Falk, Eisner, & Nathan, before Governor Thomas Dewey appointed him to a vacant seat on the New York Supreme Court, in the First Judicial District, in March 1946. That November, Nathan was officially elected to fill the vacancy for a fourteen-year term, and eventually, in 1960, he ran successfully for reelection. He served on the court past the retirement age, remaining on the bench until his death on 30 April 1965.
Arrangement
The collection is organized in the following series:
Series I. Constitutional Convention, 1937-1941
Series II. Manhattan Borough Presidency, 1923-1945 (bulk, 1941-1945)
Series III. New York Supreme Court, 1938-1965
Series IV. Jewish Leadership, 1896-1967 (bulk, 1937-1965)
Series V. General Correspondence, 1900-1976
Series VI. Print Matter, 1881-1959 (bulk, 1890-1925)
Series VII. Memorabilia, 1808-1966
Scope and Contents
The Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. papers are comprised primarily of documents related to Edgar J. Nathan's work in civic service, both in terms of his involvement in New York politics and his active Jewish life. The collection includes papers—including correspondence, speeches, campaign materials, and reports on his accomplishments in office—for the three main stages of Nathan's political life, beginning with his time as a delegate to the 1938 New York Constitutional Convention and proceeding to his tenure as Manhattan Borough President in the early 1940s and New York Supreme Court Justice from 1946 until his death in 1965. During the years of Nathan's political service, he came into contact and formed relationships with a variety of influential political figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Fiorello La Guardia, Robert Moses, Al Smith, Robert Wagner, Nelson Rockefeller, and Thomas Dewey. Thus, the collection includes correspondence with some of these men, though in other cases Nathan possessed only their signatures or impersonal notes from their offices. The collection also includes a significant amount of correspondence with Nathan's cousin, Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo.
In regards to Nathan's Jewish life, the collection contains documents—mainly souvenir programs, correspondence, speeches, and print matter—from a variety of organizations with which he was intimately involved, most prominently Shearith Israel (also known as the Spanish and Portuguese Congregation) and the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). The papers include extensive correspondence and memorabilia from major events in each organization's history, including Shearith Israel's (and worldwide) tercentenary celebrations commemorating the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Jews in America, the Jewish Theological Seminary's semi-centennial anniversary, and, in the case of Shearith Israel, stretching as far back as the consecration of their current house of worship in 1896.
The collection is also home to a sizable quantity of Nathan's personal correspondence and bills, most of which originate from the mid-20th century, as well as photographs, accumulated books (mostly on Jewish topics), and personal memorabilia, some of which pertains to preceding generations of the Nathan family—including, but not limited to, information on early Jewish immigration to the United States that traces the genealogies of the Nathan, Gomez, Seixas and Solis families.
For more information on early Jewish families that were related to the Nathans, see the New-York Historical Society's collection of the Hendricks Family papers.
Subjects
Organizations
Families
Genres
People
Topics
Access Restrictions
Open to qualified researchers.
Use Restrictions
This collection is owned by the New-York Historical Society. The copyright law of the United States governs the making of photocopies and protects unpublished materials as well as published materials. Unpublished materials created before January 1, 1978 cannot be quoted in publication without permission of the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
This collection should be cited as the Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. papers, MS 438, New-York Historical Society.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated by Frederic S. Nathan and Edgar J. Nathan, III in September 1980.
About this Guide
Processing Information
The collection was processed by archival intern Zora Arum in 2018.
Repository
Series I. Constitutional Convention, 1937-1941, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series is comprised of materials related to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s position as delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1938. Much of the series constitutes documents regarding the 1937 election, including voting schedules and results, colorful district maps, candidate promotional materials and other ephemera, and correspondence in light of Nathan's victory. However, the series also includes correspondence about the convention itself, such as a letter from Nathan to his wife, Mabel, on the daily routine at the convention, fairly extensive records on amendments proposed in Albany, and a souvenir poster signed by the members of the Committee on the Judiciary (especially significant are the signatures of Al Smith and Robert Wagner). Post-convention correspondence, which is also included in the series, is primarily in regards to dinner reunion plans and two funerals for former delegates to the convention. Additionally, the series contains 11 of the original 12 volumes of reading material sent out to the delegates in preparation for their duties, which mainly concern foundational information on U.S. government and constitutional history.
Arrangement
The series is organized in rough chronological order, beginning with campaign materials and election congratulations, followed by general correspondence, proposed amendments, and clippings on the convention, and ending with post-convention correspondence. Print matter and oversize materials complete the series.
Campaign Materials (2 folders of 3), 1937, inclusive
Campaign Materials (Folder 3 of 3), 1937, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Oversize 1937 Borough of Manhattan election schedule, Republican ballot instructional manual and oversize maps of 7th and 11th Manhattan Assembly Districts.
Congratulations on Election, 1937, inclusive
Misc. Constitutional Convention Correspondence, 1937-1939, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes 1938 letter from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. to wife on daily routine during Constitutional Convention.
Proposed Amendments (Folder 1 of 2), 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains name-embossed book of proposed amendments at the convention with Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s annotations.
Proposed Amendments (Folder 2 of 2), 1938, inclusive
Clippings (2 folders), 1937-1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 7 includes a clipping about World War I.
Post-Constitutional Convention Correspondence (2 folders), 1939-1941, inclusive
Constitutional Committee Reports, Vol. 1-10 and 12, 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Volumes include, New York State Constitution Annotated, Amendments Proposed to New York Constitution, Constitutions of the States and United States, State and Local Government in New York, New York City Government Functions and Problems, Problems Relating to Bill of Rights and General Welfare, Problems Relating to Legislative Organization and Powers, Problems Relating to Executive Administration and Powers, Problems Relating to Judicial Administration and Organization, Problems Relating to Taxation and Finance, and an index. All volumes inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, III's name and address.
Constitutional Committee Note, 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains copies of note from Constitutional Committee Chairman Charles Poletti on the purpose of the committee reports. Originally enclosed in accompanying volumes.
Oversize Constitutional Convention Seating Map, 1938
Oversize Committee on the Judiciary Poster, 1938
Scope and Contents
Features the signatures of all members of the committee, as well as other prominent New York politicians who were involved with the convention, including Al Smith and Robert Wagner.
Series II. Manhattan Borough Presidency, 1923-1945, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series consists of documents related to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s tenure as Manhattan Borough President, which lasted from 1941-1945. These include campaign materials, related correspondence (including communication with various influential politicians such as Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and Robert Moses), construction plans, speeches (many on Jewish topics or for Jewish audiences), financial reports, Board of Estimate meeting minutes, and memorabilia from New York City events, including a 1945 dinner honoring then-general Dwight D. Eisenhower. The series also contains photographs, clippings, and scrapbooks. Much of the material is about World War II and post-war construction works, including the construction of the East River Drive (FDR) and the proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX), which was never built.
Arrangement
The documents remain almost entirely in their original subject folders, though many of the folders were previously unlabeled and titles were primarily devised by the processing archivist, with the exception of the folders containing Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s speeches and his plans for the arterial highway bill, which retain original labels. Items of other formats, including print matter, newspaper clippings, photographs, and oversized posters, are listed at the end of the series.
Congratulations on Nomination, 1941, inclusive
Campaign Materials (Folder 1 of 2), 1941, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Election materials from 1941 campaign for Manhattan Borough Presidency, including biographies, press releases, and a Speaker's Handbook re: La Guardia Administration accomplishments, among other documents.
Campaign Materials (Folder 2 of 2), 1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Campaign materials from failed 1945 campaign for re-election to office of Manhattan Borough President, including campaign song, list of construction works, endorsements, and remarks.
Misc. Manhattan Borough Presidency Documents, 1941-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes information about East River Drive opening ceremonies, plans for other post-war construction works, Manhattan Borough President ID badge, memo of understanding with Terminal Market of New York related to improvements in the Washington Wholesale Market, and correspondence from Mayor La Guardia, as well as a clipping on Thomas Dewey's campaign for the U.S. Presidency.
Honorary Dinner Memorabilia (Folder 1 of 2), 1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Documents from 1945 dinner honoring General Dwight D. Eisenhower, including telegram from Marie La Guardia, Mayor La Guardia's wife, inviting Mabel Nathan, Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s wife, to a luncheon with the women of General Eisenhower's party, flowers from the table decoration, and a picture of General Eisenhower with Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. in the background. Also contains a letter from Charles C. Burlingham.
Honorary Dinner Memorabilia (Folder 2 of 2), 1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Programs and other mementos from 1945 dinners honoring General Jonathan M. Wainwright and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, including a photograph of Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. on a dais with various important New York State politicians (such as Governor Thomas Dewey). Also includes a parking map from Navy Day.
Arterial Highway Bill, 1941-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes tense correspondence between Edgar J. Nathan, Jr., Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, Robert Moses, and other important New York City officials regarding a disagreement over control of post-war highway construction works.
Proposed Lower Manhattan Crosstown Express Highway (Folder 1 of 2), 1943
Scope and Contents
Contains book of plans drafted by Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. for Lower Manhattan Crosstown Express Highway (LOMEX).
Proposed Lower Manhattan Crosstown Express Highway (Folder 2 of 2), 1943-1944, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains papers previously enclosed within Folder 18 book, including correspondence between Edgar Jr . Nathan and various important New York officials (Mayor LaGuardia, Governor Thomas Dewey, Robert Moses) as well as plans for crosstown expressway.
East River Drive Books, 1940-1942, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains 1940 book on East River Drive plans and a 1942 booklet commemorating the Opening of East River Drive and Commercial Marginal Way.
Post-War Construction Print Matter, 1942-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes, among other documents, the proposed post-war works program published by the City Planning Commission; a booklet on the Parks Department's proposed reconstruction of Battery Park; the Parks Department's report on scheduling of postwar improvements; Nathan's white paper "Plan to Alleviate Traffic Congestion in Midtown Manhattan"; and the Manhattan Borough Works' illustrated description of the new municipal asphalt plant.
New York Advancing: Victory Edition, 1945
Scope and Contents
Book on accomplishments of Mayor La Guardia's tenure, signed by Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and contains much information about post-war construction in New York City.
Board of Estimate Minutes and Other Documents (Folder 1 of 2), 1943, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains binder labeled "The Committee on Grievances: Bar Association," but documents inside are entirely related to 1943 Board of Estimate meetings.
Board of Estimate Minutes and Other Documents (Folder 2 of 2), 1944, inclusive
Borough of Manhattan Fiscal Reports (Folder 1 of 5), 1941-1942, inclusive
Borough of Manhattan Fiscal Reports (4 folders of 5), 1942-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
The fifth folder holds the Borough President's financial report for 1944-45.
Speeches—Home (3 folders of 5), 1942-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Many speeches written for Manhattan Borough Presidency events, but also many written for Jewish audiences or with Jewish themes.
Speeches—Home (Folder 4 of 5), 1925-1944, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains speech materials, including drafts of jokes and Jewish articles. Also contains copies of articles written by Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. on post-war construction.
Speeches—Home (Folder 5 of 5), 1923-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Clippings, mostly featuring Judaism.
Speeches (4 folders), 1942-1944, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 12 contains speeches and articles written in support of Governor Thomas E. Dewey's presidential campaign against Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Reference Letters (2 folders), 1940-1945, inclusive
Photographs, 1941-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes photos of Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. with various other men, including New York Secretary of State Thomas J. Curran. Also includes photos of Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. giving gifts to Jewish orphans and changing a Broadway street sign to say "Bondway" in honor of the third war loan drive.
Clippings (5 folders), 1941-1945, inclusive
Language of Materials
Oversize Washington Eagle Clipping on Endorsements, 1941
2 Oversize Campaign Posters, c. 1941-1946, inclusive
Scrapbooks (2 volumes of 5), 1941-1943, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contain clippings, dinner programs, photos, and other assorted documents from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s tenure as Manhattan Borough President.
Scrapbooks (3 volumes of 5), 1944-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contain clippings, dinner programs, photos, and other assorted documents from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s tenure as Manhattan Borough President.
Meeting Attendance and Voting Records (Flat Box), 1941-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains log of attendence and voting records for all borough presidents at joint meetings during Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s tenure.
Series III. New York Supreme Court, 1938-1965, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series is made up of documents that relate to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s tenure as a New York Supreme Court Justice, which lasted from 1946 until his death in 1965, as well as his failed campaign for the New York Supreme Court in 1939. These include promotional materials, sympathy and congratulatory letters (in response to Nathan's failure in 1939, appointment by Thomas Dewey to fill a vacancy in 1946, official election to the court that November, and his re-election in 1960), information on his cases in the form of clippings, scrapbooks, and correspondence, and general correspondence, including the vast quantity of reference letters that Nathan wrote while in office. The series also contains photographs and other miscellaneous documents, including an interview transcript in which Nathan speaks at length about his genealogy as a descendant of Abraham de Lucena.
Arrangement
The documents remain in their original subject folders, except for those that were relocated by the processing archivist from miscellaneous folders. However, the folders were originally unlabeled and titles were devised by the archivist. The subject files begin with campaign materials and correspondence from Edgar J. Nathan's appointment, election, and re-election to the New York Supreme Court, then advance to correspondence regarding cases that Nathan presided over, followed by reference letters that he wrote during his tenure. The series ends with clippings and seven scrapbooks, which are filled with clippings from law journals on Nathan's cases.
Election Materials (3 folders), 1939-1960, inclusive
Congratulations on Nomination to NY Supreme Court (2 folders), 1939, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes endorsement from The New York Post, notes from family (including sons at college, Emily and Solomon Solis Cohen), congratulatory note from Charles C. Burlingham, and some enclosed four-leaf clovers. Includes letters from some New York politcians, including Edward Corsi and contemporary Manhattan Borough President Stanley M. Issacs. Some notes are addressed to Nathan's wife, Mabel.
Sympathy Letters on Election Defeat, 1939, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Like Folders 19-20, contains letters from New York politicians, including Stanley M. Isaacs. Contains many references to the political machine of Tammany Hall and political polarization.
Congratulations on Appointment to NY Supreme Court (6 folders), 1946, inclusive
Congratulations on Election to NY Supreme Court (6 folders), 1946-1947, inclusive
Supreme Court Cases and Correspondence (4 folders), 1946-1964, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 15 contains a letter from Governor Thomas E. Dewey and correspondence related to injuries Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. sustained in an automobile accident. Also contains rosters of certified psychologists and members of the National Republican Club. Folder 16 contains a clothing catalogue for robes.
Reference Letters (3 folders), 1946-1963, inclusive
Oversize Supreme Court Campaign Poster, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Endorses Edgar J. Nathan, Jr., Macdonald Dewitt, and Michael R. Matteo for Supreme Court.
Oversize Supreme Court Campaign Poster, Undated, inclusive
Misc. Print Matter, 1954-1964, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains book of court cases that Nathan presided over (corresponds to "Volume 4" of Supreme Court scrapbooks), address book of New York Supreme Court justices in 1958, a bound interview transcript of Nathan explaining his genealogy back to Abraham de Lucena, and Nathan's certificate of service as a retired Supreme Court justice.
Photographs, 1946-1964, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes photographs of Nathan being sworn in as New York Supreme Court Justice by New York Secretary of State Thomas J. Curran, photographs of Nathan with Governor Thomas E. Dewey, and photographs of New York Supreme Court events.
Typescripts of Campaign Clippings (Folder 1 of 3), 1939, inclusive
Campaign Clippings (2 folders of 3), 1939, inclusive
Clippings (3 folders), 1946-1965, inclusive
Yiddish Newspaper Clippings, 1939, inclusive
Clippings Scrapbook of Nathan Cases (4 volumes of 7), 1938-1960, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Volume 1 contains some unrelated material, including some clippings about the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Constitutional Convention of 1938.
Clippings Scrapbook of Nathan Cases (3 volumes of 7), 1956-1965, inclusive
Series IV. Jewish Leadership, 1896-1967, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series is comprised of correspondence, memorabilia, clippings, speeches, and print matter related to Edgar J. Nathan's Jewish life and leadership, including his activity in various Jewish organizations such as Shearith Israel, where he was president, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was on the Board of Directors. Many of the materials in the series are related to specific events which Nathan helped plan, including tercentenary celebrations (both for Shearith Israel and for a larger Jewish audience) and the semi-centennial celebration of JTS. The tercentenary files also include a signed note from Dwight D. Eisenhower. Other information on Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s Jewish life and leadership can be found throughout the collection, but especially in the speeches segment of Series II. Manhattan Borough Presidency (Box 2, Folders 5-12) and in Series VI and VII (Print Matter and Memorabilia).
Arrangement
The series is arranged by subject matter, beginning with papers related to Shearith Israel and advancing to Jewish correspondence and print matter. General correspondence is followed by papers related to the 300th anniversary (tercentenary) of the arrival of Jews to America and founding of the Shearith Israel Congregation and the 50th anniversary (semi-centennial) of the founding of the Jewish Theological Seminary. The series concludes with photographs.
Misc. Shearith Israel Papers, 1896-1967, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains clippings and programs from the Mill Street Synagogue's 200th anniversary celebrations, programs from 1896 dedication of the synagogue, speeches and reports from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s presidency, and bulletins from 1925-1964.
Misc. Jewish Correspondence and Print Matter (1 folder of 4), 1941-1961, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains print matter from various Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Social Service Association.
Misc. Jewish Correspondence and Print Matter (3 folders of 4), 1815-1966, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains print matter from various Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Social Service Association. Folder 3 contains newspaper clippings about various Jewish events and topics, including articles/essays about and by Solomon Schechter, as well as a photocopy of an 1815 article on Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s ancestors on the Solis side opening a dry goods store.
Tercentenary Speeches, 1948-1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Mainly tercentenary speeches and speech drafts, but also includes unrelated 1948 Jewish speech.
Tercentenary Papers (Folder 1 of 7), 1954-1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains invitation to dinner honoring Jacob Javits and a copy of a speech by then-president Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as tercentenary material. Also includes photographs from the event.
Tercentenary Papers (Folder 2 of 7), 1954
Scope and Contents
Letter to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Tercentenary Papers (3 folders of 7), 1948-1956, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Various correspondence and print matter from tercentenary, except a few seemingly random letters from 1948 in Folder 9.
Tercentenary Papers (2 folders of 7), 1953-1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Scrapbooks.
Jewish Theological Seminary Papers (6 folders), 1918-1961, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Mainly contains correspondence and print matter related to 1937 JTS semi-centennial celebration, in addition to print matter from the 1910s with "E.N.S." inscribed on the covers of some booklets.
Photographs, 1951-1964, inclusive
Series V. General Correspondence, 1900-1976, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series contains mostly personal correspondence, including bills, receipts, condolences, and congratulations, the bulk of which is from the 1930s and 1940s. The series also includes some correspondence from or about various politicians and Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s political life.
Arrangement
The series is arranged into two subseries:
Subseries V.A Subject Files
Subseries V.B Chronological Files
Subseries V.A Subject Files, 1914-1976, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The subseries begins with condolences for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s father's death, his mother's death, his cousin, Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo's death, his aunt's death, and finally his own death, coupled with acknowledgments for gifts made in Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s name, and obituaries/memorial papers for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. The series then advances to congratulations, birthday wishes (including some from prominent politicians), correspondence in regards to jobs Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. held outside of politics, including with the War Trade Board and the law firm Cardozo & Nathan, and a failed attempt to secure a position as Assistant Attorney General. The subseries also contains a folder of correspondence regarding Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s sons, which includes correspondence both with and about them.
Arrangement
The subseries is arranged in original subject folders and grouped together by topic.
Condolences for Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s Death (3 folders), 1929-1931, inclusive
Condolences for Sara Solis Nathan (Mother)'s Death (3 folders), 1937, inclusive
Condolences for Justice Cardozo's Death, 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes telegram from Charles C. Burlingham on his friendship with Cardozo.
Condolences for Esther Solis (Aunt)'s Death, 1950, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains one letter addressed to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s other aunt, Elvira.
Condolences for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s Death (8 folders), 1965, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Letters from friends and family (including many local New York politicians) addressed primarily to Edgar J. Nathan, III and Mabel Nathan (Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s widow).
Acknowledgements re: Gifts Made in Edgar J. Nathan's Name, 1965, inclusive
Obituaries and Memorial Papers for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. (1 folder of 2), 1965, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes some correspondence re: donations made in Edgar J. Nathan's name. Also includes program for memorial services. More of this material can be found in Series VII. Memorabilia.
Obituaries and Memorial Papers for Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. (Folder 2 of 2), 1965, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Newspaper clippings of obituaries.
Congratulations on Return to Law Practice (3 folders), 1946, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Partnership with Gale, Bernays, Falk, etc.
Acknowledgements of Congratulations (2 folders), 1946, inclusive
70th Birthday Wishes (4 folders), 1914-1962 (bulk 1961), inclusive
Scope and Contents
In addition to birthday wishes, contains invitations to parties and ceremonies honoring Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. for his birthday, as well as some cards wishing Nathan a speedy recovery after surgery. Folder 22 contains birthday letters from former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, and former Governor Thomas E Dewey. Folder 24 contains pictures of birthday party, a random piece of correspondence from 1943, a photograph from 1914 of Nathan and family on the Mt. Washington Railway, and other mementos from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s life.
Post-Death Correspondence Re: Possible Book, 1901-1976, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains correspondence between Edgar J. Nathan, III and Phyllis Stahl-Berkowitz, who was interested in writing an historical account of early Jewish American families. Also contains clippings and memorial materials about Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. that Edgar J. Nathan, III likely gave to Stahl-Berkowitz as research material.
Personal—Re: Washington (2 folders), 1918-1921, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains correspondence about Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s failed attempt at an Assistant Attorney General position and work at the War Trade Board in WWI.
War Trade Board Correspondence (2 folders), 1918-1919, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Among the documents is Nathan, Jr's will as of 1918.
Alumni Awards Correspondence (Folder 1 of 2), 1942-1958, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Correspondence related to awards and honorary degrees given to Nathan by Collegiate School, Columbia University, and Williams College.
Alumni Awards Correspondence (Folder 2 of 2), 1955
Edgar, 3rd and Frederic, 1931-1954, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Correspondence about and with Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s sons. Also includes two letters from Justice Benjamin Cardozo to one of the sons, Edgar J. Nathan, 3rd.
Cardozo & Nathan Correspondence (2 folders), 1923-1941, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains documents from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s law practice era, including financial statements and partnership agreements. Also contains correspondence with Justice Benjamin Cardozo. Similar material can be found in chronological folders.
Subseries V.B Chronological Files, 1900-1964, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The subseries begins with two letterpress copybooks and three binders of carbon copies, which contain Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s outgoing correspondence from 1920-1931, and a folder of miscellaneous correspondence from 1900-1925, which contains both incoming and outgoing personal correspondence from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s childhood and young adulthood. The remaining folders in the subseries primarily contain personal correspondence from family members and friends including Henry S. Hendricks, Benjamin N. Cardozo, Charles C. Burlingham, and Charles Sears, as well as extensive documents concerning routine bills, charitable donations, insurance (including lists of personal and other property owned), banking, and investments. The investments often relate to real estate and there are financial statements for the various realty companies involved (e.g., Grand Atlantic Corporation, Greenington Realty, Sunnington Realty). The subseries also contains some political materials, including brief notes from Thomas Dewey, Fiorello LaGuardia, and Herbert Lehman, invitations to Lehman and Nelson Rockefeller's inaugurations, anti-Franklin Delano Roosevelt print matter and an oversize cartoon stamp sheet, and various other documents related to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s political and Jewish life.
Arrangement
The subseries is arranged in original chronological folder order, and within each folder remains in original rough alphabetical order, except for the "Early Life Correspondence," which was gathered from miscellaneous folders, and the 1951-1964 folders, which were found grouped together, but were not alphabetized.
Letterpress Copybook, 1920-1922, inclusive
Letterpress Copybook, 1922-1926, inclusive
Carbon Copies, 1926-1928, inclusive
Carbon Copies, 1928-1930, inclusive
Carbon Copies, 1930-1931, inclusive
Early Life Correspondence, 1900-1925, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes a letter sent to Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.
1929-1931 Correspondence and Bills (8 folders), 1926-1931, inclusive
1931-1934 Correspondence and Bills (8 folders), 1931-1934, inclusive
1935-1936 Correspondence and Bills (3 folders of 9), 1933-1936, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains a brief note from Governor Thomas Dewey in Folder 28.
1935-1936 Correspondence and Bills (5 folders of 9), 1931-1936, inclusive
1935-1936 Correspondence and Bills (Folder 9 of 9), 1936
Scope and Contents
Oversize perforated sheet of Republican Council anti-FDR cartoon poster-stamps. Informational sheet that came with stamps can be found in Box 7, Folder 5.
1937 Correspondence and Bills (6 folders), 1911-1937, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains correspondence related to Thomas Dewey's first campaign for governor and correspondence with Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo. Also contains in the third folder an unlabeled, undated photograph (perhaps of Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. and his wife, Sara Solis Nathan, or another pair of relatives). Folder 1 holds an illustrated prospectus for Sweet's Steel Company of Williamsport, Pennsylvania (1937).
1938 Correspondence and Bills (8 folders), 1926-1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains correspondence and bills related to Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo's illness and death, the 1938 Constitutional Convention, Thomas E. Dewey's campaign for District Attorney (including a letter of thanks from Dewey in folder 14), as well as correspondence related to Nathan's law practice. Includes an (impersonal) letter from LaGuardia in folder 17.
1939 Correspondence and Bills (8 folders), 1936-1939, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains various political materials, including materials from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s first Supreme Court campaign, a letter from Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia (in folder 24), and an invitation to Governor Herbert H. Lehman's inauguration.
1940 Correspondence and Bills (7 folders), 1937-1941, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains anti-FDR/pro-Willkie campaign materials, including booklets and papers condemning the concept of a president running for a third term (mainly in folder 6). Folder 3 and others contains documents concerning the Greater New York Interfaith Committee's effort to get legislation passed allowing release time in public schools for religious education. Folder 7 contains affidavits of support for two people to come to the U.S. from Europe.
1944-1947 Correspondence and Bills (7 folders), 1942-1947, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Mostly contains receipts and bills. Limited World War II-related correspondence.
1947-1950 Correspondence and Bills (3 folders), 1942-1950, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains political materials throughout, including brief correspondence with Governors Dewey and Lehman. Also contains Supreme Court correspondence and Jewish leadership correspondence. Folder 17 contains some Manhattan Borough Presidency correspondence from 1942.
1951-1959 Correspondence and Bills, 1945-1959, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes materials on Nelson Rockefeller's gubernatorial campaign, including an invitation to Rockefeller's inauguration.
1960-1964 Correspondence and Bills (2 folders), 1960-1964, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 20 contains undated, handwritten list of names and addresses of "Nathan friends."
Series VI. Print Matter, 1881-1959, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series primarily consists of essays, speeches, and booklets on Judaism, as well as a number of publications on contemporary political topics from a variety of time periods, including women's suffrage, prohibition, World War I, World War II, Theodore Roosevelt, and Zionism. Additionally, the series contains print matter related to Shearith Israel and Columbia University, and memorial booklets for various Jewish people.
Arrangement
The series is organized into two subseries:
Subseries V.A File Cabinet
Subseries V.B Loose Print Matter
Subseries VI.A File Cabinet, 1884-1926, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The subseries contains print matter from 1884-1926, when Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. was still a young man. Though possible that the materials within the file cabinet were originally his, the date range and the repeated inscription of his father's name on the booklets suggests that perhaps the file cabinet originally belonged to Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. The materials within the series are Jewish and political in nature, mainly about Zionism, anti-Semitism, Russian pogroms, Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policies, and Shearith Israel.
Arrangement
The materials in the subseries were originally in a small file cabinet, and the folder labels in the subseries correspond to those originally found on the file cabinet drawers. Within each folder, the materials are arranged chronologically.
Unlabeled, 1901-1914, inclusive
Invitation to Memorial Services for Pogrom Victims, 1905
Program for Shearith Israel's 250th Anniversary Celebration, 1905
Notes Relating to the Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Settlement of Jews in the United States, 1905
Scope and Contents
Published by the Executive Committee.
Program for General Celebration of 250th Anniversary of Jewish Settlement in the United States, 1905
Scope and Contents
Contains enclosed 1909 clipping naming Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. to review bar applications.
Program for 150th Anniversary of Columbia University's Founding, 1904, inclusive
Rosh Hashanah Sermon, 1904
Scope and Contents
Preached by Rabbi H. Pereira Mendes, minister of Shearith Israel.
Shavuot Sermon, 1914
Scope and Contents
Preached and inscribed ("with greetings") by Rabbi H. Pereira Mendes, minister of Shearith Israel.
Year Book of the Spanish and Portuguese Congregation Shearith Israel, 1908
Jews in America, 1901
Scope and Contents
Reprint from the Jewish Encyclopedia.
Speeches—Jewish, 1884-1921, inclusive
Address Delivered at the Celebration of the Centennial Birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., 1884
Scope and Contents
Delivered by D. Solis Cohen, at Portland's New Market Theatre.
Abuse By Russia of the American Passport, 1904
Scope and Contents
Speech to House of Representatives by Hon. Francis Burton Harrison.
Jewish Criminality in New York, 1908
Scope and Contents
Reprint of The Independent article written by Francis J. Oppenheimer in response to anti-Semitic comments made by NYC Police Commissioner Theodore Bingham.
Russia and the American Passport, 1911
Scope and Contents
Address given by attorney Louis Marshall to Union of American Hebrew Congregations with included resolution of council.
The Jewish Theological Seminary: Past and Future, 1918
Scope and Contents
Address delivered by Solomon Solis Cohen, at JTS's 25th annual commencement.
Memorials Submitted to President Wilson Concerning the Status of the Jews..., 1919
Scope and Contents
Appeal by Representatives of the American Jewish Congress, inscribed by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.
Little Studies in Judaism I: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, 1920
Russian Persecution and American Jews in Russia, 1902
Scope and Contents
Speech given to House of Representatives by Hon. Henry Goldfogle.
Russia's Abuse of American Passports, 1904
Scope and Contents
Speech to House of Representatives by Hon. Henry M. Goldfogle.
Francis Burton Harrison Campaign Pamphlet, 1904
Scope and Contents
Markets Harrison for Lieutenant-Governor as "a friend of the Jewish people."
A Reply to Justice Brewer's Lectures, 1908
Scope and Contents
A refutation of Justice David J. Brewer's postulate that the U.S. is a Christian nation, by Isaac Hassler.
Palestine and the Diaspora, 1913
Scope and Contents
Written by D. de Sola Pool, a prominent Shearith Israel rabbi.
The "Protocols" Bolshevism and the Jews, 1920
Scope and Contents
An address for a Jewish audience by American Jewish Organizations.
The Tyranny of Intolerance, 1921
Scope and Contents
Booklet written by C.A. Windle, in anser to Henry Ford's Case Against the Jews.
Shearith Israel Constitution and By-Laws, Undated, inclusive
Clippings, 1904, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Poem about Russian anti-Semitism by Edwin Markham from The Jewish Comment and article from The New York Evening Journal about William Waldorf Astor's anti-Semitism.
Reports—General, 1903-1904, inclusive
Clippings, 1904, inclusive
Speech by Hon. George F. Hoar, 1902
Scope and Contents
Speech to U.S. Senate in support of Filipino independence in aftermath of Philippine-American War.
The Republican Party, 1904
Scope and Contents
Book with two pro-Republican speeches, one by John Hay and one by Elihu Root.
Mr. Roosevelt and the Presidency, 1904
Scope and Contents
Claims to be written by "A. Spectator," actually by Frederick W. Whitridge under a pseudonym.
Roosevelt or Parker, 1904
Scope and Contents
By Frederick W. Whitridge.
John Hay on Theodore Roosevelt, 1904
Scope and Contents
Extract of pro-Republican address by John Hay.
An Open Letter to the Parker Constitution Club, 1904
Scope and Contents
Written by Nathan Bijur in defense of President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Panama Canal, 1904
Scope and Contents
Pro-Roosevelt speech delivered by Hon. Chauncey H. Depew to the U.S. Senate. Inscribed (likely by Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. due to the handwriting).
The New York Law Institute: Report of the Librarian, 1903
Scope and Contents
Inscribed by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. ("from M.H.C.").
Minutes from Hearing Before the Committee on Woman Suffrage, 1904
The Trusts, 1903
Scope and Contents
Speech to House of Representatives by Hon. William Harris Douglas.
The United Typothetae of America (Typographical Union) Circular, 1904
Municipal Art Society of NY: Report of the Committee on Civic Centers, 1904
Speeches—General, 1895-1926, inclusive
Annual Reports of The American Jewish Committee, 1922, 1926, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two reports (the fifteenth and nineteenth annual).
Addresses Delivered at Harvard Semitic Museum Opening, 1903
Solomon Schechter's Jewish Theological Seminary Inaugural Address, 1903
Views on the Synod, 1905, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Compiled by Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s initials and contains enclosed 1905 clipping.
Ownership, by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr., 1915
Scope and Contents
Address delivered at 106th meeting of The Insurance Society of New York.
"The Position of Judaism", 1895
Scope and Contents
Journal article from The North American, written by I. Zangwill.
Souvenir Program from Decennial Celebration of Witwatersrand Old Hebrew Congregation, 1898
Scope and Contents
Congregation in Johannesburg.
The Jew as a Patriot, 1898
Scope and Contents
Speech delivered by Joseph Herman Hertz, rabbi of the Witwatersrand Old Hebrew Congregation in Johannesburg, in honor of the decennial celebration of said congregation.
Issue of The Maccabaean Memorializing Theodore Herzl, 1904
Scope and Contents
Has unidentified inscription.
Leopold Zunz—A Lecture, 1905
Scope and Contents
Delivered at the Jewish Theological Seminary by Louis Marshall.
Letter to Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. from Henry W. Scott, 1908
Miscellaneous, 1894-1901, inclusive
"Louis Kossuth: A Character Sketch," excerpted from Review of Reviews, 1894
The Two Great Commandments in Economics, 1898
Scope and Contents
By James E. Mills.
The Theory of Sociology, 1894
Scope and Contents
Written by Franklin H. Giddings, with inscription by Solomon Solis Cohen.
Speech by George F. Hoar to Senate on the Philippines, 1900
Booklet of Speeches from Mass Meeting to Maintain the Independence of the Judiciary, 1898
The Ethical Record Journal, Vol. 2, 1901
Excerpts from The North American Review, 1896, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes article by Goldwin Smith, "Christianity's Millstone," with Maud Nathan's published response, "A Woman's View of Christianity's Millstone."
Miscellaneous, 1898-1922, inclusive
Clippings, 1908-1922, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes an article on standard New York fire insurance policy written by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. and a copy of Pike's Peak Daily News with the names of people who summitted the peak on September 7, 1908, including Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and his father.
Memo for a Judiciary Committee, 1915
Scope and Contents
Committee to renominate and reelect Justices Clarke and Greenbaum; Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. was a member of the general committee.
The Jews of Newport (Rhode Island), 1908
Scope and Contents
Address delivered by Leon Hühner to the Old Jewish Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. Inscribed by the author.
The Problem of Jewish Charity in New York, 1911
Scope and Contents
Address delivered by Morris D. Waldman, under the auspices of the Jewish Community (Kehillah) of New York City.
A Grain of Wheat, 1913
Scope and Contents
By A. Chodat, reprinted from The Popular Sciene Monthly.
The Trial of the Kaiser, 1918
Scope and Contents
By Edward Menkin, signed by the author.
War Memorials—Bulletin of the Municipal Art Society of New York City, 1919
Scope and Contents
Unidentified inscription ("keep for E.J.N."). Contains pictures of war memorials across the United States, mainly in NYC.
Two Manifestos on Ireland, 1921
Scope and Contents
Includes Manifesto of Leaders of the Intellectual Life of Great Britain on Ireland and Report of the British Labor Commission to Ireland. Inscribed with date and initials by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.
Two Chapters from Evolution and Effort, 1898
Scope and Contents
Contains chapters "Municipal Misgovernment" and "Summary and Conclusion" by Edmond Kelly.
List of Passengers on Special Train for American Bar Association's 31st Annual Meeting, 1908
Scope and Contents
Inscribed with initials and his traincar information by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.
Feature from The Bankers Magazine on The American Exchange National Bank, 1915
A Declaration of Interdependence, 1918
Scope and Contents
Book of resolutions and addresses in Westminster on the interdependence of England and the United States. Commemorates the first time July 4 was celebrated in England.
Memorial of Joseph Hodges Choate, 1918
Scope and Contents
Written by William Archer Purrington and read before the New York County Lawyers' Association.
The Federal Prohibition Amendment, 1918
Scope and Contents
Anti-prohibition amendment essay written by Otto Erickson and originally printed in Law Notes.
The World Wide Message of President Woodrow Wilson, 1918
Scope and Contents
Contains the address delivered by President Wilson in opening the Liberty Loan Campaign, with editorial comments by leading newspapers.
Subseries VI.B Loose Print Matter, 1881-1959, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The subseries contains a wide variety of miscellaneous print matter, from a booklet on rent control and copies of Senate bills to records of Cardozo & Nathan cases and a book of poems written by Frances Nathan. The majority of the materials in the subseries are related to Judaism, especially Shearith Israel, though there are also many copies of memorials for friends of the family, as well as a fairly large quantity of print matter that directly references members of the Nathan family.
Arrangement
The materials in the subseries were originally interspersed randomly throughout the collection. They were gathered together into a series by the processing archivist and are now arranged in rough chronological order, with some interruption in the arrangement due to topical similarities or original order. The items are catalogued individually and divided into folders for convenience, rather than with intellectual intent.
Brief and Abstract of Testimony for Supreme Court Case: William A. Stephens, Herman Blennerhassett, and Charter Oak Life Insurance Co. vs. Hoyt Sherman, assignee in bankruptcy of B.F. Allen, and B.F. Allen., 1881-1882, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Holds printed brief and abstract, with an enclosed newspaper article about case. Inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s signature.
Two Billings & Cardozo Cases, 1890-1892, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s name, in stamp and script form. One report is also inscribed with, "With compliments from M.H.C." (Michael H. Cardozo).
Cardozo & Nathan Case: Albert J. Wheeler v. Aetna Insurance Co., circa 1905?
Scope and Contents
Inscribed (likely by Edgar J. Nathan, Sr) to member of counsel for defendant.
Verses by Frances Nathan, 1928-1932, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Inscribed with "ESN". Contains enclosed handwritten poems, perhaps in Frances's hand or perhaps simply copied.
Rand, McNally & Co's A Week at the Fair, 1892
Scope and Contents
Book on the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, inscribed with Clarence Seixas Nathan's signature. A fold-out map of the fair, originally secured in the book, has fragmented and is loose in the folder.
"Jews in America" (Re-print from the Jewish Encyclopedia), 1901
Views on the Synod, 1905
Scope and Contents
Compiled by Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Jewish Ideals and the War, 1914
Scope and Contents
An address delivered by Lucien Wolf, Vice-President of the Jewish Historical Society of England.
Educational Reforms in Europe in Their Relation to Jewish Emancipation, 1919
Scope and Contents
Article by Max J. Kohler, originally printed in The Jewish Forum. Inscribed with Elvira Nathan Solis's initials.
The United States and German Jewish Persecutions, 1933
Scope and Contents
Article written by Max J. Kohler, originally published in "Bulletin of the Jewish Academy of Arts and Sciences," and inscribed by author with brief note to Elvira Nathan Solis.
Program for Service in Max J. Kohler's Memory, 1934
3 Booklets on the 250th Anniversary of Jewish Settlement in America, 1905, inclusive
Service Program for Consecration of Shearith Israel's Mill Street Synagogue, 1897
The American Hebrew Feature Issue on Mill Street Consecration, 1897
A Message to Garcia, 1916
Scope and Contents
A little booklet about obedience by Elbert Hubbard.
The Unchanging Law: Shearith Israel's Heritage and Hope, 1916
Scope and Contents
Sabbath sermon by D. de Sola Pool.
Pocket Guidebook to Military Insignia, 1917
Scope and Contents
Inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s initials.
Program for Dinner Honoring René Viviani, 1917
Scope and Contents
In French and English.
Two Copies of The American Hebrew, 1917, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Have inscriptions detailing the location of articles about Shearith Israel within the journals.
Booklet on Foreign Exchange, circa 1918?
Edgar J. Nathan, Sr. Case: Nathan v. Hendricks, 1894
Scope and Contents
Concerning the will of Charlotte Gomez.
Cardozo & Nathan Case: Prescott v. Ball, circa 1918?
Ephraim Williams—A Soldier, 1918-1919, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two copies of journal published by the Williams Club, featuring men in military service.
New York County Lawyers' Association Committee on Discipline Case, 1918
Summary of the Organization and Operations of the American Expeditionary Force, 1918
Scope and Contents
As submitted to the Secretary of War by John J. Pershing. Includes list of wars/expeditions the U.S. has engaged in since its founding.
Columbia Law Review Vol. XVIII, 1918
New York State Senate Act on Partnerships, 1919
Two Volumes of Williams Alumni Review, 1919, inclusive
The West End Bulletin No. 13
Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City Pamphlets, 1919, inclusive
List of Invites to Economic Club of New York Meeting, 1919
Book of Addresses at Reception for Cardinal Mercier, 1919
List of Members of Congress and Congressional Committees, 1919
Petition to Review Order of Federal Trade Comission, 1919
The Traditional Code of Jewish Education, 1924
Scope and Contents
Written by D. de Sola Pool and originally published in Jewish Education journal.
Three Memorial Booklets for Clarence Seixas Nathan, 1924, inclusive
The Judeans—Constitution and List of Members, 1931
Three Memorial Speeches, 1934-1935, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Two speeches by Rev. David de Sola Pool (one for Israel Unterberg, one for his wife Bella Unterberg) and one by Mordechai Kaplan, also for Israel Unterberg.
Report of the Committee on the Judiciary to the Bar, 1939
Permanent Roll of Delegates to Republican National Convention, 1940
Memorial Booklet for Sol M. Stroock, 1941
Scope and Contents
Written by Joseph M. Proskauer and published by the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Albert Edward Henschel and His Connection with the Creation of the Greater New York, 1948
Scope and Contents
By Leon Huhner and inscribed by the author, originally printed by the American Jewish Historical Society.
Robert Moses on The Spreading City and New York City's Public Improvement Outlook, 1954
The Little Book on Rent Control, 1956
Insanity, Suicide and Accident Insurance, 1956
Scope and Contents
By George I. Swetlow, inscribed by the author.
Henry Solomon Hendricks Memorial Booklets, 1959, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes Shearith Israel bulletin and American Jewish Historical Society pamphlet written by David de Sola Pool.
Gene Ryan's Songs "U" All Know Booklet, Undated, inclusive
Pre-Publication Booklet on Georges Lukomski's Old European Synagogues, Undated, inclusive
Fifty Years of Social Service: The History of the Jewish Social Service Association, 1926
Scope and Contents
Published when Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. was First Vice-President.
The Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America, Vol. 1, 1903
Scope and Contents
By John Fiske.
The Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America, Vol. 2, 1903
Scope and Contents
By John Fiske.
Louis Marshall: Champion of Liberty, Vol. 1 and 2, 1957, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Selected papers and addresses, edited by Charles Reznikoff. Books packaged together in a slipcase.
Clippings (3 folders of 6), 1929-1956, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 8 contains clippings on Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo and Dr. Solomon Solis-Cohen. Folder 9 contains clippings on President Eisenhower's election to the U.S. presidency.
Clippings (3 folders of 6), 1918-1958, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folders 6 and 7 contain WWI clippings.
Jewish Publications on Relatives (2 folders), 1927-1932, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Copies of The Jewish Exponent, The Jewish Tribune, and American Hebrew that contain articles on Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, Solomon Solis-Cohen, and Jacob Da Silva Solis Cohen.
Series VII. Memorabilia, 1808-1966, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series contains a wide assortment of memorabilia, including mementos from Horace Mann, Collegiate, Williams, and Columbia, awards and certificates, photographs, Nathan family heirlooms (including pedigrees, letters, and marriage certificates), and souvenir programs from various events. Some of the memorabilia is related to other series in the collection, especially Series II and IV, or Manhattan Borough Presidency and Jewish Leadership.
Arrangement
The items in the series were originally scattered randomly throughout the collection, and were grouped together by the processing archivist. The series is now arranged in subject folders that advance in rough chronological order with the exception of object memorabilia, which is the first set of items in the series and is listed by individual object, and special cases in which interrelated subject folders are filed next to each other, thereby breaking the general sequence.
Oversize Civil Defense Armband, circa 1940s, inclusive
Large Embossed Slipcase, Undated, inclusive
Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. for Manhattan Borough President Napkin, 1941
Automobile and Building License for War Trade Board, 1918, inclusive
Scope and Contents
In initials-embossed leather wallet.
Shirt Collar, circa 1960?, inclusive
Hair, Undated
5 Passports, 1955-1959, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Belonging to Mabel U. Nathan and Edgar J. Nathan, Jr., with enclosed vaccination records.
Postcards, circa 1920s-1940s, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains Haynes Photo Yellowstone postcards and a postcard advertising Fourth Liberty bonds.
Assorted Stationery, 1918-1964, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains blank stationery with letterheads from offices Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. held.
Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s Misc. Writings, 1928-1963, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains memorial speeches and booklets written by Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. for various friends and relatives, as well as a few articles and speeches about other assorted topics.
Fifteenth Annual March of Dimes Fashion Show Program, 1959
Print of Painting by Isabella Banks Markell, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains note by artist to Mabel.
Three Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletins, 1957-1958, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Bulletins feature light annotations by Mabel U. Nathan.
Typescript of Poem by Solomon Solis-Cohen, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Poem written in 1882.
Dennison's Napkin Label, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Features a note from "ENS" to Emily, dated November 9.
New York and Cuba Mail Steamship Company Passenger Accommodation Plans, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Oversize document.
Assorted Photos, circa 1880?-1958, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes a photo of Albert Dreyfous, a couple of old photos of an unidentified woman (likely Edgar J. Nathan's wife, Mabel), a few unidentified group shots, and some political photos, including photos of Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. swearing people in and a shot of him and Arnold Zander. Also includes a photo of Williams Class of 1913 40th and 45th anniversaries.
Assorted Oversized Photos, circa 1940?-1961, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes photos of Edgar J. Nathan shaking hands with various people including New York Secretary of State Thomas Curran, a headshot, and Supreme Court Justice dinners dated from 1952-1961.
Headshots (4 folders), Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 11 contains typed out names and addresses of Edgar J. Nathan's contacts.
Ketubah, 1808
Scope and Contents
Ketubah (marriage certificate) of Seixas Nathan and Sarah Mendes.
Gomez Family Genealogy, circa 1850s?, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Copy by Horatio Gomez of Sephardic Jewish Gomez family genealogy originally recorded by Issac Gomez. Envelope says "Albert Dreyfous".
Nathan Pedigree, circa 1900?, inclusive
Letter to Abraham Seixas from Issac Seixas, 1823
Collage of Heritage Clippings, Undated, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains clippings from 1762-1849, some (or all) about Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s ancestors.
Clarence S. Nathan Scrapbook (Folder 1 of 2), 1879-1922, inclusive
Clarence S. Nathan Scrapbook (Folder 2 of 2), 1895
Scope and Contents
Clarence S. Nathan's oversize 1895 passport certificate.
Father's Academic Mementos, 1876-1881, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Booklets and papers from Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s time at Columbia University, as well as his high school thesis/"graduating essay."
Father's Dinner Programs, 1904-1913, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains programs for Bnai Jeshurun dinner, NY State Bankers Association, dinner for Supreme Court Justice Hughes, and British Ambassador James Bryce.
Stock Certificates, 1897-1941, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes stocks belonging to Samuel Derecktor, Carl M. Loeb and Co., Edgar J. Nathan, Jr., Edgar J. Nathan, Sr., Mabel Nathan, and Issac N. Solis, for companies Rossland and Deer Park Mining, Derwel Realty, Ford Mining and Milling, and Tareyton Realty.
Souvenir Programs from President McKinley Inauguration, 1901, inclusive
Scope and Contents
One book has "E.N.S." inscribed in it.
Horace Mann Yearbook, 1909
Scope and Contents
Mabel U. Nathan's high school yearbook, with signatures from classmates.
Collegiate Yearbooks (6 folders), 1906-1910, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contain pictures of Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and Henry Solomon Hendricks in high school.
Williams Memorabilia, 1913, inclusive
Social Satire and Poems, 1915-1954, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains satirical poems, scripts, and faux newspapers written for dinners, weddings, and other social events, which tease people including Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and a number of his friends and relatives. Also contains two unidentified serious poems.
Wedding Materials (Folder 1 of 2), 1917, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains various papers from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s marriage to Mabel Unterberg, including the guest list, dinner menu, Shearith Israel record, etc.
Wedding Materials (Folder 2 of 2), 1917
Scope and Contents
Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. and Mabel Unterberg's ketubah.
Materials from 27th Division Homecoming, 1919, inclusive
Bar Association Event Programs, 1919, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Materials from dinners honoring lawyers' services in WWI, including a song book.
Dinner Programs, 1921-1928, inclusive
Scope and Contents
From: Reception of Marshal Ferdinand Foch by the American Legion, National Republican Club Annual Lincoln Dinner, flag service to commemorate the sesquicentennial of adoption of U.S. flag, NY County Lawyers' Association Annual Dinner.
Lindbergh Souvenirs and Correspondence, 1927, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Photographs, telegrams, postcards, and dinner program re: Charles Lindbergh's non-stop flight from New York to Paris.
Mabel Nathan's Certificates, 1915-1950, inclusive
Mabel Nathan's NYU Woman's Law Class Certificate, 1915
Scope and Contents
Inscribed with Mabel U. Nathan's signature on the back.
Awards and Certificates (Folder 1 of 2), 1917-1963, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains alumni awards/honorary degree dipolomas, as well as other small certificates.
Awards and Certificates (Folder 2 of 2), 1876-1957, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Various oversized certificates. Includes Edgar J. Nathan, Sr.'s diploma from Friends Seminary, certificates naming Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. a lawyer, an employee of the War Trade Board, Manhattan Borough President, and New York Supreme Court Justice, as well as other significant awards and certificates, such as honorary degrees from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s alma maters.
Collegiate School Diploma, 1938
Columbia Bicentennial Programs (Folder 1 of 2), 1954, inclusive
Columbia Bicentennial (Folder 2 of 2), 1954, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Clippings.
Williams Honorary Degree (Folder 1 of 2), 1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains various documents from ceremony, including ribbon, programs, invitations, tickets, and photographs (though not the actual degree).
Williams Honorary Degree (Folder 2 of 2), 1955, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Clippings.
Collegiate Alumni Award, 1958-1959, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains various documents related to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s Collegiate award, including articles, programs, etc. (though, again, not the actual award).
11th Williams President Induction (Folder 1 of 2), 1961, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains programs, nametags, invitations, and correspondence/articles about John Edward Sawyer's induction as president of Williams College.
11th Williams President Induction (Folder 2 of 2), 1961, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Clippings.
Copies of Marriage, Death, and Birth Certificates, 1963-1965, inclusive
Memorial Publications and Speeches (4 folders), 1965-1966, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Various booklets, programs, speeches, and clippings memorializing Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. Also contains his sons' correspondence related to the creation of these materials.