Frank Pollatsek Papers
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Abstract
Frank Pollatsek was a union activist who testified before the Smith Committee during World War II due to his advocacy for the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). Pollatsek (along with the Recruiting and Manning Organization, a part of the larger War Shipping Administration where he worked,) was investigated by the Smith Committee, led by Rep. Howard W. Smith (D-VA), author of the 1940 Smith Act. The investigation focused on Pollatsek's commitments to the FEPC, in particular the argument that Black and white sailors should have equal treatment by their employer. The Frank Pollatsek Papers (1941-1945) consist of transcripts of testimonies by Frank Pollatsek and other individuals before the Smith Committee and correspondence with civil rights leaders and organizations. Noted correspondents include Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and the NAACP, with whom Pollatsek forged alliances in support for the FEPC and in support of his defense in front of the Smith Committee. The collection documents the period of American politics just before the rise of McCarthyism and demonstrates how, even as World War II was being fought, anti-communist movements were intensifying.
Biographical Note
Frank Pollatsek was a union activist who testified before the Smith Committee during World War II due to his advocacy for the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). Pollatsek (along with the Recruiting and Manning Organization, a part of the larger War Shipping Administration where he worked,) was investigated by the Smith Committee, led by Rep. Howard W. Smith (D-VA), author of the 1940 Smith Act. The investigation focused on Pollatsek's commitments to the FEPC, in particular the argument that Black and white sailors should have equal treatment by their employer.
Arrangement
This collection has not been arranged by an archivist. The materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Scope and Contents
The Frank Pollatsek Papers (1941-1945) consist of transcripts of testimonies by Frank Pollatsek and other individuals before the Smith Committee and correspondence with civil rights leaders and organizations. Noted correspondents include Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and the NAACP, with whom Pollatsek forged alliances in support for the FEPC and in support of his defense in front of the Smith Committee. The collection documents the period of American politics just before the rise of McCarthyism and demonstrates how, even as World War II was being fought, anti-communist movements were intensifying.
Subjects
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use materials in the collection in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; Frank Pollatsek Papers; TAM 848; box number; folder number or item identifier; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Harriet Pollatsek on April 5, 2025. The accession number associated with this gift is 2025.037.
About this Guide
Processing Information
At the time of accessioning, materials were placed in new acid-free folders and boxes.
