International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records
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Abstract
The International Brotherhood of Painters, Local 490 (more commonly known as the Paperhangers Local), were established in 1864, located in New York City. The union was most active in the first half of the 20th century. The collection is made up of ledgers, minute books, financial records, and other related materials.
Historical/Biographical Note
The International Brotherhood of Painters, Local 490 (more commonly known as the Paperhangers), were established as a single exclusive local since 1864, located in New York City. The were originally known as section 70: Paperhangers Local Union of America and joined the Knights of Labor in 1886. In 1902, they joined the National Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers of America as Local 585. For a short time, the local preferred to affiliate with the independent Amalgamated Society of Painters (1904-1906). Since 1906, the paperhangers have been organized as Local 490 of District Council 9 of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. During the 19th century, membership included a large number of German and English. In 1903, a large influx of Jewish paperhangers joined the union; total membership was between 60 and 120 men. As of 1980, membership was roughly 40 percent Jewish, with a strong presence of Italian and Puerto Rican members. As of 1984, there were about 300 members.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into two series:
Series I: Records
Series II: Photographs
Materials are alphabetically in each series.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains the records of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490, also known as the Paperhangers union, from the late 1800s to first half of the 20th century in New York City. The collection is made up of membership ledgers, financial records, minute books, by-laws, photographs, correspondence, convention materials, and other ephemera. The collection is rich in demonstrating the demographics of the union from the early 20th century, as well as information and the paperhangers industry.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection, created by the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records; WAG 042; box number; folder number; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Robert Eckersdorff, president of the local union, in 1986. The accession numbers associated with this gift are 1986.039 and 1986.040.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Materials in boxes 3-13 are extremely fragile. Materials must be looked at using a book cradle.
About this Guide
Processing Information
In 2013, the photographs were rehoused. Photographs were separated from this collection in 2000 and were established as a separate collection, the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Photographs (PHOTOS 150). In 2013, the photograph collection was reincorporated into the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records.
Repository
Series I: Records, 1905-1962, inclusive
Scope and Content Note
This series contains the records of the Paperhangers union. The majority of this series is made up of ledgers, minute books, and financial records of the union, dating from 1800s to the middle of the century. Other types of material in the series include materials related to their Annual Eastern Seaboard Conference, flyers, correspondence, election materials, membership materials, and other ephemera. The series documents not only the day to day maintenance of the union, but also documents the union's support of other causes, including raising money for the State of Israel, and protesting in solidarity with other unions.
Application for Membership, 1906, 1930-1939, inclusive
By-Laws and Amendments, 1916-1952, inclusive
Correspondence to Local 490, undated
Correspondence to Local 490, 1910-1957, inclusive
Election Documents, undated, 1933-1957, inclusive
Envelopes, 1904-1952, inclusive
Executive Board Correspondence, undated, 1910-1957, inclusive
Executive Board Trial Information, 1905-1948, inclusive
Executive Board Trial Information, 1949-1951, inclusive
Executive Board Trial Information, 1952-1957, inclusive
Financial Records of Paperhangers Local Union 490, 1906-1957, inclusive
Financial Reports, 1927-1939, inclusive
Flyers, Notices, and Invitations, 1930-1957, inclusive
Membership Information, 1937-1955, inclusive
Miscellaneous Documents, 1910-1962, inclusive
Minutes, 1940s-1952, inclusive
Monthly Report of Financial Secretary, Jan-Dec 1916, inclusive
Monthly Report of Financial Secretary, Jan-Dec 1917, inclusive
Monthly Report of Financial Secretary, Jan 1918, inclusive
Paperhangers Union Local 490 Awards, 1957, inclusive
Postage Receipts, 1947-1957, inclusive
Receipts, 1930-1956, inclusive
Registration Cards for the Fourth Paperhangers Eastern Seaboard Conference, undated
State of Israel Dollar Bonds and Raffle Tickets, 1950s, inclusive
Trade Union Committee for the Support of Westinghouse Strikers: Contribution List Local 490, 1955, inclusive
Minute Book and Ledgers, 1884-1909, inclusive
Record Books, 1901, 1904, 1908, inclusive
Minute Books, 1913, 1915, inclusive
Ledger, 1932-1933, inclusive
Record Books, 1932, 1937, inclusive
Record Books, 1941-1944, inclusive
Ledgers, 1906-1936, inclusive
Minute Books, 1916, 1925, 1929, inclusive
Ledger, 1934-1935, inclusive
Minute Book and Bookkeeping, 1903-1904, inclusive
Bookkeeping and Addresses, 1921, inclusive
Series II: Photographs, 1937-1970s, inclusive
Scope and Content Note
This series contains mostly black-and-white photographs, with some color photographs and negatives, depicting the Paperhangers union. Many deal with their annual Eastern Seaboard Conference. A portion of the black-and-white photographs were originally bound by a photo album. The photo album was photocopied and disassembled for preservation purposes. Other photographs depict portraits and other images of union members and protest photographs.
