Sidney Edward Mezes papers, 1917-1919

Collection context

Creator:
Mezes, Sidney Edward, 1863-1931
Extent:
1000 items 1000 items
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Mezes' correspondence and documents relating to the Inquiry group. Correspondents include Emily Greene Balch, George Louis Beer, Isaiah Bowman, Wilbur Cross, Cleveland H. Dodge, Stephen P. Duggan, Edward A. Filene, Glenn Frank, Robert Herrick, Robert Lansing, Edward M. House, Samuel McCune Lindsay, Walter Lippmann, Breckenridge Long, Adolph C. Miller, William Phillips, Frank L. Polk, Albert Shaw, James T. Shotwell, Vladimir G. Simkhovitch, Frank William Taussig, Allyn A. Young.

This collection is separated into two parts. The first is a selection from the entire group of papers which was made and edited for publication by Ingrain Bander who "discovered" the papers in a storeroom of City College of which Mezes was president from 1914 to 1927. These papers are arranged in seven general subject groups and are class-marked for their place in the general file. The second and larger group is an alphabetical file of letters and documents. In both sections the papers relate to the "Inquiry" group of World War I which was appointed by President Wilson in 1917 "to collect and collate data that might be needed eventually at a Peace Conference." Mezes was executive director of this group. Mezes was brother-in-law of Colonel Edward House and many of the letters are addressed to him.

Biographical / historical:

President of City College, 1914-1927, and Executive Director of the Inquiry group. The Inquiry group of World War I was appointed by President Wilson in 1917 to "collect and collate data that might be needed eventually at a Peace Conference."

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: Box 2. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Sidney Edward Mezes papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu