Series X: Financial Records
- Scope and content:
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This series spans the years from the 1860s to the 1940s. A sizable portion of the early records concern the expenses of constructing buildings on the Bebek campus. There are financial statements for the 1870s prepared by George Washburn in his capacity as treasurer and an 1899 list of securities held by the trustees on behalf of the College. In many instances there is correspondence that refers to financial matters.
As the College grew the records became more elaborate, encompassing such subjects as beneficiary funds, procedures for aiding needy students and financing operations under the stringencies imposed by World Wars I and II. There is an incomplete series of minutes of the finance committee of the trustees for the early 1930s and early 1940s.
Relations between the College and the Turkish government became strained during the 1930s with the enactment of the Minimum Profits Tax. This law treated colleges as though they were commercial enterprises and thus was a source of concern to RC administrators. There are extensive reports of conferences with tax officials over the application of the tax to educational institutions. Much of the correspondence in this series relates to the availability of supplies and the cost of transporting them to Turkey from the United States.
There are several printed pamphlets and broadsides designed for fundraising that describe the College, provide some historical background and discuss the institution's financial needs in order fulfill its mission. These materials range in date from 1873 to 1919.
Contents
Access and use
- Parent restrictions:
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Box 27 of ADD Series VII: Publications is located off-site. 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.
- Parent 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.
- Location of this collection:
- 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