Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Edith Altschul Lehman papers
Lehman, Edith A. (Edith Altschul)
4078517
MS#0762
English
.
17 linear feet
32 document boxes; 1 record carton; 2 file card boxes; 4 oversize boxes; Mapcase 15K4
1856-1976
1963-1976
This collection documents the life of Edith Altschul Lehman, a philanthropist who supported many social projects in New York City. Edith Lehman was the wife of New York Governor and Senator Herbert H. Lehman.
Arrangement
This collection has been arranged into four series.
Restrictions on Access
This collection 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.
Restrictions on Access
This collection has no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Edith Altschul Lehman papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Correspondence, diaries, notebooks, speeches, photographs, tape recordings, memorabilia: Source of acquisition--Lehman, Edith Altschul. Method of acquisition--bequest.
Related Archival Materials
Edith Lehman materials from 1910 to 1962 are integrated into the Herbert H. Lehman Papers, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Related Archival Materials
Frank Altschul papers, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University.
Biographical sketch
Edith Louise Altschul was born in San Francisco on August 8, 1889 to Charles and Camilla Altschul. Charles, a successful banker with Lazard Freres, moved the family to New York City in 1901. Edith attended Dr. Sach's Girls School and Miss Jacoby's School (now the Calhoun School) and took a nursing course after graduation. She met Herbert H. Lehman, a partner in the Lehman Brothers investment firm, at a picnic. They were married on April 28, 1910 and would have three children, Peter, John, and Hilda.
Biographical sketch
Edith considered her marriage her career and the most important aspect of her life, but she was also deeply involved in social welfare and philanthropy. She organized a social service committee to care for the family needs of hospitalized patients. This endeavor led to the creation of Mount Sinai Hospital's first professional social service department, and she remained closely associated with the hospital for many years thereafter.
Biographical sketch
Lehman was also involved with the Henry Street Settlement, which provided health care and other assistance to new immigrants and the poor living in the Lower East Side of New York City. In 1948 the Lehman's built Pete's House, a youth center at Henry Street Settlement dedicated to the memory of their son Peter, who was killed in World War II. Peter had volunteered as a youth leader at the Settlement.
Biographical sketch
In 1917, Edith Lehman became a charter member of the Play Schools Association, which promoted play as vital to the mental and physical health of children. The organization partnered with schools, hospitals, and other institutions to provide opportunities for creative play. Lehman would work with the organization for over fifty years, serving as president and as Chairman of the Board from 1966 until her death in 1976.
Biographical sketch
Edith Lehman was also involved in the Jewish communities of New York and a member of the American Jewish Committee and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, among other organizations. She was a supporter of Israel, and first visited the country in 1949 with her husband. The Edith Lehman High School in Dimona, Israel, was dedicated to her.
Biographical sketch
In 1961, the Lehman's built the Lehman Children's Zoo (now the Tisch Zoo) in New York City's Central Park in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. Although the zoo was renovated in 1997, the bronze Lehman Gates still stand at the entrance.
Biographical sketch
After her husband's death in 1963, Edith Lehman established several major endowments and institutions in his honor, including contributions to Mount Sinai Hospital Medical School and the establishment of the Lehman Professorship in Pediatrics at that institution; the Lehman Educational Fund, which offers scholarships for African American college students; and the Lehman School of Ethics at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She also supported Williams College, Herbert Lehman's alma mater, and financed and endowed the Lehman Suite at Columbia University's School of International and Political Affairs.
Biographical sketch
In recognition for her dedication to social causes, Edith Lehman was awarded honorary doctor of humane letters degrees from Williams College and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, as well as a doctor of laws from Columbia University.
Biographical sketch
Edith Altschul Lehman died on March 8, 1976, in New York City.
Ownership and Custodial History
Bequest of Edith Altschul Lehman, 1977.
Processing Information
Correspondence, diaries, notebooks, speeches, photographs, tape recordings, memorabilia Surveyed Julie Miller 05/--/87.
Processing Information
Papers processed Haruna Otsuka Carolyn Smith 2009.
Processing Information
Finding aid written Carolyn Smith September 2009.
Scope and Content
This collection documents the life of Edith Altschul Lehman, a philanthropist and the wife of New York Governor and Senator Herbert H. Lehman. It supplements files on Edith Lehman which had been integrated into the Herbert H. Lehman Papers (MS#0763). The majority of materials relate to Edith Lehman's philanthropic activities, such as the construction of the Lehman Children's Zoo, contributions to the Henry Street Settlement, and her involvement in numerous organizations including the Play Schools Association, the American Jewish Committee, and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. Other material concerns her marriage to Herbert Lehman and her family life. The collection is comprised of correspondence, diaries, notebooks, speeches, photographs, audiotapes, and memorabilia.
Accruals
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Women -- Diaries
Social settlements -- New York (State) -- New York
Zoos -- New York (State) -- New York
Children's zoos -- New York (State) -- New York
Jews -- New York (State) -- New York -- Societies, etc
Jews -- Charities
Governors' spouses -- New York (State)
Humanitarianism
Central Park (New York, N.Y.)
Central Park Children's Zoo (New York, N.Y.)
New York (State) -- Politics and government -- 1951-
Photographic prints
Diaries
Women philanthropists
Lehman, Herbert H (Herbert Henry), 1878-1963
Henry Street Settlement (New York, N.Y.)
American Jewish Committee
Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York
Herbert H. Lehman Collections (Columbia University)
Play Schools Association
Series I: Subject Files1942-1976Scope and ContentsThe majority of the subject files document Edith Lehman's social and philanthropic activities. Files relating to the Play Schools Association reflect her role as president and chairman and include correspondence, reports, memos, and conference materials. Sponsorship files contain brief notes recording her responses to event invitations and to the many requests for her sponsorship or endorsement of particular groups. Other files focus on particular projects, organizations, and individuals and contain correspondence and memos. Files are arranged alphabetically.
A1963-197511Abortion Law Repeal Legislation1971-197512Abrams, Morris B.1965-197013Altschul, Frank and Helen G.1964-197014Altschul, Frank and Helen G.--80th Birthday Party196715American Council for Judaism1960s16American Friends of Hebrew University1964-197517American Jewish Committee1964-197518American Jewish Congress1972-197319Americans for Democratic Action1970-1975110Animal Legislation1966-1970111Animal Shipment Legislation1973-1974112Arnstein, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Flora J.1965-1975113General1963-1971114B1964-197521Beame, Abraham1969-197322Benton, William and Helen1965-197523Bingham, Jonathon B. and June R.1964-197624Birmingham, Stephen--"Our Crowd,"1967-196825B'nai B'rith Lehman Exhibition (Washington)1964-196526Bragdon, Paul E.1965-197127Brandeis University1964-197328Brunkard, Thomas V. Memorial Service197329C1956-197631Carey, Hugh L.1974-197632Carey Transition Council197433Children's Zoo1961-1976(3 Folders)34 to 6Columbia University197241Constitutional Convention, New York State196742Cordier, Andrew W.1969-197543Council for Livestock Protection, circa1970s44Crank Letters1966-197545D1970s46Dimona, Israel, Edith Lehman High School1960s47Douglas, Paul H. and Emily1966-197448Duschnitz, Lilli1938-194149E1964-1975410Edelstein, Julius C.C.1966-197551F1964-197552Federation of Jewish Philanthropies1966-197453Friends of Central Park Zoo1970s54G1967-197555Goodhart, Arthur L. and Family1970s56Gore, Albert1970-197257H1964-197558Henry Street Settlement1970-1975(4 Folders)59 to 12Henry Street Settlement1965-1969(2 Folders)61 to 2Humane Slaughter of Animals1957-197463Humphrey, Hubert H. and Muriel1960-1976(3 Folders)64 to 6I1965-197267Israel1967-197368J1964-197469Jackson, Barbara, 1964-175610Jackson, Sir Robert G. A.1965-1976611Jewish Theological Seminary of America1965-197571Johnson, Lyndon B. and Lady Bird1963-197572Johnson, Lyndon B. Inauguration196573Johnson-Humphrey Campaign196474K1966-197475Kennedy, Robert F.1960-196676Koch, Edward I.1964-197577Krents, Harold1960-197678L1965-197279Lehman, Edith AltschulArt Exhibition Catalogs1954-196171085th Birthday Party1974711New York Post Interview197481Speeches1966-197282Speeches1957-195883Lehman, Herbert H. College1967-1976(3 Folders)84 to 6Lehman, Herbert H.--Juvenile Biography Plans196487Lehman, Mayer--Family Fund1969-197588Lehman, Orin1964-197689Leidesdorf, Samuel D.1964-1973810Lindsey, John V.1964-1969811M1968-197591McGovern Campaign197292Magnes Memorial Museum93Metropolitan Museum and Central Park197194Mondale, Walter F.1974-197595Morgenthau, Robert--D.A. Campaign1974-197596Morgenthau, Robert--Gubernatorial Campaign197097Mount Sinai Hospital and School of Medicine1964-197698N1963-1975101National--General1958-1971102N.A.A.C.P.-- Herbert H. Lehman Education Fund1965-1974103New York Hospital-- Hilda Master Chair1967-1974104New York State-- Lehman Memorial Fellowships1964-1973105New York State Thruway1942-1964106New York University Medical Center1964-1971107O1970-1975108P1965-1974109Philanthropies1968-19751010Play Schools AssociationBiennial Conference1965111General1974-1976(6 Folders)112 to 7Biennial Conference1969118Political--General1970-1971119Presidential Medal of Freedom1963-19641110R1964-1974121Roosevelt, Eleanor--Memorial Foundation1964-1972122Roosevelt, Franklin D.--Monument Committee1966-1975123Sa-Se1960-1974124Sh-Sy1964-1974125Sponsorships1966-1975(10 Folders)126 to 15T1964-19721216Thanks to Scandinavia1964-19681217United Jewish Appeal1962-1975131U-V, 169-1975132W1963-1973133Wagner, Robert Jr.1964-1975134Wald, Lillian D.-- Election to the Hall of Fame1965-1971135Weinfeld, Edward1965-1975(2 Folders)136 to 7Williams College1964-1974138Williams College--Scholarships1960s-1970s141Wise, Hilda Jane Lehman and Family1970s142Yale University1970-1975143Y-Z1965-1975144Series II: Condolences1976Scope and ContentsThis small series holds obituaries, funeral service information, and letters of condolence sent to Edith Lehman's children and family after her death in March 1976.
Obituary197631Funeral Service--General197631Condolence Letters--A-Z8 folders197631Condolence Letters--General197631Series III: Memorabilia1856-1976Scope and ContentsThis series holds a variety of notebooks, awards, artifacts, and other objects representing many aspects of Edith Lehman's life. It includes elaborately bound scrapbooks and other gifts from her uncle, Richard Altschul, which he made each year for his niece's birthday. Consisting of family traditions and injokes, they were known as "The Richy Classics." The series also houses family documents, the diaries, and several photo albums documenting wedding anniversaries and trips. Other albums cover events such as the dedication of Herbert Lehman College and the construction of Pete's House; most of these were given to the Lehman's as commemorative gifts. The series contains a watercolor painting of the Lehman Children's Zoo and two original sketches of the zoo's animal sculptures, designed by artist Aymar Embury. Also included are social books, Christmas gift lists, diplomas and membership certificates, and awards, medals, pins, statues, and other items given to Edith in recognition of her philanthropic activities.
Richard Altschul Gifts"Just C & Y"--Book Box with Letter192523"What I know About Social Services" and Letters191730"Infra Red and Ultraviolet Pictures of Family Life in New York1924 August 1830"Cressy's History of California, Edition Grand de Luxe,"192330"Homi Soit Qui 'Molly' Pense"--Autograph Manuscript Report Addressed to Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman, with Photographs and Flowers, 1922 August 181922364"Lest We Forget"--Scrapbook of California made for Charles and Camilla Altschul1901365Awards and Commemorative ObjectsTestimonial by Women's Division of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee--Guest Signatures,193619National Association for the Advancement of Colored People--Certificate of Life Membership for Edith Lehman,196020Mount Sinai Plaque195520Judge Irving Lehman--Golden Jubilee Scroll from the National Jewish Welfare Board, 1967 April 12196720Jewish Theological Seminary of America--Certificate1965-196620Louise Waterman Wise Award197320Legislative Correspondents Association of the State of New York--Certificate,193721"The Deserted Wives in 'A Little Party of Our Own'" --by the Wives of the Legislative Correspondents Association of the State of New York,193421For Mrs. Herbert Lehman by the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union--Gold Needle and Thimble, 1959 July 1195924American Jewish Committee--Anti-Defamation League--Medalundated24Medical Board of Mount Sinai Hospital--Medal196824For Edith A. Lehman on Her Eightieth Birthday--Medal from the Play Schools Association, 1969 August 18196924Felix M. Warburg Memorial Awardundated24United Jewish Appeal--Medal Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of V-E Day,196524United Jewish Appeal--Medal Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Karen Hayesod,197024Mount Sinai Hospital Trusteeship Medals, 1946 (2 medals)194624Mount Sinai Hospital Board of Trustees Medal--Brass in Lucite196324Silver Medal Commemorating Dedication of the Eleanor Roosevelt Wing of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library--Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial Foundation, 1972 May 3197224Lifetime Pass to the Central Park Children's Zoo--by the Department of Parks,undated24Lifetime Membership in the Woman's Division, Federation of Jewish Philanthropies--Membership Card,196624Howard University Centennial Medal in Appreciation of Gift to Alumni Scholarship Fund,196724Medal with US Congress Seal from Jonathan Binghamundated24Honorary Membership from New York Chapter of Hadassah196125Brandeis University Plaque in Appreciation of Gift to Library Trust Fund,undated25Plaque to Edith Lehman from the Board of Trustees of Brandeis University--Naming Her as Fellow of the University, 1964 April 17196426Elected to the Society of Honor Reform Jewish Appeal--Statues1965-197026Statue to Herbert Lehman for his 80th Birthday by Honor Reform Jewish Appeal,undated26Bust of John Kennedy by Robert Berkes, Presented by 65th Anniversary Convention of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union, 1965 May196526Mount Sinai Medical Center Memorial Resolution, 1976 March197627Naming of Herbert H. Lehman College--Certificate196828Resolution of Appreciation from Henry Street Settlement Urban Life Center--Certificate,1972292Citation from Americans for Democratic Action at Annual National--Certificate,1964292Tribute in Honor of Herbert Lehman Presented to Edith Lehman by the Jewish Teachers Seminary and People's University--Certificate,1966293Election of Edith Lehman to the Society of Honorary Alumni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem--Certificate,1970293Dedication of the Edith Lehman Comprehensive High School, Israel--Certificate,1966294Original lithograph by Chaim Gross from the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York,1963295Class Bowl Engraved with "In Appreciation" from Jonathan Bingham1972Lehman Suite cabinetBlue and White Plate from Thanks to Scandinavia1973Lehman Suite cabinetDegreesWilliams College--Diploma196720National Red Cross--Volunteer Special Services Certificate194425Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters--Diploma,197634Columbia University, Honorary Doctor of Laws--Diploma and Photographs,197227Photo AlbumsGolden Wedding Anniversary196018Edith Lehman High School in Dimona, Israel--Photo Album196519Visit to Israel--Photo Album195919"ORT" in Israel--Photo Bookundated20Governor Lehman and the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America: a Photographic Record Presented to Mrs. Edith Lehman, 1967 October 9196721Pete's House--Henry St. Settlement--Photo Bookundated22Launching of the Diesel Electric Ferryboat "The Governor Herbert H. Lehman" 1964 September 5196422820 Park Avenue--Tenth Floor, 1976 March197625820 Park Avenue--Eleventh Floor, 1976 March197625Photographs--EAL197525Herbert H. Lehman Village, Israel--Photo Album195934Edith Lehman High School at Dimona, Israel--Plansundated27Meadow Farmundated27Play Schools Association--Book of Photographs and Children's Artwork,196028Friends of the Zoo: Teenage Volunteers at the Lehman Children's Zoo--Photo Album,197528Dedication of Herbert Lehman College1966321Edith Lehman 50th Anniversary Fund1917-1968(2 Folders)322 to 3Meadow Farm Albumundated324Mount Sinai School of Medicine--The Investiture of Horace L. Hodes, MD as the First Lehman Professor of Pediatrics,1969325Naming of Herbert H. Lehman College196730Teenage Photograph Workshop, Henry Street Settlement, 1957 (2 binders)195733Dedication of the Herbert H. Lehman Suite, Columbia University197133Hubert H and Muriel Humphrey--Framed PhotographundatedLehman Suite cabinetSlides of Artwork 37GeneralPolitical Contributions1964-1976151European Trip Notebook1970152Birthday List1941153Memory Book1957-1975154Gift List1960155Tipping Memory Book1926-1972156Christmas1956-1974(2 Folders)157-8Edith Altschul Lehman--Diary1949161-3Edith Altschul Lehman--Diary1949161-3Elisabeth Josephson Altschul--Diary, 1856-1872 (4 copies)1856-1872164-5Social BooksSocial Book1950-195617Social Book1957-196317Social Book1966-197017Beverage Preferences196817Social Book1971-197418Social Book197518Engagement Calendar197618The Book of the Bride Elect Designed by a Spinster--Wedding Gifts191018Family Trees--Lehman and Altschul197418S.S. Commodore--Passenger List, 1909 April 4190918Lehman Village--General Information, Israel195919"The Josephson Family"--History by Gertrude Furthundated22Matchbook with Picture of Herbert and Edith Lehmanundated25Herbert and Edith Lehman Bookplatesundated25Menu1910 April 2825Genealogy Notes--Index Cardsundated25Pencil Sketches of the Whale and the Rabbit Sculptures for the Lehman Children's Zoo by Artist Aymar Embury,1960291Watercolor Sketch of Children's Zoo by C. Weissundated291Dead Sea Scrolls Replicaundated30Israel Diary1959(2 Folders)326-7Israel Diary1949-1959(2 Folders)351-2Correspondence1958-1962353Photographs and Clippings1965-1973354Oral Historyundated355Correspondence and Photographs, including Children's Zoo1951-1956356Children's Zoo--Letters from Children1960-1967357Poems1958358Birth Certificate1889359Clippings1966-1973361-3Children's Zoo Illustration on the Cover of The New Yorker, 1964 January 251964Lehman Suite cabinetSeries IV: 2016 Addition: Martha Pearle Lindsay Papers1936-1947Scope and ContentsA gift from Ann Lucas, the neice of Martha Pearle Lindsay, the personal secretary to Edith Lehman while Herbert H. Lehman was the governor.
Edith Lehman letters and invitations to Martha Pearle Lindsey1936-1944381Edith Lehman letters to Martha Pearle Lindsey1940-1946382Edith Lehman letters to Martha Pearle Lindsey, and some letters about Lindsay1937-1945383Edith Lehman letters and invitations to Martha Pearle Lindsey (includes material re. World's Fair Preview)1937-1941384Edith Lehman letters and invitations to Martha Pearle Lindsey1918-1945385Cards and invitations1937-1939386Letters and invitations to Martha Pearle Lindsey1938-1939387Photograph of Martha Pearle Lindsay388Clippings1940s391Governors' Conference1939392The Legislative Correspondent's Association of New York State Presents Sock-a-bye Baby10 March 1938393The Legislative Correspondent's Association of New York State Presents "So You Won't Talk"29 February 1947394The Legislative Correspondent's Association of New York State Presents Wake Up and Scream11 March 1937395Inaugural Address of Governor Herbert H. Lehman2 January 1939396Photographs of Herbert H. Lehman397Photographs of Edith Lehman and Penny Lehman398Edith Lehman Portrait photograph399Photographs of Edith Lehman, Penny Lehman, and Eleanor Roosevelt3910Documents relating to Martha Pearle Lindsey: Employment application (1942) and Cremation (1989)3911The Legislative Correspondent's Association of New York State Presents Knighty---Knighty23 March 19393912Portrait Photograpghs of Herbert H. Lehman and Edith A. Lehman inscribed to Martha Pearle Lindsay14-K-412