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Series I: General Scrapbooks, 1918-1945
This series covers Van Namee's relationship with Alfred E. Smith, containing clippings, ephemera, and photographs from 1918 through 1945. Included are articles about Smith's tenure as governor, Smith's 1928 Presidential run, and details of Smith's later life and marriage. Also included are photographs and letters from Van Namee's own life, including his marriage to Rose Fallon, a successful florist, and his appointment and tenure as New York's Public Service Commissioner. Articles and ephemera from other events of the period--such as articles about Hitler's death, tickets from the New York World's Fair, and programs from racing and boxing events--are included throughout. Items relevant to Tammany Hall, Mayor Jimmy Walker, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pope Pius XI, and New York Irish Catholics are also present.
Box 1
Vol. 1, 1926-1935
(News clippings related to Al Smith's tenure as governor and his Presidential campaign; letter from FDR to Van Namee; Van Namee's wedding; Van Namee's trips to Europe; material concerning Mayor Jimmy Walker)
Box 2
Vol. 2, 1918-1920
(News clippings related to Al Smith's first election as Governor; Van Namee's nomination as Public Service Commissioner; letters of congratulation for appointment)
Box 3
Vol. 3, 1919-1925
(Clippings, mostly about Smith's second election as Governor and about New York City politics)
Box 4
Vol. 4, 1920-1928
(Clippings about Al Smith's second tenure as governor; photos of Van Namee vacations; pamphlets and clippings regarding Smith's 1928 presidential run)
Box 5
Vol. 5, 1927-1932
(Clippings and pamphlet literature from Smith's 1928 presidential run and its aftermath; Van Namee vacation photos)
Box 6
Vol. 6, 1938-1940
(Clippings regarding the death of Pope Pius XI, lead up to WWII, New York politics, Van Namee trips to Europe in 1938 and 1939)
Box 7
Vol. 7, 1940-1945
(Clippings related to WWII, Hitler's death, Al Smith's death and funeral, Van Namee's retirement)