Office of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds records, 1875-1926
Collection context
- Creator:
- Columbia University. Office of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
- Abstract:
- These records consists of contracts, permits, and certificates dealing with the campus buildings and grounds.
- Extent:
- 1.42 linear feet (1 document box and 1 record carton)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection consists of the records of the Superintendent of the Buildings and Grounds, from the last days of the 49th Street and Madison Avenue campus to the move and growth of the Morningside campus. The collection contains contracts, permits, and receipts between the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds and vendors, suppliers, service providers, insurance agencies, and city and state agencies.
- Biographical / historical:
-
During the early history of the College, different employees were responsible for the maintenance of the various buildings and grounds, such as the College Janitor. A more permanent, single position was established by resolution of the Trustees on June 2, 1884, and amended June 7, 1886. The Columbia University campus was located at Madison Avenue and 49th Street until 1896, when it moved to Morningside Heights at Broadway and 116th Street. The duties of this position included the leasing and maintenance of the College properties and supervision of its staff.
The first person to fill the position was Holbrook F. J. Porter. He was the College Engineer from 1884 to 1886 and then served as Superintendent from 1886 to 1890, when he left to become the Chief Engineer of the World's Columbian Exposition. Subsequent superintendents include: Edward Albert Darling (1890-1899), Frederick Arthur Goetze (1899-1907), Henry Lee Norris (1907-1925), and David M. Updike (1925-1933). With the reappointment of Henry Lee Norris in 1933, the position changed to Director of Buildings and Grounds. After further growth and organizational changes at the University, a new position, Vice President for Facilities Management, was created in 1978 and filled the following year by Robert M. Broberg.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
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.
All administrative records of the University are restricted for 25 years from the date of creation.
- 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); Office of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.
- Location of this collection:
-
6th Floor East Butler Library535 West 114th StreetNew 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:
- uarchives@columbia.edu