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  2. American Watercolor Society records, 1867-1977, bulk 1950-1970
  3. Series 1: Administration and History , 1891-1970

American Watercolor Society records, 1867-1977, bulk 1950-1970

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Series 1: Administration and History , 1891-1970
1.1 Linear feet
Box 1-2

This series consists of records documenting the administration and history of the American Watercolor Society. Included is a draft of "A History of the American Watercolor Society: 1866-1950" and related notes, written by Frank Gervasi. Gervasi was appointed the first Historian of the society in 1949. Also found are documents about the American Watercolor Society Information Center which was established in the early 1950s to provide information about art and artists to the general public. Other documents include leases for offices and exhibition space at the National Academy of Design, as well as legal documents, voting ballots, and recollections by J. Scott Williams regarding the society's merger with the New York Water Color Club.
Additional records include the reports of Presidents Frederic Whitaker and Mario Cooper; records of the Gifts and Bequest Committee and Regional Committees; correspondence regarding publicity and other general administrative correspondence relating to board activities, events, the society's participation in national arts events, and other issues. Also included are specific files on the society's participation in the Fine Arts Federation of New York and Artists for Victory, Inc., and a file of several lists of awards given by the American Watercolor Society.
Scattered financial records in this series include account books and three general ledgers, monthly treasurer's reports, annual financial statements, other financial reports on matters such as catalog sales and exhibition expenses. Also found are tax documents, records of paid bills, payments, and bank deposits, and correspondence regarding financial issues. During the period covered by this documentation, Edgar A. Whitney and Cathy Altvater served as treasurer.
Items are arranged chronologically within each folder.
Description Container Select
History of the American Watercolor Society, 1950-1952
1
1
American Watercolor Society Information Center, circa 1954
1
2
Certificate of Incorporation (photocopy), 1902-1903
1
3
Constitution & By-Laws, 1940
1
4
Lease Agreements with National Academy of Design, 1950-1967
1
5
New York Water Color Club Merger Documents, 1929-1942
1
6
"Comments on Water Color Club Merger", by J. Scott Williams, 1952
1
7
Voting Ballots for New York Water Color Club Merger, 1940
1
8
President's Reports to A. W. S. Members, circa 1950-1963
1
9
Administrative Notebook (disbound), 1950s
1
10
Gifts and Bequests Committee, 1954-1956
1
11
Regional Committees, 1954-1956
1
12
Publicity Correspondence, 1955-1967
(2 folders)
1
13-14
General Administrative Correspondence, 1937-1970
1
15
Press Releases, 1955-1959
1
16
Annual Meeting and Dinner, 1954-1956
1
17
Fine Arts Federation of New York, 1962-1963
1
18
Artists for Victory, Inc., 1943
1
19
Lists of Awards given by American Watercolor Society, 1952-1960, 1966
1
20
Corporate Resolutions, circa 1955-1963
1
21
Ballots (blank), 1954, 1963-1967
1
22
Financial Files
Record & Account Book, 1891-1898
1
23
General Ledger, 1960-1964
1
24
General Ledger (disbound), 1966-1967
1
25
General Ledger (disbound), 1967-1968
1
26
Treasurer's Reports, 1957-1966
(2 folders)
1
27-28
Annual Financial Statements, 1960-1966
1
29
Various Financial Reports, 1957-1966
1
30
Tax Information, 1958-1966
(2 folders)
1
31-32
Paid Bills, 1961-1963, 1966
(2 folders)
1
33-34
Records of Payments, 1957-1960
(2 folders)
1
35-36
Bank Deposit Lists, 1956-1960
2
1
Correspondence, 1943, 1954-1966
2
2
Notes, circa 1959-1960
2
3

Make a Request

  • To request an appointment to view materials, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reading Room" button. Please note, you will receive the full box.
  • To request reproductions, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reproduction" button.