This week we announced that several non-archival artifacts are available for purchase at an auction of selected Gifts to the City. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Municipal Archives Reference and Research Fund (MARRF) which supports the work of the Municipal Archives and Library.
The Municipal Record Keepers: Eugene J. Bockman
This week’s article features Eugene J. Bockman, Municipal Reference Library Director (1958-1975), and DORIS’ first Commissioner (1977-1989). Born on July 23, 1923, Bockman served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, flying 29 missions in the Pacific Theater of Operations, and winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Science at City College, and a Bachelor of Library Science at Pratt Institute in 1950.
Surrogate’s Court/Hall of Records: A Public Treasure
In 1961, the exterior staircase to the eastern entrance of the Surrogate’s Court was lopped off when Centre Street was widened, and the vestibule fell into disuse. Around that time, there were plans to demolish the entire building as part of a “new” Civic Center proposal. Landmark designation of the Surrogate’s Court building in 1966 saved the building from further insult, and in the 1970s, the newly formed Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) moved its administrative staff into offices adjacent to the eastern vestible. In the early 1980s the agency moved all divisions into the building, with the Municipal Library (then called the Municipal Reference and Research Center) occupying the other side of the former Centre Street vestibule.
Charters in the Municipal Library
In recent times, New Yorkers have become accustomed to the appointment of charter revision commissions on an almost annual basis. According to a 1962 article in the Municipal Reference Library Notes by then-librarian Eugene Bockman, this is not unusual. Between 1898 and 1934 there were at least ten charter-revision commissions that examined and proposed a variety of changes in how the city operated.
This month’s edition of Library Notes included a brief bit about the reprint of the oldest charter in the Library which was issued by English Lieutenant Governor Dongan in 1686.