Correspondence, 1922 - 1983

The correspondence files, approximately 14 cubic feet in volume, are the largest individual records group. The existing files begin early in the history of the school with the administration of Sylvia Russell (1922-1928), and include correspondence from the subsequent administrations of Charles Goins, Saul Hounchell, Chester Sparks, David Jackson, and Barkley Moore. For the most part these are daily correspondence files of the principle administrators. (Most often this was the president; however, during some of the administrative transition periods, the title of the person responsible for the daily running of the school varied.) The correspondence consists primarily of letters between donors, parents or students and the principle administrator.

In general, the correspondence files are a very informative part of the school's records. Since they cover the daily events of many years and are so extensive, they are a consistent source of information on such aspects of school operation as opening and closing dates, enrollments, dropouts, and inquiries from prospective students or parents. Letters documenting contributions of money or used clothing arrived at the school almost daily. And clearly document that the school has always been supported mainly by contributions—nearly always small ones—from supporters.

The Correspondence provides some understanding of the school’s supporters, many of whom wrote frequently and donated money, clothes, and other necessities for twenty years or more. The letters to contributors include descriptions of students, changes in academic or labor programs, reports of fires, floods, and droughts. Much is revealed about the motivations and attitudes of the principle administrators from sometimes very frank correspondence.

At the end of this series are a number of letters (Selected Correspondence, 1922-43, 1945, 1951-58, 1963-69) pulled from the general files several years ago by Barkley Moore. Letters of particular historical interest include the correspondence of Sylvia Russell and Charles Goins with James Burns during some of his absences from the school, and others between Charles Goins and Dr. C.A. McConville, the Brooklyn doctor who was instrumental in raising funds for the Oneida Hospital.