Edward C. Widman collection of World War I letters

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2019-024

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection consists of letters written to Edward C. Widman from employees of the Rochester, New York City Engioneer's Office during World War I. Widman, Chief Clerk in the City Engineer's Office, was a social leader, both in many area organizations and, apparently, amongst the City Engineer's Office staff. The letters reflect the friendly relationship between Widman and his co-workers in military service during the First World War. The letters date from 1917 to 1920.

Dates

Creation: 1917-1920

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

Born in 1867, Edward C. Widman served for many years in the City Engineer's Office of Rochester, New York, finishing his career as the Office's chief clerk. A commited bachelor, Widman lived at 30 herman Street. During his lifetime, Widman was best known for charitable and social activities. Widman was known for spending part of every weekend visiting sick and shut-in people throughout the city. As a mark of his charitable reach, the City gave Widman a room in the City Hall Annex in 1929 to use for distributing clothes to people suffering from the Great Depression. Widman was also known for participation in numerous social organizations, at one point holding membership in 33 different groups. Of them, he was perhaps most noted for work with the Shriners and Masons. Widman retired from his position with the City Engineer's Office in 1934. He passed following a brief illness on March 2, 1938.

Widman's exact relationships with his correspondents in this letter collection are not completely clear. Analysis of the collection suggests that all were his coworkers in the City Engineer's Office, and that correspondence reflected his congenial relationships with them before they entered miltary service.

Extent

.217 Cubic Feet (One legal-size document box.) ; 15x10x5

.434 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of letters received by Edward C. Widman, Chief Clerk of the Rochester, New York Bureau of Design and Construction, during the First World War. The letters were sent from his co-workers in military service between 1917 and 1920.