Series II: Foreman, Edward, 1921-1939

Series — Box: 12-18

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This series consists of the records created during the daily operations of Rochester City Historian, Edward Foreman. The materials date between 1921 and 1939, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1921 and 1930. The materials consist mostly of correspondence but also includes newspaper clippings, budgets, reports, and information on the historical marker program.

The personal papers sub-series consists of correspondence to and from Foreman regarding the Rochester Historical Society, Rochester Bar Association, New York State Historical Society, the Office of the City Historian, and genealogy requests. The correspondence also includes some personal matters such as yard work, reference requests, committee appointments, invitations, home repairs, and membership cards. Mixed in with the correspondence are some newspaper clippings.

Dates

Creation: 1921-1939

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this series.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is held by the Office of the City Historian, Rochester Public Library. Copyright of the papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors’ heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder[s] of copyright and the Office of the City Historian before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library’s usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Biographical Note

Edward Reuben Foreman was born March 9, 1868 in Lima, New York. Foreman graduated from Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1888. After graduation, Edward Foreman enrolled at the University of Rochester and earned a Ph.B (Bachelor of Philosophy) in 1892. Foreman was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1894. Edward Foreman and Mary Louise Payne were married in 1909.

Edward Foreman was a prolific author and editor of many law and historical publications. He was actively involved in area historical societies, law associations, and other community activities. Foreman was Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Rochester from 1894-1898. He then became the managing editor at the Rochester for Joint Committee of New York Legislature on Statutory Revision Commission Bills in 1900. From 1902 to 1903, Foreman was secretary to Mayor Adolph J. Rodenbeck. He was in charge of law publications as the Special Counsel for the Rochester Law Department from 1904 to 1907. While working as Special Counsel for the Rochester Law Department Foreman authored the Municipal Code for the City of Rochester; Volume I published in 1904 and Volume II published in 1907. Foreman served as President of the Rochester Historical Society from 1914 to 1918. Along with working for the Rochester Historical Society, Foreman also served as treasurer of the Genesee County Historical Society (1923) and as trustee for the New York State Historical Society (1924-1936). In 1921, Foreman was appointed City Historian and served until his death in 1936. During his time as City Historian, he published the World War Service Record of Rochester and Monroe County, the four volumes of Centennial History of Rochester, and numerous other historical and municipal publications.

Along with Foreman’s immersion of local history, he was elected President of the Rochester Bar Association from 1924 to 1926. He also served as the President of Associated Alumni at the University of Rochester. Foreman was issued an honorary degree from the University of Rochester for his prolific authorship on the subjects of law and local history. He was also elected a Phi Beta Kappa. Foreman died on February 22, 1936.

Extent

2.25 Cubic Feet (7 clam shell legal document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This series consists of the records created during the daily operations of Rochester City Historian, Edward Foreman. The materials date between 1921 and 1939, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1921 and 1930. The materials consist mostly of correspondence but also include newspaper clippings, budgets, reports, and information on the historical marker program.

Arrangement

This series consists of seven boxes divided into two sub-series:

Sub-series A: Personal papers, 1921-1928

Sub-series B: Miscellaneous, 1921-1939

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This series was created during the daily operations of the City Historian's Office.

Bibliography

“Edward R. Foreman Dies, Noted as City’s Historian.” Democrat and Chronicle Rochester, N.Y. February 23, 1936.

Processing Information

This project was funded by a grant from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund.

Processing Information

The personal papers sub-series was kept in the original order that it was found. Folder titles have remained the same. The folders are arranged somewhat chronologically and then alphabetically by correspondent. The miscellaneous sub-series was found to have no arrangement. The processor arranged the folders alphabetically. Both sub-series have been processed and rehoused from their original boxes into archival grade boxes; newspaper clippings have been placed into acid-free envelopes or poly viewing sleeves. All of the metal fasteners have been removed.