Sub-series G: Personal papers, 1898-2000, bulk 1930-1960

Sub-Series — Box: 41-46

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the personal papers and correspondence of former City Historian, Blake McKelvey. The materials date between 1898 and 2000, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1930 and 1960. The materials consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, research notes, and a handwritten autobiography.

The correspondence in this sub-series contains letters written to McKelvey from peers, family, co-workers, and colleagues. Some of the topics include college courses, the environment of Rochester during World War II, and family. The research notes are handwritten by McKelvey and include topics that he was interested in and continued to research even after his retirement such as, crime, housing, industry, and important people of Rochester.

Box 5 consists of a handwritten autobiography of McKelvey; about 150 pages. It also contains newspaper clippings that Mrs. E. E. McKelvey (Blake’s mother) collected on family members as well as genealogy information on the McKelvey and Faus families. The correspondence in this box is written to Mrs. E. E. McKelvey from family members and also contains cards and some photos.

Dates

Creation: 1898-2000, bulk 1930-1960

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restriction regarding access to or use of this sub-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.

Extent

2.20 Cubic Feet (6 clam document boxes, 1 over size document box )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains the personal papers and correspondence of Rochester City Historian Emeritus, Blake McKelvey. The materials date between 1898 and 2000, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1930 and 1960. The materials consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, research notes, and a handwritten autobiography.

Arrangement

This sub-series consists of seven boxes.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

A portion of the sub-series was created during daily operations of the City Historian's office. The papers that were not created during daily operations were donated by Blake McKelvey's sister, Rachel Cleaves.

Processing Information

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

Processing Information

This sub-series was kept in the original order that it was found. All of the metal fasteners were removed, all newspaper clippings and other acidic papers were placed in their own acid-free envelopes. Most photographs were placed in poly viewing sleeves for preservation purposes. All over sized documents were removed from their original location; in their place, the archivist placed a note describing the materials that were relocated and that they were placed in box 7 (Over sized Documents). Each over sized document was placed in its own folder, labeled with the original location and description of the item.