Serrell-Opdycke-Patrick papers, ca. 1828-1963.

Links

• View catalog record
• View PDF finding aid (118.98 KB)

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 16 linear feet (37 boxes, 1 v.)

Access Restrictions

Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.

Engineering drawings by James E. Serrell must undergo conservation treatment before use.

Scope/Contents Note

The Serrell-Opdycke-Patrick papers document the evolution of property ownership and land use in New York City and the development of the city's urban infrastructure of streets and sewers especially during the latter half of the 19th century (1840s-1890s). Over one-half of the collection consists of New York City land maps and surveysarranged by city block number with collateral papers including correspondence, engineering notes and field notebooks. Papers reflect the surveying and engineering work of James E. Serrell, Henry G. Opdycke, the firm of Opdycke & Thomson, and (to a lesser extent) of William R. Patrick. Included also are personal and miscellaneous papers of James E. Serrell, Henry G. Opdycke, and William R. Patrick relating mainly to their professional careers.

Biographical/Historical Note

James E. Serrell (1820-1892), Henry G. Opdycke (1870-1938),and William R. Patrick were New York City surveyors and civil engineers. Serrell was appointed city surveyor in the Street Dept. of New York, had a surveying practice in the city, and carried on experiments for improvements in the design of marine engines and propellers. Opdycke practiced engineering and consulted on the construction ofthe first subway in New York City. In 1899 he formed a partnership, Opdycke & Thomson, with H. Serrell Thomson and later was associated with William R. Patrick in his surveying practice. Patrick eventually assumed Opdycke's surveying business, taking possession of Opdycke's papers and the papers of James E. Serrell.

Controlled Access Terms

• Civil engineering -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Land use -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Property -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Sewerage -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Streets -- New York (State) -- New York.
• Surveying -- New York (State) -- New York.
• New York (N.Y.) -- Surveys.
• Land surveys.
• Maps.
• Civil engineers.
• Surveyors.

Additional Creator Names

• Opdycke, Henry G., 1870-1938.
• Patrick, William R.
• Serrell, James E., 1820-1892.
• Opdycke & Thomson (Firm)