Wesley Williams papers, 1909-1984, 1919-1984.

Links

• View catalog record

Creator

Williams, Wesley A., 1896-1984.

Location

Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division

Extent

• 6.2 lin. ft.

Scope/Contents Note

Correspondence, news clippings, commendations for courageous actions and plaques reflecting Williams' career; material regarding the Vulcan Society; and information about Williams' father, James H. Williams, Chief of the Red Caps at Grand Central Station and Robert O. Lowery, first African-American fire commissioner in NewYork City.

Biographical/Historical Note

New York City's first African-American fire fighter and fire official in the New York City Fire Department, ascending through the ranks from driver (1919), retiring as battalion chief (1952). He was a founder of the Vulcan Society, a black firemen's professional and social organization which sought better employment conditions.

Controlled Access Terms

• Williams, Wesley A., 1896-1984.
• Lowery, Robert O. (Robert Oliver), 1916-
• Williams, James H., d1948.
• New York (N.Y.). Fire Dept.
• Vulcan Society (New York, N.Y.)
• Porters -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American fire fighters -- New York (State) -- New York -- Societies, etc.
• African Americans -- Employment -- New York (State) -- New York.
• African American fire fighters.