Baldwin-McDowell papers, 1862-1917, bulk (1889-1912)

Links

• View catalog record
• View PDF finding aid (464.08 KB)

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 22 linear feet (54 boxes, 1 v., 1 package).

Access Restrictions

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

Scope/Contents Note

The bulk of the collection contains correspondence, scrapbooks, notes, organizational papers and photographs documenting Baldwin's and McDowell's involvement in numerous patriotic organizations and initiatives. Baldwin's papers concern his research on American nativist secret societies; the organization of three national conferences of representatives of patriotic and fraternal orders, 1889-1891, to discuss such issues as theneed to defend American institutions, restrict immigration,and restrain the influence of the Roman Catholic Church; the attempt to create a comprehensive library of American history and genealogy, the Library Americana; and the campaign to create a national University of the United States. McDowell's papers concern his participation in theSons of the American Revolution, and his fund-raising and promotional work for several organizations dedicated to the causes of democratic government, world peace, and world government, including the Columbian Liberty Bell Committee, Pan-Republic Congress Committee, Cuban-AmericanLeague, and United Nations of the World/League of Peace. Finally, the collection includes some papers of Ethan Allen (1832-1911) including his correspondence as Colonel of the 3rd Regiment Merchants Brigade, New York City, 1862-1863; the manuscript of McDowell's play, Washington, or the Revolution; and letters regarding the publication of the play and participation in the Sons of the American Revolution.

Biographical/Historical Notes

Henry Baldwin (1832-1905) was a businessman in New York City and New Haven, Connecticut. He was elected to the position of "Custodian of American History" of the National Council of Patriotic Organizations and was charged with creating a "Library Americana". The library'smission was to collect and verify facts relating to American history and genealogy.

William Osborne McDowell (1848-1927) was a businessman in Newark, New Jersey. His interest in patriotic causes led him to create and raise funds for various committees, campaigns and symbolic initiatives. He involved Baldwin inmany of these organizations and became a trustee of the Library Americana.

Controlled Access Terms

• Allen, Ethan, 1832-1911. Washington, or the revolution.
• Patriotic societies.
• Nativism.
• Anti-Catholicism -- United States.
• International organization.
• Peace -- Societies, etc.
• Photoprints.

Additional Creator Names

• McDowell, William Osborne, 1848-1927.
• Baldwin, Henry, 1832-1905.
• Allen, Ethan, 1832-1911.
• Library Americana.
• Cuban American League.
• Pan-Republic Congress.
• Columbian Liberty Bell Committee.
• Order of United Americans.
• Sons of the American Revolution.
• Sons of Veterans, U.S.A.
• Library Americana collection.