- Creator
- Cowles, James Lewis, 1843-1922
- Call number
- MssCol 683
- Physical description
- 1.8 linear feet (6 boxes)
- Preferred Citation
- James Lewis Cowles papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Manuscripts and Archives Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
James Lewis Cowles (1843-1922) was an American journalist specializing in postal reform and railroad systems. He was a supporter of the Parcel Post Bill and government ownership of the railroads. Collection consists of correspondence, writings and addresses, promotional materials, minutes, personal accounts, notebooks, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1897-1919, is with prominent citizens in business and with American politicians regarding the federalization of the railroad system and the Parcel Post Bill. Also, personal letters from friends and family members. Writings and addresses, 1890-1917, concerning the postal service and railway service in America; promotional materials, 1909-1918, of the Postal Progress League and the World Postal League; minutes, 1911, of the Postal Progress Conference; personal accounts, 1916-1918; notebooks, 1862-1918; photographs of Cowles and family members; and printed ephemera, 1912-1918, are included in the collection.
Key terms
Names
- Cowles, James Lewis, 1843-1922
- Cowles, Edith V
- Cowles, Genevieve, 1871-
- Wyatt, Marian Cowles
- Postal Progress Conference (1911 : Washington, D.C)
- Postal Progress League
- World Postal League
Subjects
- Parcel post
- Postal service -- United States
- Railroads -- United States
- Railroads and state -- United States
Occupations
Material types
Using the collection
Location
Manuscripts and Archives DivisionStephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328