{"value"=>"<p>The General files (ca. 1896-1960) are arranged alphabetically by both personal and organizational names and subject. Matter. The series contains a combination of general correspondence, organizational records, and topical files. The content of the files consists chiefly of correspondence, with related newspaper clippings, print, and near-print material reflecting the wide variety of Bard's interests in politics and election reform, city planning and New York City urban development, billboard advertising, college fraternities, public speaking, art and architecture, war memorials, and the national anthem.</p> <p>Topical files exist for general subject areas (such as city planning, regional planning and zoning, transit, politics, national anthems, and war memorials) as well as for specific issues (the proposed Brooklyn-Battery Bridge, the closing of the New York Aquarium, and the debate over the location and architecture of the Federal Building and U. S. Courthouse).</p> <p>Organizational records in the General files include Bard's files of his participation in and/or work for the Bar Association, the Central Park Association, the Park Association of New York City, the National Serigraph Society, S. S. Curry's School of Expression, the Inter-fraternity Conference, Keep America Beautiful, Inc., and the School Art League..</p> <p>Researchers should note that there is a great deal of overlap between the General files and Bard's organizational files in Series II-XIII. Additional material on most of the topics and issues addressed in the General files can also be found in several of the series devoted to specific organizations.</p>"}