{"value"=>"<p>This series consists of general correspondence of Mrs. Astor arranged chronologically in the period 1985-1998; followed by a file of correspondence and papers arranged topically. The bulk of the chronological file consists of letters addressed to Mrs. Astor from well-wishers, admirers, readers of her books, and other members of the public; and from officers of charitable, civic and community organizations. Included is correspondence relating to invitations to receptions, dinners and other social events, invitations to serve on boards of directors, requests for personal interviews and for biographical information relating to Mrs. Astor and the Astor family. Included are a few requests from persons proposing to write an official biography of Mrs. Astor. Almost all of the outgoing correspondence is answered by Linda Gillies. Included is a transcript of an interview with Mrs. Astor conducted by Kathleen D. McCarthy of the Center for the Study of Philanthropy (Container #297); and a write-up by Eileen Simpson of her interview with Mrs. Astor (in folder 4 of Container #297).</p> <p>The topical file includes correspondence of Mrs. Astor with officers of civic, non-profit and other organizations (including grant recipients) and with friends, associates and others relating to interviews, receptions, gala dinners, awards, tributes, Mrs. Astor's 90th birthday anniversary, Astor family history and other matters. The bulk of the outgoing correspondence in this file is answered by Mrs. Astor. Highlights of this series include the following:</p> <p>The Vincent Astor file contains a photocopy of handwritten notes made by Mrs. Astor following her husband's death.</p> <p>The Barbara Bush file contains a photocopy of a letter by Barbara Bush dated December 30, 1988 in reply to Mrs. Astor's recommendation to her that black couples be invited to attend her first inaugural dinner at the White House.</p> <p>The Columbia University and Cornell University files contain letters to Mrs. Astor from Astor Presidential Scholars and Vincent Astor Scholars, respectively; as well as reports and biographical sketches relating to the scholarship recipients.</p> <p>The Essay on Foundations file contains a handwritten essay (undated) by Mrs. Astor on the philosophy of foundation work with reference to the Vincent Astor Foundation.</p> <p>The David Grafton file includes a copy of an interview containing Mrs. Astor's reminiscences of her friend Cole Porter.</p> <p>The Interview file contains a transcript of a conversation between Mrs. Astor and the Reverend Jesse Jackson; and also responses from the public to Mrs. Astor's appearance on Barbara Walter's television show Nightline.</p> <p>The New York Public Library file contains Mrs. Astor's correspondence and papers as member of the Library's board of trustees. Included is correspondence with trustees relating to fundraising, plans for Library development and improvement, the Brooke Astor Award ceremonies, and other matters.</p> <p>The New York Times file contains Mrs. Astor's correspondence with readers responding to articles about her and the Vincent Astor Foundation published in the New York Times.</p> <p>The Party file contains papers relating to \"A Birthday for Brooke\" in celebration of Mrs. Astor's ninetieth birthday.</p> <p>The Poems file contains copies of miscellaneous poems written by Mrs. Astor.</p> <p>The Press Info file contains correspondence with the printed and broadcast media relating to requests for personal interviews with Mrs. Astor and for photographs, and biographical information relating to her.</p> <p>The 60 Minutes file contains correspondence from individuals and organizations seeking financial assistance in response to Mrs. Astor's appearance on the CBS television show 60 Minutes.</p> <p>The Speeches file contains the texts of a few speeches by Mrs. Astor.</p>"}