{"value"=>"<p>Series includes numerous versions of Westerman's curriculum vitae, address books, invitations to official events in Panama, correspondence and news clippings regarding his family both in Panama and the United States, and information about his death. There is correspondence with friends such as Anesta Samuels (founder of a Brooklyn based Panamanian community organization called the Dedicators) and Audrey Thorne. This series also contains information about some of the many honors and awards bestowed upon Westerman, both in Panama and internationally from 1949-1984, including the Vasco Nufiez de Balboa Award (1953), the Lewis D. Brandeis Gold Medal Award for \"Service to Humanity\" (1959), the celebration of \"Westerman's Day\" by the Dedicators (1968), an achievement award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - Canal Zone Branch (1975), and an organization called \"Friends of George Westerman\" (1982). There are also personal financial records.</p> <p>Of particular interest are Westerman's \"memoranda of record\" (1967-1973), which he wrote as a diary or record of important conversations he had with prominent figures on issues of national and international importance, especially United States-Panama relations. The memoranda for 1967-1968, deal with the Panamanian presidential pre-electoral and electoral campaign of 1968, and furnish valuable insights into the complexities of Amulfo Arias' campaign and the constitutional crisis that ensued in 1968 prior to Arias' overthrow by the Panamanian National Guard on October 11, 1968. The memoranda of 1969-1973 discuss the early years of the military government and Westerman's opposition to it.</p> <p>Additionally, there are a large number of news clippings by and about Westerman (1933-1984) which include his columns from the newspaper Panama Tribune. The articles discuss nearly every professional issue and activity in which Westerman was involved, from Panamanian politics, trips abroad, the Canal Zone, labor, housing, the United Nations, race relations, U. S. - Panama relations, to his presentation of speeches, and honors awarded him.</p> <p>This series also encompasses information about Westerman's numerous business ventures. He devoted the greatest effort attempting to improve housing conditions for West Indian laborers and was involved in several projects to either build or assemble pre-fabricated housing and regular housing in Panama. There are proposals from several companies including Betania Home Ownership Project, Cativa Housing Project, Dalite Corporation, and Philip W. Genovese & Associates, which worked on the Pan de Azucar housing development, as well as building and loan associations (1950s-1970s). Other files document his business attempts in minting numismatic coins, and in serving as a broker for various types of food and alcoholic beverages. This material is arranged alphabetically by type of business venture.</p>"}