{"value"=>"<p>Series II, the Henry Astor business papers relating to the Bowery Theatre, 1826-1834, comprise legal and financial records, 1826-1832, and accounting records, 1826-1834, demonstrating the close administrative and financial involvement of Henry Astor in the New York Association, which oversaw the construction and operation of the New York Theatre (Bowery Theatre), and of William B. Astor at the end of his uncle's life.</p> <p>Legal and financial records, 1826-1834, arranged alphabetically by form or title, contain significant indentures, notably the New York Association's articles of association, and related real property agreements between the Association's trustees and Henry Astor. Indentures also include annual leases between the trustees and Theatre lessees Samuel L. Gouverneur, James H. Hackett, and Thomas S. Hamblin, some with an attached inventory of theater property, wardrobes, and scenery; as well as notices of intention required for lease renewal; and rental agreements. Documents regarding the appraisal of Theatre property, conducted shortly after the Theatre's first fire in May 1828, include schedules forming the basis of the inventories attached to Theatre lease contracts.</p> <p>Also included are contractual agreements and releases, mostly concerning the construction of the New York Theatre (the first iteration); accounts relating to Henry Astor's mortgage and loan arrangements with the Association; share transactions and canceled certificates; insurance policies; promissory notes; and a statement officially closing accounts with Henry Astor as treasurer and William B. Astor.</p> <p>Accounting records for the New York Association, 1826-1834, contain statements in account current with its treasurers; supporting vouchers, consisting of invoices, receipts and statements; quarterly statements of tenant rents; and a notebook for candle purchases. These records identify numerous artisans and merchants working on the construction and outfitting of the first and second theaters. Also present are two statements, [1826]-1827, for the Bull's Head Inn at Third Avenue and Twenty-Fourth Street, managed at that time by James A. Hamilton, the Association's treasurer.</p> <p>Letters and documents, 1828-1830, contain letters to Henry Astor and New York Association secretary Michael B. Walsh; the Theatre's license to operate, signed May 4, 1829 by Walter Bowne, Mayor of New York City; and various memoranda. A few additional notes or letters can be found as written on other documents in this series. Also present are document wrappers, circa 1830s, used for general identification of document bundles.</p>"}