{"value"=>"<p>Indentures comprise the 1826 articles of association for the New York Association, and legal contracts for real property transactions relating to Astor property on the Bowery, and the Bowery Theatre resting on it, including deeds, a mortgage and mortgage release, agreements, and leases. The deeds and mortgage items are between Henry Astor and Association trustees; the remainder are between the Association and lessees of the Theatre or related properties. Also included are submitted notices of intention to renew a lease.</p> <p>The theater leases identify the responsibilities of each party for the maintenance and operation of the theater structure, the term of the lease, the payment of rent and security deposit, and other requirements. Leases could not be transferred or assigned without consent. Although all bear witnessed signatures and seals, some have been revised and possibly dismantled as drafts for subsequent leases. The documents do not address theater productions or staffing.</p> <p>Leases may contain an attached agreement between the trustees and the second party to enter into a lease under the provisions of the indenture, with terms for rental and lease renewal. Lease terms typically began on September 1st. Renewals required the lessee to file a notice of intent to renew the lease on March 1st of the expiring year.</p> <p>Leases dating 1829 or later may contain an \"Inventory of the Wardrobe in the Bowery Theatre,\" sometimes as a separate attachment. This is an itemized list of the Association's properties at the theater, including an extensive wardrobe; stage properties; contents of the Green Room, offices and storage areas; scenery; and contents of the dramatic and music libraries. While the music library lists titles of works, only the number of works appears for the dramatic library.</p> <p>Documents recording legal and real property transactions usually bear wafer or wax seals, and several are written on parchment. Pages and documents are usually attached by ribbons tied through stab-holes. Some are in fragile condition.</p>"}