{"value"=>"<p>Howard Adams Flanigan, a decorated U.S. Naval officer, retired his commission to join the Fair Corporation in the capacity of Administrative Assistant to President Grover Whalen in May 1936. Known as Commander by the over 8,000 employees who made up the staff during the peak operating period, Flanigan acted on behalf of the president in organizational matters and was charged with the coordination of the activities of all departments. Following the resignation of General Manager W. Earle Andrews, who was responsible for planning, site development, and general oversight of the Operating Division, Flanigan assumed the additional duties of this position. The Office of Executive Vice President was established with Flanigan at its helm during an organizational restructuring at the end of the 1939 season. At the closing of the Fair, Flanigan managed its operational and physical dismantling, overseeing the demolition of buildings at Flushing Meadow, the sale and salvage of Fair property, and negotiations with city, state and federal authorities. In June 1941, Flanigan was recalled by the Navy to active service and his duties were absorbed by the remaining staff in the Office of Secretary.</p> <p>The modest number of files under this heading belies Flanigan's far-ranging activities as Executive Vice President. The bulk of his extensive records may be found dispersed throughout Central Files and the many departments and units that constitute the Operating Division including Concessions, Construction, Exhibits and Entertainment, Public Services and Labor Relations. The documents here relate primarily to Flanigan's post-Fair activities, particularly with regard to demolition plans and negotiations with the New York City Parks Department. Many of these files were generated in response to Parks Commissioner Robert Moses' letter of September 27, 1940, in which he delineated the Fair Corporation's obligations to the City. Materials include an illustrated Parks' Department booklet requesting funds for the development of Flushing Meadow Park; Flanigan's confidential bulletins to the Fair's Executive Committee related to the progress of demolition, sales and salvage, personnel reductions, operating finances, and issues regarding concessionaires with claims against or in debt to the Fair. Finally, files reflecting Flanigan's activity during the Fair period include a Federal Works Agency report on plans for the 1940 Contemporary Arts building, and documentation regarding the Chicago office opened to promote the Fair in the Midwest.</p>"}