Scope and arrangement
The Lexington Democratic Club records document the operations and activities of the organization between 1949 and 2010. Files held in this collection include founding documents, memorandums, event announcements, planning documents, meeting minutes, financial records, statistical reports, and correspondence. These records reveal the challenges inherent in local political activism and in establishing a new presence on an already mature political scene. They also illustrate the various efforts of community organizers in mid-20th century Manhattan, in particular, the fight against Tammany Hall and the rise of civil rights issues.
The Lexington Democratic Club records are arranged in two series:
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1948-201012.5 boxes
The Administrative Files series provides insight to the overall management and structure of the organization, as well as the daily activities carried out by its leadership and members. The creation and evolution of the club is well documented in the founding records, which consist of constitutions, amendments, memorandums, and research files from similar organizations. This series also holds committee files with member rosters and meeting minutes, financial records, legal files in regards to critical political and social issues of the time, and press material. The bulk of the files are concerned with local elections and judicial selection and reform. These records contain election statistic reports, lists of local Democrats and unregistered neighbors, guides on how to successfully register voters, and articles outlining the issues being debated. Of interest are campaign materials from multiple politicians that exist in the form of flyers, photo-adorned cards, and other eye-catching forms. Also present are newspaper clippings and newsletters from the Club and about the Club.
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1949-19867.5 boxes
The Correspondence series, organized chronologically, spans from 1949 to 1986, and consists of both incoming and copies of outgoing letters. Club communications include newsletters, member memos, meeting and event announcements, fundraiser invitations, letters concerning dues payments, newspaper clippings, and printed fliers related to various local races. Much of this material was addressed to Secretary, Vice President, and later President Jerome E. Hyman. Outside correspondence came from local politicians and political groups, many seeking endorsements and support, and community members interested in the club. The letters further document the involvement of the club in elections, with other political groups, and in strategic planning for the Democratic Party.