New York State Governor Assistant to the Governor Correspondence and Subject Files of George B. Graves

Alphabetical by topic or name of correspondent.

George B. Graves (1876-1937) served under fourteen New York governors. He was appointed private secretary to Governor Alfred E. Smith on April 5, 1924; later, he became assistant to the governor, a position especially created for him by Governor Smith. Graves ended his thirty-six years of government service on December 31, 1928, coincident with Smith's retirement.

The series consists primarily of files created and maintained by George B. Graves during his service to Governor Alfred Smith, first as private secretary and later as assistant to the governor. There is also a small amount of material (1922-1924) dating from the time of Graves' predecessor, George Van Namee. The files consist chiefly of correspondence, telegrams, memoranda, cross references, speech material, newspaper clippings, and some printed material.

The material in the series is that which was routinely handled for the governor by Graves; thus there are relatively few letters signed by Governor Smith. Documents relate to all areas of the governor's responsibility and interest, and include communications with local, state, and federal government officials and organizations; officials in other states; and private citizens. The files provide insight into the administration and daily workings of the governor's office, as well as the public life of Alfred Smith at that time.

Correspondence includes applications for interviews and employment; requests for endorsements, autographs, and photographs; pleas for charitable contributions; and requests for advice on social and economic problems which confronted the citizens of New York and the country during the gubernatorial term of Smith.

Much of the material is social in nature, including messages of confidence or congratulation; birthday and holiday greetings; and acknowledgments of gifts received. There are letters praising speeches, radio broadcasts, and statements made by Governor Smith, as well as invitations to speak at various functions and attend dinners, ceremonial exercises, receptions, and other public functions and political gatherings.

The records also reflect Smith's interest in state and national affairs of the Democratic Party, and contain correspondence with party leaders, officials, and prominent political figures.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.