Scrapbooks
Statement on Language
Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.
Overview of the Records
Repository
- New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
- Scrapbooks consist mostly of news clippings concerning conditions at the House of Refuge (Vol. 1 and 2) and crime and prison conditions in New York (Vol. 5) and throughout the United States (Vols. 3 and 4).. Included are programs for shows/events and clippings related to the Freedom of Worship Act and investigations into conditions and management at the institution; and clippings about violent crimes, prisons, prison conditions, parole systems and the United States legal system.
Title
- Scrapbooks
Quantity
- 1 cubic feet; 5 volumes
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
- A2078
Creator
Arrangement
By subject, then chronological.
Scope and Content Note
Scrapbooks consist mostly of news clippings concerning conditions at the House of Refuge and crime and prison conditions throughout the United States.
Volume 1 contains programs for shows or other events at the institution and clippings concerning: controversy over the institution's implementation of the "Freedom of Worship Act" of 1892 requiring state-funded institutions to allow Roman Catholic services; and the history and programs of the institution. These items were pasted in an old school record book. Pages covering 1867-1870 are still readable, listing inmates, inmate numbers, classes, and grades.
Volume 2 contains clippings concerning: charges of mismanagement at the institution; State Board of Charities investigations into conditions at and management of the institution; escapes from the institution; and programs and exhibits held by the institution. Volumes 3 and 4 contain clippings mostly concerning violent crimes committed throughout the United States. Volume 5 contains clippings concerning prisons and prison conditions, parole systems, and the legal system in New York State and elsewhere in the country. Very few items in these last three volumes relate to the House of Refuge. There is no indication of who compiled these scrapbooks or why they were kept.
Custodial History
The Department of Correction placed these records on loan to the Syracuse University Library from 1960-1977.
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.
Access Terms
Corporate Name(s)
- Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents in the City of New York
- New York (State). Department of Correctional Services
- New York (State). Department of Correction
Geographic Name(s)
Subject(s)
- Juvenile delinquents--Rehabilitation
- Prison administration
- Prisons
- Juvenile delinquency
- Reformatories
- Crime
- Juvenile delinquents
- Juvenile detention homes
- Parole
- Criminals
- Juvenile corrections