New York State Department of Transportation Division of Waterways Maintenance Correspondence and Publicity Files

B0234-83: Alphabetical by last name of correspondent, or by name of association or company.

According to the Legislative Manuals published by the Secretary of State's office, 1921 marked the first appearance of the "Publicity Agent"; within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Works. This office was first created by an 1876 constitutional amendment, and in 1923 (Chapter 867) was expanded into the Department of Public Works. The Department was abolished in 1967 (Chapter 717), and its responsibilities for transportation planning, construction, and operations and maintenance of the Barge Canal were transferred to the newly created Department of Transportation.

This series consists of incoming and outgoing correspondence files directed to and generated by the Office of Superintendent of Public Works' "Publicity Agent," Charles E. Ogden. In addition, the files include newspaper clippings, memoranda, magazine articles, brochures and press releases. Ogden's correspondence files document a conscious effort on the state's part, to promote the widespread utilization of the Barge Canal.

The files contain information on the preparation of lantern slides to be shown at various public forums; techniques for advertising and promoting the Barge Canal; goods shipped over the Barge Canal; the proposed re-introduction of canal passenger packets; and the distribution of literature and photographs regarding the canal system. Correspondents within the files include the Superintendent of Public Works, the Education Department's Chief of Division of Visual Instruction, other state officials, bank presidents, news feature services, chambers of commerce throughout the state, press clipping bureaus, canal traffic agents, newspaper and magazine editors, and university professors.

B0234-13: This accretion contains drafts and final versions of speeches, position papers, and research notes on the historical development and economic benefits of the New York State canal system. Some of the material was compiled by J.R. Stellato, former director of the Division of Waterways Maintenance. A copy of the Report of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Barge Canal, 1964, is included in the files.

B0234-83: Container list.

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