Born Bella Savitzky in New York City in 1920. Died in New York 1998. Lawyer and flamboyant Congresswoman from New York City's 19th and 20th Congressional Districts, 1971-1976. Columbia LL. B. 1945 Abzug was a activist for workers racial minorities and women. Large hats became her trademark and she would wear a hat on the floor of the House, in violation of Congressional protocol.
Congressional papers consisting of correspondence memoranda, speeches, reports, photographs and printed materials relating to her terms in Congress. The collection contains general correspondence and administrative files, as well as extensive subject files on a wide variety of topics with which Abzug was involved while in Congress. Also included are Legislative files, being the chronological files of background material for legislation considered on the House floor, and printed versions of legislation by Abzug and others. The Casework Files, relating to Abzug's advocacy on behalf of constituents involved in civil rights, housing, military, employment and related cases, are closed. Among the major correspondents are Carl Albert, Abraham D. Beame, Hugh L. Carey, Gerald R. Ford, Edward I. Koch, John V. Lindsay, Nelson A. Rockefeller, and Gloria Steinem. Materials added in 1981 include: draft transcripts of an oral history, appointment books, speeches and subject files (particularly on privacy and freedom of information) all interfiled in the collection and campaign materials press releases and newspaper clippings. Casework files and selected correspondence and administrative files closed; campaign materials, press releases and newspaper clippings from 1981 addition require Donor's permission to see.
Correspondence | |||
--Cataloged Correspondence | |||
| 5 Boxes | Alphabetically arranged and individually described in our card catalog. Some of the names included are: David Amram; William F. Buckley, Jr.; Cesar E. Chavez; Babette Deutsch; Barry M. Goldwater; Hubert H. Humphrey; Edward I. Koch; Clare Booth Luce; Lester Maddox; Paul O'Dwyer; Jerome Robbins; Nelson Rockefeller; Benjamin Spock; and Lionel Trilling 5 unnumbered boxes Note: Pages iii-iv of Register | ||
--Incoming CorrespondenceNote: This sequence contains primarily general letters received by Abzug's various offices. Many files also contain related items and copies of replies. Files of correspondence pertaining to specific issues have been placed in the Topical Files. One box of Abzug's outgoing "Dear Colleague" letters have been kept with those she received rather than in the Outgoing sequence. | |||
--General | |||
| 1 - 9 | Chronologically arranged letters received 1970 - 1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Abusive Mail | |||
| 9 & 10 | Chronologically arranged abusive letters received 1970 - 1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Condolences | |||
| 11 | Condolence cards (outgoing, 1971-1976); Incoming, 1975 1971 - 1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Congress, members of | |||
| 12 | General 1972 - 1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
| 13 - 15 | "Dear Colleague" Letters [n.d.] & 1971 - 1975 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Congratulations | |||
| 16 | Chronologically arranged [n.d.] & 1971-1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Courtesy Letters | |||
| 17 - 20 | General letters of greeting and acknowledgement 1970-1976 Note: Page 1 of Register | ||
--Dead Letters | |||
| 21 | Chronologically arranged 1971-1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Holiday & Birthday Greetings | |||
| 22 | Chronologically arranged [n.d.] Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Literary Correspondence | |||
| 23 | Regarding literary works and activities by Abzug and others 1970-1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Recommendations | |||
| 24 | Chronologically arranged 1970-1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Requests | |||
| 25 - 29 | Chronologically arranged 1970 - 1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Support | |||
| 30 - 32 | Includes "Friends of BSA" and National Constituents of Bella Abzug 1970 - 1975 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Thanks & Commendations | |||
| 33 - 35 | Chronologically arranged 1970-1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--Views, General | |||
| 36 - 39 | Letters of opinion on various subjects from constituents and others. See also specific Topical files 1971-1976 Note: Page 2 of Register | ||
--White House | |||
| 40 | White House correspondence Note: Page 3 of Register | ||
--OutgoingNote: This sequence contains carbon copies of letters sent from Abzug's New York and Washington offices; the files of the two offices are kept separate. Due to inconsistencies and changes in filing systems, there is some overlapping | |||
--New York Office | |||
| 41 - 45A | Chronologically arranged by year and alphabetically arranged within year. 1970-1976 Note: Page 3 of Register | ||
--Washington Office | |||
| 46 - 61A | Chronologically arranged by year and alphabetically arranged within year. Includes "Robos" (form letters signed by robot) in box 62A 1971-1976 Note: Page 3 of Register | ||
Administrative Files | |||
--Personal | |||
| 63 | Awards and Honors
Biographies Biographies - Correspondence Biographies - Directories 1971-1976 Note: Page 4 of Register | ||
| 63A | Oral History 1971 draft transcripts Note: Page 4 of Register | ||
| 64 | Campaigns 1970; 1972; 1976 Note: Page 4 of Register See also 1981 Addition | ||
| 65 | Organizations [Including American Bar Association and National Constituents of Bella Abzug] 1971-1976 Note: Page 4 of Register | ||
--Office | |||
--General | |||
| 66 | Bugging; Mailings, Guest Book; Newsletters; Manual; Subscriptions, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 4 of Register | ||
--Address Lists | |||
| 67 | Assembly Districts; Civic Organizations; Favorable Voters; etc. Note: Page 4 of Register | ||
--Memoranda | |||
| 68 & 69 | Chronologically arranged 1970 - 1975 Note: Page 5 of Register | ||
--Staff | |||
| 70 - 75 | Resumes and Interns 1971-1977 Note: Page 5 of Register | ||
--Public Activities | |||
--Invitations | |||
| 76 - 107 | Occasionally included in these files are Abzug's itineraries, drafts of speeches and other related items 1970-1976 Note: Page 5 of Register | ||
--Schedules | |||
| 108 - 109A | Includes some related correspondence, memoranda, and printed items 1971-1976 Note: Page 7 of Register | ||
--Public Relations | |||
--Literary | |||
| 110 | Bella!, The Candidate, First Generation Americans, etc. 1971 Note: Page 7 of Register | ||
--Press | |||
| 111 | Correspondence, clippings, etc. Note: Page 7 of Register | ||
--Radio/Speeches/Television | |||
| 111 | Statements and releases 1972-1975 Note: Page 8 of Register | ||
--20th C.D. Community Conference | |||
| 112 - 114 | Correspondence, panels, speakers, press releases, etc. 1972-1975 Note: Page 8 of Register | ||
--Essay Contest | |||
| 115 | Correspondence and related items 1973 & 1974 Note: Page 9 of Register | ||
--Litigation | |||
| 116 & 117 | Material relating to legal cases involving Abzug 1971-1976 Note: Page 9 of Register | ||
Subject Files | |||
--Aged | |||
| 118 - 126 | Correspondence, legislation, programs, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 10 of Register | ||
--Animals | |||
| 127 | Correspondence, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 11 of Register | ||
--Arts, Letters & Humanities | |||
| 128 - 130 | Correspondence, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 11 of Register | ||
--Banking & Currency | |||
| 131 | Correspondence, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 12 of Register | ||
--Bicentennial | |||
| 131 | Correspondence, printed, etc. 1976 Note: Page 12 of Register | ||
--Budget, Federal | |||
| 132 - 134 | Correspondence, resolutions, etc. 1973-1977 Note: Page 12 of Register | ||
--Business, Commerce & Trade | |||
| 135 - 137 | Correspondence, reports, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 12 of Register | ||
--Child Care | |||
| 138 - 149 | Correspondence, legislation, reports, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 13 of Register | ||
--Civil & Human Rights | |||
| 150 - 157 | Correspondence, statements, speeches, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 14 of Register | ||
--Community Organizations | |||
| 158 & 159 | Correspondence, publications, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 16 of Register | ||
--Congress, U.S. | |||
| 160 - 175 | Correspondence, memos, reports, clippings, etc. 1970s Note: Page 16 of Register | ||
--Consumer Issues | |||
| 176 & 177 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, etc. 1970s Note: Page 19 of Register | ||
--Crime | |||
| 178 - 187 | Correspondence, conference proceedings, lists, printed, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 19 of Register | ||
--Economy | |||
| 188 - 193 | Correspondence, legislation, printed, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 21 of register | ||
--Education | |||
| 194 - 212 | Correspondence, memoranda, notes, statements, printed, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Pages 21 of Register | ||
--Energy | |||
| 213 - 230 | Correspondence, legislation, statements, memoranda, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 24 of Register | ||
--Energy, Nuclear | |||
| 231 - 241 | Correspondence, memoranda, legislation, printed, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 26 of Register | ||
--Environment | |||
| 242 - 257 | Correspondence, articles, memoranda, legislation, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 27 of register | ||
--Federal Agencies | |||
| 258 - 265 | Correspondence, printed, memoranda, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 29 of Register | ||
--Food & Nutrition | |||
| 266 - 271 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, testimony, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 30 of Register | ||
--Ford, Gerald R. | |||
| 272 & 273 | Correspondence, legal literature, notes, statements, etc. 1976 Note: Page 31 of Register | ||
--Foreign Affairs | |||
--General File | |||
| 274 - 280 | Correspondence, acts, legislation, notes, etc. 1971-1977 Note: Page 31 of Register | ||
--Countries/Areas | |||
| 281 - 286 | Arranged alphabetically: "Africa - Uruguay" [n.d.] Note: Page 32 of Register | ||
--Regions | |||
| Greece/Turkey/Cyprus/Middle East [n.d.] Note: Page 33 of Register | |||
--Grants | |||
| 296 - 306 | General followed by alphabetical arrangement: "Addiction - Yeshiva" 1971-1976 Note: Page 34 of Register | ||
--Handicapped | |||
| 307 - 310 | Correspondence, statements, notes, memoranda, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 37 of Register | ||
--Health | |||
| 311 - 348 | Correspondence, topical files, legislation, hearings, bills, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 37 of Register | ||
--Housing | |||
| 349 - 372 | Correspondence, hearings, bills, buildings, rent control, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 42 of Register | ||
--Immigration | |||
| 373 | Correspondence, aliens, legislation, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 45 of Register | ||
--Indochina | |||
| 374 - 397 | Correspondence, lists, hearings, notes, memoranda, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 45 of Register | ||
--Jewry | |||
| 398 - 401 | Correspondence, statements, notes, memoranda, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 48 of Register | ||
--Labor & Employment | |||
| 402 - 418 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, testimony, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 48 of Register | ||
--Libraries & Literature | |||
| 419 | Correspondence, copyright, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 50 of Register | ||
--Media | |||
| 419 - 421 | Correspondence, interviews, notes, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 50 of Register | ||
--Military | |||
| 422 - 440 | Correspondence, drafts, statements, notes, clippings, etc. 1970-1977 Note: Page 51 of Register | ||
--Minorities | |||
| 441 & 442 | Blacks, Indians, Italians, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 53 of Register | ||
--New York City | |||
| 443 - 483 | Correspondence, regions, community planning boards, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 54 of Register | ||
--New York State & Region | |||
| 484 - 488 | Correspondence, taxes, legislation, notes, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 59 of Register | ||
--Nixon, Richard M. | |||
| 489 - 498 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, resolutions, etc. 1972-1954 Note: Page 60 of Register | ||
--Peace Movement | |||
| 499 - 501 | Correspondence, memoranda, speeches, printed, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 61 of Register | ||
--Political Affairs | |||
| 502 - 514 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, lists, announcements, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 61 of Register | ||
--Postal Service, U.S. | |||
| 515 & 516 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, stamps, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 63 of Register | ||
--Presidency, U.S. | |||
| 517 & 518 | Correspondence, statements, notes, memoranda, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 63 of Register | ||
--Public Works | |||
| 519 - 529 | Correspondence, notes, memoranda, statements, printed, etc. Note: Page 63 of Register | ||
--Religion | |||
| 530 | Correspondence [1970s] Note: Page 65 of Register | ||
--Revenue Sharing | |||
| 530 & 531 | Correspondence, reports, printed, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 65 of Register | ||
--Rockefeller, Nelson A. | |||
| 532 - 534 | Correspondence, statements, releases, testimony, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 65 of Register | ||
--Science | |||
| 534 | Correspondence, space shuttle, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 66 of Register | ||
--Social Security | |||
| 535 - 546 | Correspondence, notes, releases, statements, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 66 of Register | ||
--Social Services | |||
| 547 | Family Courts Disaster Relief Red Cross, etc. [n.d.] Note: Page 67 of Register | ||
--Taxes | |||
| 548 - 551 | Correspondence, legislation, notes, memoranda, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 67 of Register | ||
--Transportation | |||
| 552 - 585 | Correspondence, hearings, testimony, releases, etc. 1970-1976 Note: Page 68 of Register | ||
--Urban Affairs | |||
| 586 | Correspondence, general, legislation, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 72 of Register | ||
--Utilities | |||
| 586 - 588 | Correspondence, reports, publications, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 72 of Register | ||
--Welfare | |||
| 589 - 597 | Correspondence, hearings, statements, notes, memoranda, etc. 1969-1976 Note: Page 72 of Register | ||
--Women | |||
| 598 - 638 | Correspondence, notes, statements, releases, etc. 1971-1976 Note: Page 73 of Register | ||
--Youth | |||
| 639 & 640 | Correspondence, notes, etc. [1970s] Note: Page 78 of Register | ||
Legislative Files | |||
--Floor Files | |||
| 641 - 686 | Chronological files of material relating to legislation considered on House floor. Included are correspondence, drafts of amendments, statements and testimony, memoranda, Whit advisories, floor calendars, printed versions of legislation, and related material. In some cases, partial contents notes are included on the folders indicating some of the important issues dealt with. The files are arranged by week through 1974, and thereafter by date. 1 March 1971 - 1 Oct. 1976 Note: Page 79 of Register | ||
--Legislation Sponsored by Abzug | |||
| 687 - 716 | 92nd Congress
93rd Congress 94th Congress Note: Page 90 of Register | ||
--General | |||
| 717 - 723 | 87th - 94th Congresses Note: Page 111 of Register | ||
--Voting Record | |||
| 724 - 726 | 92nd Congress
93rd Congress 94th Congresses Note: Page 111 of Register | ||
--Legislative Accomplishments | |||
| 727 - 728A | 92nd Congress
93rd Congress 94th Congress Note: Page 112 of Register | ||
Public Statements | |||
--Press Releases | |||
| 729 - 750 | Primarily mimeograph copies, a few with notes and related items. They are in individual folders; the headings, not listed, include date and catch-word title of each release. 1 Dec. 1970 - 14 Dec. 1976 Note: Page 113 of Register | ||
--Congressional Record Statements | |||
| 751 - 758 | Reprints and clippings 1971-1976 Note: Page 113 of Register | ||
--Newsletters | |||
| 759 | Congresswoman Bella S. Abzug Reports & Bella Abzug in Congress [For newsletter of "National Constituents of Bella Abzug" See Box 65; for newsletters of others and correspondence relating to newsletters See Box 66] 1971-1976 Note: Page 114 of Register | ||
--Speeches & Remarks | |||
| 759 & 759A | Speeches and remarks on a variety of topics [1971]-1976 Note: Page 114 of Register | ||
Printed Material | |||
| 760 - 762 | Articles, proofs, books, etc. Note: Page 115 of Register | ||
Photographs | |||
| 763 | Photographs of Abzug in Indochina, etc.
Photographs which relate to specific subjects rather than to Abzug personally are filed with the subjects 1972-1975 Note: Page 115 of Register | ||
Records & Tapes | |||
| 763 | Phonograph record (3 45 R.P.M.s) Tape Note: Page 115 of Register | ||
Oversize | |||
| One folder | |||
Casework FilesNote: These files are CLOSED | |||
--New York Office File | |||
| 764 - 867 | Chronological files
West Side Legislative Center 181st Street District Office 1971-1976 Note: Page 116 of Register | ||
--Washington Office | |||
| 868 - 899 | Chronological files 1971-1976 Note: Page 116 of Register | ||
--Military | |||
| 900 - 906 | Military and Military Academy Nominees 1971-1976 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
--Miscellaneous | |||
| 907 - 909 | Miscellaneous correspondence and related material
Processing notes and index slips [OPEN] 1971-1977 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
1981 Addition | |||
--Pre and Post Congressional Material | |||
| 910 | Correspondence, campaigns, civil rights, etc. 1952-1978 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
--Campaigns | |||
| 911 | Mayoralty
Senate 1976 & 1977 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
--Press Releases | |||
| 912 | Press releases [12 volumes, not boxed] 1971-1976 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
--Press Clippings | |||
| 913 | Press clippings [72 volumes, not boxed] 1970-1976 Note: Page 117 of Register | ||
1986 Addition | |||
--Correspondence | |||
| 914 - 924 | Note: Page 118 of Register | ||
--Administration | |||
| 925 - 962 | Public Activities:
--Speaking Invitations & Requests --Refusals --Honoria --Related Correspondence 1977-1985 Note: Page 118 of Register | ||
--Subject Files | |||
| 963 - 1012 | A through Z 1968-1981 Note: Page 120 of Register | ||
--Public Statements | |||
| 1013 - 1020 | Press releases, speeches and remarks 1972-1978 Note: Page 121 of Register | ||
--Printed Material | |||
| 1021 - 1027 | Speeches, scrapbooks. etc. 1973-1982 Note: Page 121 of Register | ||
--Campaigns | |||
--Congress | |||
| 1028-1041 | Congress campaign material 1969-1976; 1978; 1986 Note: Page 121 of Register | ||
--Senate | |||
| 1042 - 1057 | Senate campaign, New York State; Miscellaneous Senate; Congress 1970-1978 Note: Page 122 of Register | ||
--New York City Mayor | |||
| 1058 - 1070 | Literature, press releases, schedules, etc. 1977 Note: Page 122 of Register | ||
--Audio Cassettes | |||
| 1072 - 1079 | Miscellaneous [n.d.] Note: Pages 122-134 of Register | ||
--Audio Tapes | |||
| 1080 - 1082 | Miscellaneous [n.d.] Note: Pages 122 and 135 of Register | ||
--Video Cassettes & Tapes | |||
| 1083 - 1087 | Miscellaneous 1979-1986 Note: Pages 122; 137-144 of Register | ||
--Photographs | |||
| 1088 - 1089 | Miscellaneous [n.d.] Note: Page 122 of Register | ||
--Memorabilia | |||
| 1090 - 1096 | Awards and gifts, plaques [n.d.] Note: Page 122 of Register | ||
--Oversize | |||
| Awards and gifts, plaques [n.d.] 7 folders 3 plaques Note: Page 122 of Register | |||