Scope and Content Note

This collection is comprised of materials relating to Washington Square Park's history from 1952 to 1966. The issues that these papers cover are the traffic through the square, New York University's new library and housing project, parkland and park use. The collection consists of letters and statements of opposition, community organizations' records opposing the redevelopment, government documents and New York University publications. Also included are letters to Shirley Hayes, a local community leader who was instrumental in getting the park closed to traffic.