Scope and Content Note

Series I: Constitutions, By-laws and Minutes, 1939-1979, contains printed booklets of the Local's constitution and by-laws, as well as minutes of Executive Board and General Membership meetings. Some of the early minutes of the Executive Board are in bound minute-books.

Series II: General and Macy's Herald Square Files, 1939-1997, contains administrative materials and files concerning the day-to-day activities of the union at its primary shop. Arbitration, negotiation and membership information are included, as are subject files, circulars, correspondence and agreements. Files relating to union committees, such as the Committee on Political Education, the Negotiations Committee and the Trial Committee are present. Of particular significance are files of material produced by Macy's, including annual reports, employee handbooks and circulars, an in-house newspaper and publicity materials.

Series III: Other Shop Files, 1944-1972, consists of organizing materials and related information pertaining to other shops of Local 1-S, including Macy's locations in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well Macy's divisions, such as Suburban Food and Bamberger's. The most substantial documentation is for Macy's Roosevelt Field and Suburban Foods shops.

Series IV: Sam Kovenetsky Files, 1943-1979, contains correspondence between Kovenetsky and union members, Macy's executives and other unions, as well as speeches, notes and biographical information. Material relating to his involvement in other organizations, including the Greater New York Fund, Group Health Insurance, Labor for Carey Committee and the Workmen's Circle Home and Infirmary for the Aged is also included.

Series V: Legal Counsel Files, 1947-1974, contain records from the office of O'Donnell and Schwartz, Local 1-S' legal firm. The majority of the files pertain to arbitration matters and contract negotiations.