International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records
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Abstract
The International Brotherhood of Painters, Local 490 (more commonly known as the Paperhangers Local), were established in 1864, located in New York City. The union was most active in the first half of the 20th century. The collection is made up of ledgers, minute books, financial records, and other related materials.
Historical/Biographical Note
The International Brotherhood of Painters, Local 490 (more commonly known as the Paperhangers), were established as a single exclusive local since 1864, located in New York City. The were originally known as section 70: Paperhangers Local Union of America and joined the Knights of Labor in 1886. In 1902, they joined the National Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers of America as Local 585. For a short time, the local preferred to affiliate with the independent Amalgamated Society of Painters (1904-1906). Since 1906, the paperhangers have been organized as Local 490 of District Council 9 of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. During the 19th century, membership included a large number of German and English. In 1903, a large influx of Jewish paperhangers joined the union; total membership was between 60 and 120 men. As of 1980, membership was roughly 40 percent Jewish, with a strong presence of Italian and Puerto Rican members. As of 1984, there were about 300 members.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into two series:
Series I: Records
Series II: Photographs
Materials are alphabetically in each series.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains the records of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490, also known as the Paperhangers union, from the late 1800s to first half of the 20th century in New York City. The collection is made up of membership ledgers, financial records, minute books, by-laws, photographs, correspondence, convention materials, and other ephemera. The collection is rich in demonstrating the demographics of the union from the early 20th century, as well as information and the paperhangers industry.
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Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection, created by the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records; WAG 042; box number; folder number; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Robert Eckersdorff, president of the local union, in 1986. The accession numbers associated with this gift are 1986.039 and 1986.040.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Materials in boxes 3-13 are extremely fragile. Materials must be looked at using a book cradle.
About this Guide
Processing Information
In 2013, the photographs were rehoused. Photographs were separated from this collection in 2000 and were established as a separate collection, the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Photographs (PHOTOS 150). In 2013, the photograph collection was reincorporated into the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 490 Records.