Summary Information
Abstract
These records document the history of the New York Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, beginning with its establishment in 1768. Tracking the wax and wane of the
organization's influence over the next two centuries, the collection provides a
first hand account of the Chamber's many contributions to New York City and State
business and development. These records exist in a wide variety of formats, such as
bulletins, correspondence, minute books, and printed materials.
At a Glance
| Call No.: | MS#1440 |
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| Bib ID: | 6621724 View CLIO record |
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| Creator(s): | New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry. |
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| Title: | New York Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Records,
1768-1984
(bulk 1860-1973).
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| Physical description: | 185 linear ft. (337 document boxes, 81 oversize bound
volumes, 50 bound publications, 17 flat boxes, 1 index card box 1 small flat
box)
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| Language(s): | Material is in English.
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| Access: |
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least
twenty-four (24) hours in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and
Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
More information » |
|---|
Arrangement
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in ten series.
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Series I: Administration, 1866-1980
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Series II: Annual Reports, 1858-1975
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Series III: Bulletins, 1909-1970
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Series IV: Commerce and Industry Association, 1873-1978
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Series V: Committee on Arbitration, 1820s-1973
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Series VI: Committees, 1822-1973
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Series VII: Correspondence, 1804-1984
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Series VIII: Member Meeting Minutes, 1768-1973
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Series IX: Printed Materials, 1774-1977
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Series X: Photographs, 1860-1980
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Description
Scope and Content
The archival records of the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry provide a
thorough history of the organization, rendering a vivid portrait of the Chamber by
means of committee records, minute books, printed materials, photographs, reports,
and a wealth of correspondence. Materials originate mostly from the 19th and 20th
centuries, though there are some notable items from the 18th century such as the
first volume of Chamber of Commerce meeting minutes that dates back to 1768. Subject
matter in the collection primarily focuses on New York City and State commercial and
urban development, though it often extends to national and global business concerns.
This collection is particularly notable because of the presence of the records of
the Commerce and Industry Association, formerly the Merchants' Association, a
commercial institution whose focus and constituency were comparable to that of the
Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce merged with the Commerce and Industry Association
in 1973 and thereby acquired the Association's historical records. Series IV is
devoted solely to the records of the Commerce and Industry Association while the
remaining nine series are divided according to format or purpose.
Series I: Administration, 1866-1980
The first series of the collection offers materials that reflect the
administrative tasks of the organization. Because the subject matter is
broad in scope, the series has been divided into small sections with each
section heading arranged alphabetically. Records related to financial
matters, the construction of the Chamber of Commerce building in lower
Manhattan, and public relations materials such as press releases and printed
distribution materials can be found in this series. Also present are the
records of the Board of Trustees of the Real Estate, a designated group of
Chamber members who dealt primarily with the property holdings of the
Chamber; various affiliate organizations who shared membership with the
Chamber and often maintained offices in the Chamber of Commerce building;
and of particular significance, documents that detail the Chamber's eventual
merger with the Commerce and Industry Association in 1973. Items related to
the events hosted by the Chamber are especially rich—records of the
Chamber's annual banquets, New York public school essay contests, and
various luncheons and receptions honoring prestigious figures can be found
here. This series also offers a few items of realia, notably several medals
created especially for the Chamber of Commerce to commemorate specific
accomplishments.
Series II: Annual Reports, 1858-1975
The annual reports of the Chamber of Commerce serve as a definitive record of
business in the New York region, providing both national and local
commercial statistics, yearly accounts of the industry, and special reports
on New York trade, commerce, and finance. They also document the activities
of the Chamber itself by highlighting noteworthy accomplishments and events
of the past year through a compilation of speeches, reports, and narrative
summaries. Series II offers a complete run of the Chamber's annual reports
from 1858 to 1926; subsequently, only the years 1966-1975 are present.
Series III: Bulletins, 1909-1970
The monthly bulletins of the Chamber of Commerce, which make up the third
series of the collection, capture a distinctive picture of the Chamber's
purpose and actions. This series contains a comprehensive set of bulletins
from 1909 to 1963, as well as a few supplemental materials from the 1950s to
1970s. Each bulletin contains information on news and activities of the
Chamber, meeting minutes, reports, and library additions. Their initial
audience was the organization's members, though they were later printed by
the thousands and distributed monthly to libraries, business organizations,
public officials and students of economics both domestically and abroad.
Eventually, the Chamber began binding bulletins in yearly editions, and
members received a personalized copy. While each individual monthly bulletin
contains a table of contents, the bound volumes are also indexed for ease of
use.
Series IV: Commerce and Industry Association, 1873-1978
The fourth series in the collection is arguably the most complex. It is
comprised of the records of the Commerce and Industry Association, an
organization similar to the Chamber of Commerce in purpose, which eventually
merged with the Chamber in 1973 following a decline in both organizations'
membership and corresponding influence. Researchers should note that these
records date back to 1873; therefore documents from the Merchants'
Association, an earlier incarnation of the Commerce and Industry
Association, are included. This series is divided into six subseries
according to format or purpose; because of this, each individual subseries
closely mirrors the series in the New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry
collection as a whole.
Subseries IV.1: Administration, 1935-1973
The first subseries contains records related to the administrative tasks
of the Commerce and Industry Association. Though relatively small, the
subject matter is broad in scope, including a small selection of annual
reports, public relations materials, and information on the merger with
the New York Chamber of Commerce. Of particular interest in this series
are the printed transcripts from the Association's Business Forum Radio
broadcasts which ran for several years in the 1940s and billed itself as
a "public service program." Additionally, materials related to the
Association's merger with the Chamber of Commerce can be found here.
Items are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Subseries IV.2: Bulletins, 1901-1976
This series holds a complete set of the Commerce and Industry
Association's monthly bulletins from 1901 to 1973, as well as a variety
of bulletins which address particular subjects such as trade and
transportation. Each bulletin contains information on the Association's
activities and highlights major national and local news impacting
commerce. Bulletins are both bound and loose and arranged
chronologically.
Subseries IV.3: Committees, 1906-1978
Much like the Chamber of Commerce, the Association often formed ad hoc
committees to examine current issues relevant to local and national
business and industry. This subseries contains the records of several of
these committees in existence throughout the 20th century. Committee
records are mostly made up of meeting minutes and correspondence;
subjects addressed include city laws and regulations, finance, foreign
trade, immigration, taxes, and transportation.
Subseries IV.4: Correspondence, 1923-1974
This subseries contains the Commerce and Industry Association's
correspondence files deriving mostly from the early to mid-20th century.
The bulk of materials originates from or is addressed to the
Association's administrative branch, particularly the Secretary and
Executive Vice President, as well as committee and department heads.
Discussion on a wide range of topics can be found here, with an emphasis
on New York City and State development and administration.
Correspondence is arranged alphabetically according to subject and
retains its original order.
Subseries IV.5: Meeting Minutes, 1897-1973
Materials found in Subseries 5 record the minutes of regularly occurring
meetings at various levels in the organization, with an almost complete
run of minutes from the meetings of the Board of Directors and the
Executive Committee. Minutes generally include committee reports,
information on member elections, and discussion of Association
activities. Similar in function to those of the Chamber of Commerce,
these member and administrative meetings were a vehicle to address
matters affecting local and national commerce, and reach consensus among
members. Minutes are both bound and loose, and organized
chronologically.
Subseries IV.6: Printed Materials, 1873-1973
This small subseries contains an assortment of pamphlets, booklets, and
compilations of reports, mostly originating from the first half of the
20th century. Materials focus on topics of both local and national
concern, such as transportation, communication, and city development.
Items are organized according to their subject matter or title. For the
Commerce and Industry Association's more formal publications that were
intended for wider distribution, researchers should consult the New York
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Publications collection.
Series V: Committee on Arbitration, 1820s-1973
The Committee on Arbitration was a significant body of the Chamber of
Commerce, although its importance varied greatly throughout the Chamber's
existence. Because the Committee retained such a large portion of its
records, it was designated as its own series, Series V, apart from the
Subseries VI.2: General Committees. Established during the formative years
of the Chamber, the Committee on Arbitration was appointed to hear and rule
on disputes on mercantile and marine matters. The Committee on Arbitration
was instrumental in securing legislation to create a Court of Arbitration,
and was widely recognized for its role in developing arbitration systems in
commercial and civic associations nationwide. Series V is divided into three
subseries according to the original order of the material.
Subseries V.1: Arbitration Cases, 1820s-1973
The bulk of the series is found in Subseries 1 which consists of
arbitration case records submitted to the Chamber’s Committee on
Arbitration. The Committee on Arbitration did not keep original
documents for early arbitration cases; instead they recorded the name of
the disputants, a brief description of the case, and the names and
decision of the arbitrators’ in their Committee minute books. Although
this collection does not contain the original copies of the Committee
minute books from that time period, the cases were compiled into a
publication entitled,
Earliest Arbitration Records of the Chamber of
Commerce of the State of New York, Committee Minutes, 1779-1792
, which
can be found in the holdings of Columbia University Libraries. The
Committee on Arbitration began keeping original materials in the 1820s
and while case records are inconsistent, most files found here contain
correspondence and/or official arbitration documents. Following the
renewal of the Committee on Arbitration in 1912, case records are more
comprehensive and standardized; they often include the stenographer’s
minutes of the proceedings and, in some instances, evidence.
Subseries V.2: Case Correspondence, 1914-1930
Correspondence prior and subsequent to the resolution of an arbitration
case was retained by the Committee on Arbitration and can be found in
Subseries 2. These files consist of parties seeking information
concerning their case, as well as advice on arbitration processes. Some
disputes were resolved without the need for formal arbitration.
Materials found in this subseries date largely between 1922 and 1927,
and are arranged by case number in accordance with the filing system
used during the tenure of Committee Chairman Charles Bernheimer.
Subseries V.3: Chairman's Files, 1865-1967
Subseries 3 is devoted to the records of the Chairman of the Committee
on Arbitration. Correspondence files make up the bulk of the subseries
and mostly derive from Committee Chairman Charles Bernheimer's tenure
from 1912-1944. Both the correspondence files and the Chairman's
administrative files, which make up the remainder of the subseries,
illustrate Bernheimer's role in promoting arbitration at the local,
national, and international levels. Materials in this subseries are
arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series VI: Committees, 1822-1972
Series VI documents the activities of the Chamber’s administrative and
general committees. Formed to address a specific subject or function,
committees were comprised of voluntary members elected by the Chamber’s
membership. Committee records contain correspondence, reports, and meeting
minutes, both bound and loose.
Subseries VI.1: Administrative Committees, 1864-1973
The purpose of most of the administrative committees of the Chamber of
Commerce was to oversee routine functions such as lunch service,
committee nominations, and Chamber membership. This subseries contains
materials that document those functions; however, a large portion of the
subseries is devoted to the administrative records and meeting minutes
of the Executive Committee. Perhaps the most significant of the
administrative committees, the Executive Committee acted as the
managerial body of the Chamber. It received all general committee
reports prior to their submission to the Chamber’s membership; as a
result, the Executive Committee meeting minutes found in this subseries
often contain these reports as well as a record of suggested actions and
final resolutions. It should be noted that in some cases the bound
volumes of Executive Committee minutes also contain minutes from the
Chamber's general committees; these volumes are identified in the
container list.
Subseries VI.2: General Committees, 1822-1973
The second subseries is comprised of the Chamber’s general, or standing,
committees. Numerous and widely varied, these committees were formed to
provide a through examination of subjects of interest to the Chamber.
Joint, special, or sub-committees were often formed to address specific
topics in more depth and detail. Committees represented in this
subseries address subjects such as commercial education, finance and
currency, shipping, trade, transportation, and urban development.
Records of each committee are inconsistent; however, files often contain
correspondence, meeting minutes, and reports. It should be noted that,
prior to the late 19th century, all general committees were referred to
by a uniform title: the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Records of
these early committees can be found at the beginning of the subseries;
the remaining committees are alphabetized by subject.
Series VII: Correspondence, 1804-1979
The correspondence records found in Series VII are divided into three
subseries. While Subseries 1 and 2 deal primarily with the correspondence of
the Chamber’s officers, the correspondence in the third subseries is a group
of subject files that were compiled by the organization in the second half
of the 20th century.
Subseries VII.1: Administration
The majority of records found in Subseries 1 originate from the
correspondence of the Chamber's Secretaries, who were responsible for
handling most of the communication for the Chamber's President and Vice
Presidents, as well as the organization as a whole. Missives directed to
the Chamber were generally funneled through the Secretary before
reaching those in higher offices. This subseries reflects the tenure of
several of the Chamber's Secretaries throughout the late 19th century
and 20th century. Correspondence is arranged alphabetically according to
the Secretary's last name, and then by subject. Beginning in the early
20th century, records often contain copies of outgoing as well as
incoming correspondence.
Subseries VII.2: Gwynne, Charles T., 1916-1941
Perhaps one of the Chamber’s most dedicated staff members, Charles
Gwynne was first employed by the organization as a clerk in 1894.
Advancing through the ranks, Gwynne was elected Assistant Secretary,
1909-1915; Secretary, 1915-1924; Vice-President 1922-1924; and Executive
Vice-President, 1924-1944. Subseries 2 contains Charles Gwynne’s
correspondence with national and international businesses and chambers
of commerce, and the Chamber's committees and members; it mostly derives
from Gwynne's time as Secretary. Like the materials found in Subseries
1, the items found here are a part of the administration's
correspondence; however, because Gwynne retained such a large volume of
his correspondence, his materials were given a separate subseries. Due
to Gwynne's prolific correspondence it appears that documents were
occasionally misfiled; therefore, it may be useful to view folders on
similar subjects.
Subseries VII.3: Subject Files, 1804-1979
The correspondence subject files in subseries 3 remains true to its original
order, though researchers should note that the original arrangement appears
to have been contrived by the organization itself in the second half of the
20th century. The correspondence found here focuses on a wide range of
topics, and derives largely from the 19th century. Subjects of local
concern, such as urban development, New York City harbor defense, and
sanitation are noted. National issues related to commerce and industry also
figure into the correspondence in this subseries; the Chamber's involvement
with the establishment of the first transatlantic cable, international
canals as a means of transport, national currency, interstate commerce, and
government offices are all subjects addressed here. Correspondence is
arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series VIII: Member Meeting Minutes, 1768-1973
The minutes contained in this series, which date back to the Chamber's
founding in 1768, offer an intimate look at the key functions of the
organization and its involvement in New York City and State business and
development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. These meetings centered
on issues that were of significance to local and national commerce,
pinpointing how current events would affect business practices. Members used
these gatherings as a time to draw attention to their concerns and establish
a collective position among the Chamber constituency. Prominent guests were
a regular part of each meeting and included state and local politicians,
foreign dignitaries, and national luminaries--Herbert Hoover, John D.
Rockefeller III, and Frank Lloyd Wright are among several of the iconic
figures invited to address the Chamber's monthly meetings over the years.
Minutes run continuously from 1768 to 1933 and are documented in oversize
bound volumes. Subsequent years are inconsistently represented and are
recorded as typescript; minutes from the 1940s are lacking entirely.
Administrative documentation and candid photographs for several 20th century
guest speakers can be found respectively in Series I: Administration and
Series X: Photographs.
Series IX: Printed Materials, 1774-1977
The printed materials of Series IX encompass a diverse assortment of small
pamphlets, leaflets, and booklets intended primarily for limited circulation
among a targeted audience. Committee reports, tributes to members, and
annual compilations of national chambers of commerce are examples of some of
the items found here. A significant portion of Series IX is devoted to a
selection of pamphlet publications which have been bound in volumes
according to date of issuance. Each volume contains pamphlets on an
assortment of topics such as currency, commercial law, defense, and
quarantine laws; fold out maps often serve as illustration. Printed
materials are organized according to their subject matter or title. For the
Chamber of Commerce's more formal publications that were intended for wider
distribution, researchers should consult the New York Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Publications collection.
Series X: Photographs, 1860-1980
The final series in this collection is comprised largely of photographic
prints, though a few photographic slides and glass plate slides are present.
A significant portion of these items lack any identifying information and
several are undated. Photographs are arranged alphabetically according to
subject; a few are oversized. Of particular note are photographs from the
Chamber's annual banquet, candid shots of guest speakers at the
organization's monthly meetings, and portraits of Chamber members throughout
the years.
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Using the Collection
Offsite
Access Restrictions
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least
twenty-four (24) hours in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and
Manuscript Library reading room.
More information and link to off-site request form
This collection has no restrictions.
Restrictions on Use
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. . Permission to publish
material from the collection must be requested from the President of the New York
City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce or his or her designated
representative.
Preferred Citation
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); New York Chamber of Commerce and
Industry records, 1768-1984; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library,
Columbia University Library.
Finding aid in repository; folder level control.
Related Material
New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry Publications Rare Book & Manuscript
Library, Columbia University.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/libraries/inside/projects/findingaids/scans/pdfs/NYCCPublications.pdf">
Related Material
New York Chamber of Commerce Building Architectural records 1901-1966, Avery
Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/archival/collections/ldpd_7084607/index.html
Related Material
The New York Chamber of Commerce Portrait Collection, New York State Museum
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research_collections/collections/history/nycc/"
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About the Finding Aid / Processing Information
Columbia University Libraries. Rare Book and
Manuscript Library; machine readable finding aid created by Columbia University
Libraries Digital Library Program Division
Processing Information
Papers processed 2008-2009 Jillian Cuellar and Katie B. Henningsen.
Finding aid written by Jillian Cuellar and Katie B. Henningsen February 2009.
This project was made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, finding, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Machine readable finding aid generated from MARC-AMC source via XSLT
conversion March 25, 2009
Finding aid written in English.
2009-25-03
xml document instance created by Carrie Hintz
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Subject Headings
The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.
All links open new windows.
Genre/Form
Subjects
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History / Biographical Note
Historical Note
The New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry, founded in
1768 by twenty New York City merchants, was one of the first commercial
organizations of its kind in the country. Formed around the premise of serving the
needs of the local business community, the Chamber eventually became one of the
industry's strongest advocates. Over the years, its activities attracted the
participation of a number of New York's most renowned business leaders, including
former New York City Mayor and the Chamber's first president, John Cruger, Samuel
F.B. Morse, John Jacob Astor, Peter Cooper, J. Pierpont Morgan, and multiple members
of the Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Murray families; notable figures such as Thomas
Edison, Andrew Mellon, and Herbert Hoover were elected to honorary membership. The
Chamber aimed to unify the voice of commercial industry in New York, allowing a
respected forum for dialogue among its members which would often result in an
amalgamated effort towards action and resolution. The prominence and power of its
members garnered distinction for the organization, placing the Chamber in a unique
position to command the attention of government bodies both locally and nationally.
Collectively, the organization was able to agitate for legislation that would
provide a favorable climate for the growth of business in New York City and State,
in turn encouraging the development of a complex urban environment in which
commercial industry could thrive.
The Chamber's founding members first met on April 5, 1768
at Bolton and Sigel's Tavern, now known as Fraunces Tavern, to form a mercantile
union that would defend and promote their collective interests. Organized under the
name the New York Chamber of Commerce, the society moved its home base to the Royal
Exchange in 1770, and was granted a royal charter from King George III incorporating
it as “the Corporation of the Chamber of Commerce in the City of New York in
America."
At the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, the
membership was divided into Loyalist and Patriot factions. Patriot members,
including John Cruger, the first President of the Chamber, left New York City after
the British invasion of 1776 while their Loyalist counterparts continued to hold
meetings and transact business in the City. After the British evacuation in 1783,
the Chamber's returning Patriot members quickly established control over the
organization and relocated to the Merchants' Coffee House building. The Chamber was
issued a new charter in 1784 reincorporating it as "the Corporation of the Chamber
of Commerce of the State of New York." In 1793, the Chamber again relocated; this
time to the Tontine Association across the street from the Merchants' Coffee House.
Member participation began dropping steadily after the turn of the century, and by
1806 meetings were suspended due to lack of attendance.
In 1817, Chamber President Cornelius Ray called for
resumption of the organization's business. New officers were elected and the
membership base was increased by thirty-six during the first meeting. This marked
the beginning of a new era for the organization. As of 1827, the Chamber had claimed
the Merchants Exchange Building as its headquarters; however, the Great Fire of New
York in 1835 forced members to relocate once more, this time to the Merchants Bank
on Wall Street. Though many of the Chamber's prized historical objects and documents
were saved from the fire, including member portraits, minute books, and the
Chamber's official seal, the original charter is believed to have perished.
By 1849, membership had surpassed the two hundred mark, and
the administration became increasingly consumed by management concerns. Elected
officers authorized the hiring of an official clerk and librarian to assist the
elected Secretary in overseeing day-to-day functions. The administrative staff was
vital to the operation of the Chamber, answering outside inquiries on the
organization's work and fielding appeals for guidance and counsel from commercial
organizations across the country, all the while facilitating dialogue among the
Chamber's constituency and countless committees. The outreach efforts of the
administration, in addition to the prestigious projects the organization was
involved in, quickly established the Chamber as a model for other chambers of
commerce, both domestically and abroad.
As its membership increased in size and prestige during the
1800s, the Chamber's power grew accordingly and the organization proved to be
instrumental in the realization of several initiatives integral to the development
of both New York City and State. In the interest of serving regional commerce, the
Chamber heavily promoted the construction of the Erie Canal in the early 1800s and
the establishment of the first transatlantic cable in 1858. The Chamber became
progressively more involved in trade and commercial concerns at the national and
international levels, and began releasing annual reports in the mid-1800s which
outlined the condition of mercantile affairs and noted important changes relative to
trade in the national business market. Perhaps one of its most recognized
contributions to the business industry was its role in arbitrating commercial
disputes among regional merchants. The Chamber's creation of a Court of Arbitration,
a body recognized by the State to oversee commercial disputes, and its own Committee
on Arbitration, whose records and purpose often overlap with the Court's, are both
indications of the Chamber's commitment to settling mercantile disagreements and
furthering its goal of providing merchants with an agreeable environment in which to
conduct business.
The Chamber also lent its support to major public works
within New York City--the expansion of the City's water and waste management system,
construction of a rapid transit system, and quality commercial education for area
businessmen were all projects championed by the Chamber. The defense and management
of New York ports and harbors were also of concern; the eruption of the Civil War in
the United States prompted the Chamber to gather funds and successfully petition
both the Executive and Legislative branches of the United States, the New York State
Legislature, and the New York City Council for an allocation of money for the
defense of the New York Harbor. In addition to these large scale ventures, the
organization was involved in numerous smaller projects over the years, including
construction of a lighthouse in Martinique, overseeing the Nautical School of the
Port of New York, and developing measures to protect the City's population during
cholera outbreaks in the 1890s.
Many of these accomplishments can be attributed to the work
of the Chamber's standing committees which began to appear in great numbers by the
second half of the 19th century. Committees were an essential component of the
organization; they allowed members to focus on a broad range of issues relevant to
commercial industry in the New York region and nationwide. Standing committees often
concentrated on a general sector of commerce such as finance, conservation, public
service, or taxation laws, while ad hoc special and sub-committees focused on these
topics in finer detail. The proliferation of committees at various points in the
Chamber's history can be directly linked to contemporary affairs; certainly, the
occurrence of particular events throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, such as
debates on the National Budget, natural disasters, or urban entertainments, can
often be traced by the existence of corresponding Chamber committees.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Chamber's
administration grew again as it faced a progressively more complex business
environment; the administration now included the elected positions of Executive Vice
President, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. The result of the Chamber's
growing influence and prosperity was the 1902 completion of construction of the
Chamber of Commerce building at 65 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan. Illustrating
the Chamber's importance at the national level, both President Theodore Roosevelt
and former President Grover Cleveland spoke at the building's dedication. The top
floor of the new building, the Grand Hall, was lined with the Chamber's collection
of over 200 member portraits and it was here that most business was transacted,
including regularly occurring member meetings. The Chamber's wealth and prestige
continued to swell exponentially, and in honor of the Chamber's significant projects
and influential membership, increasingly opulent annual banquets were held.
Invitations were delivered by messenger and hand engraved by Tiffany and Company,
whose founder was also a member.
Following this period of economic and civic prosperity
leading up to the 1920s, the Chamber began a gentle descent, slowly losing members
and influence. The Chamber began considering the possibility of merging with other
New York City commercial organizations as early as the 1940s. An agreement was
reached in 1973 between the Chamber and the Commerce and Industry Association,
formerly the Merchants' Association, to merge the two parties into one organization:
The New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry. However, this new incarnation of the
Chamber did little to alleviate the organization's declining revenue and dwindling
authority. In 1979 the Chamber left its headquarters at 65 Liberty Street and moved
in with the New York City Partnership, an affiliate organization founded by Chamber
member, David Rockefeller. In 2002 the two organizations formally merged to form the
Partnership for New York City and the Chamber ceased to exist.
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