Series 2: Subject Files, Part II Overview Series 1, 2 and 4 consist of subject files maintained by Jacob Blaustein. They are physically separate because they were in three different locations when the collection was acquired. They also have their own unique filing systems, indicating that they were meant to be kept separately. There is some overlap in subjects among the series, and while this in some cases means duplicate material, it is necessary to consult the relevant subject files in all three series to ensure that all the related material has been covered. The bulk of the files in all three series cover the years 1946-1968. There is very little that documents either Blaustein's life or business prior to the Supreme Court's dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Blausteins against Standard Oil of Indiana (see Series 6) Although similar in content, the three series do have slightly different emphases. Series 1, which Jacob Blaustein referred to as his "Special Files," are the most extensive and provide details of his complex and successful career in business, philanthropy, and diplomacy. They are arranged in the original numeric system, and is the set of files that Blaustein would have consulted while at his office. Series 2 and Series 4 contain the files that he consulted when working off-site, and while often covering the same subjects, are less extensive than those in Series 1. These two series are arranged in Blaustein's original alpha-numeric sequence. There are unpublished index binders available for all of these series on-site. In general, the files contain published material, transcripts of phone conversations, copies of correspondence, invitations, legal papers, details of J. Blaustein's many business and diplomatic trips, news clippings, and budgets, agendas, minutes and speeches. Series 2 Jacob Blaustein maintained a rigorous work schedule at his home, Alto Dale, as well as in his business offices (Interview, Sunday Sun Feb 26, 1961, Series 1 File #2980). Series 2 contains the papers that had been stored there. The files were assigned a letter and double number designation (A-1-1; A-1-2; A-1-3...). This system has been retained. Groupings of files follow a broad alphabetical order; for example, the broad subject of Files A-1-1 to A-4-8 is the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Sub-headings related to the AJC include Annual Meeting (A-2-21), Middle East Situation (A-2-4), Ben-Gurion (A-1-11). Within the broader subject of United Nations Files (C-3-24 to C-4-15) are such sub-headings as Ralph Bunche (C-3-32), Human Rights Program (C-4-7), and soldiers in Korea (C-4-11). The broad subject headings are often repeated within the sequence of letter/number files; for example, American Jewish Committee files are included A-1-1 to A-4-8 and E-1-E-35; L-1 to L-5-35; P-1-1 to P-5-9; S-1-1 to S-1-25; and V-1-1 to V-1-13. This system may seem confusing at first, but most likely it was as simple as assigning a new letter/number designation as later files were created. The system may have also have referred to the various locations of cabinets and file drawers in the house. Some of the content of the files may duplicate names, events, and business topics found in Series 1, although the files are less extensive than the Special Files. Subjects in Series 2 include the American Jewish Committee, American Trading and Production Company, Israeli affairs, the United Nations, Standard Oil (Ind.), Blaustein’s association with institutes and foundations, correspondence with noted international figures, and the family’s philanthropic endeavors. |