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Commissioner of Public Finance Subject Files (CB 512), 1913-1950

 Series
Identifier: CB 512

Scope and Contents

The records are 3 boxes of subject/correspondence files reconstructed from fragments dispersed in the City Archives' Official Vertical File and from a small series of files that survived intact. The files are primarily in-coming correspondence to the Commissioner of Public Finance. Also included are a variety of reports (financial or otherwise) generated by the Commissioner or his office. Agencies represented by substantial files include the Federal Housing Committee, Mississippi River Bridge [Hero-Hackett Bridge], and the New Orleans Police Department.

The following subjects are covered in these records:

  • Property left to the City by Isaac Delgado
  • Clean-up of Bayou St. John conducted during the 1930s
  • Disputed taxes--letters from citizens (or their attorneys) regarding errors in tax bills and/or requests for refunds comprise a considerable portion of the correspondence. These letters are filed under the name of the taxpayer (often in alphabetical miscellaneous files)
  • Proofs of engravings for liquor and wine tax stamps
  • The 1939 visit of Anastasio Samoza.
  • Correspondence concering Beauregard Square as the proposed site for the Municipal Auditorium.
  • A 1918 letter from a descendant of Bienville asking that her daughter be adopted by the state and the City Attorney's reply.
  • Correspondence concerning the purchase of a painting of Robert E. Lee and his generals and correspondence regarding World War I "relics" donated to the Cabildo by the Republic of France.
  • Dillard University's controversial purchase of property from Rose Hill, Inc. in 1930.
  • Long/Leche gubernatorial ticket, political pamphlets by Huey and Earl Long, and a list of responses from New Orleans business owners asked to advertise in a 1943 Choctaw Club publication commemorating Mayor Maestri.
  • Several letters by early feminist leader Jean M. Gordon.

Dates

  • Creation: 1913-1950

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Available to registered researchers by appointment.

Biographical / Historical

From 1912 to 1952, the City of New Orleans operated under a commission form of government, comprised of the Mayor and five Commission Councilmen elected at large. Each of the Commissioners headed one of the five departments of city government. The Department of Public Finance, one of these five departments, was responsible for assessment of private property, receipts and expenditures of public moneys and accounts of public moneys. The Commissioner served as ex-officio City Treasurer, as Vice-President of the Council, and as Acting Mayor in the event of the Mayor's absence or inability to act.

The general structure of Public Finance remained fairly stable during the period covered by these records, although divisions and departments were added over time. (Researchers interested in records kept by various divisions or departments within the Department of Public Finance should consult the City Archives card catalog under the heading "Finance, general.") Major divisions included the Accounting Division (previously Comptroller) and the Treasury Division, each headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Public Finance; the Auditing Department, headed by the Auditor of Public Accounts; and the Board of Assessors.

The following men served as Commissioner of Public Finance during the period covered by these records:

  • A.G. Ricks (1912-1920)
  • Richard M. Murphy (1920-1925)
  • Arthur J. O'Keefe (1925-1926)
  • T. Semmes Walmsley (1926-1930)
  • A. Miles Pratt (1930-1936)
  • Jesse S. Cave (1936-1946)
  • Lionel G. Ott (1947-1952); Commissioner Ott's papers were received intact and are described separately.

Extent

3 Cubic Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Arrangement

The files are arranged alphabetically by name of individual or corporate correspondent or chronologically within alphabetical miscellaneous folders. Clearly labeled subject files were left intact, and individual pieces marked with clear filing notes were filed under the subject indicated in the note.

Repository Details

Part of the City Archives Repository

Contact:
City Archives & Special Collections
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans LA 70112
504-596-2610