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Archiver > APG > 1999-05 > 0928096638


From: Elizabeth Whitaker <>
Subject: Re: APG-D Digest V99 #102
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 16:37:18 -0400


At 08:14 PM 5/28/99 -0400, Nancy J Curran wrote:
> Here's a question to ponder:
> Someone around here has been given some papers belonging to a business
>in Albany, NY. The papers include many business cards from various
>people. Also in the collection is a business's notes about clients, like
>their nicknames, their businesses and addresses, even some personal
>characteristics such as "red hair."
> The time frame is about 1905-10, so we can assume that nobody in the
>collection is living. I wonder about any reason not to publish or
>disseminate the information.

It's very likely that children of these people are still living, so it
would be appropriate to at least make an effort to notify them, perhaps
through Letters to the Editor in some local newspapers.

Having gone through business records of this period myself, delicate
consideration might be in order, especially if there are such things as
actions against debtors included. Joe Smith who got foreclosed on in 1905
might be long dead, but little Annie is probably still alive and still
hurting over what happened to her dad 94 years later.

I know, in my own family, there are still some sensitive feelings around
about a great-grandfather who got foreclosed on about 1930. He's been dead
over 30 years, but his grandchildren, all in their sixties, would be
extremely hurt if that action was publicized. (btw, this wasn't my
ggrandfather Whitaker.)

Elizabeth Whitaker

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