Westfield State Farm Superintendent's Correspondence
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Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
1 cubic foot
Arrangement
Inquiries regarding individuals are arranged alphabetically; additional correspondence is arranged in rough chronological order.
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of correspondence of the superintendent of the New York State Reformatory for Women (after 1931, Westfield State Farm). The series contains unsuccessful requests for information about individuals assumed to be actively or formerly incarcerated in the institution. Carbon copies of replies are usually included, frequently typed on the verso of incoming correspondence. The inquiries are from a variety of sources including state and local government agencies; parole boards; attorneys; law enforcement officials; relatives and friends of inmates; creditors; private and religious social work agencies; child welfare agencies; and agencies of other states.
Additional material includes correspondence received from the commissioner of the Department of Correction; correspondence with the superintendent of the Albion State Training School (known temporarily as the State Institution for Mentally Defective Delinquent Women); and correspondence regarding the transfer of inmates, usually to or from Albion State Training School.
Custodial History
This series was transferred to the State Archives prior to 1985. A portion of the series became alienated from the remainder at an unknown date and was originally accessioned as part of series A0525, State Comptroller's Office Assorted Records. The alienated portion was reunited with the series in 2009.
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.
Access Terms
Reformatories for women--New York (State)
Correctional institutions--New York (State)