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SELIGMANN FAMILY PAPERS,, 1872-1984.

 Series

Scope and Content

From the Collection: The Gustav L. Seligmann Family Papers span the years 1848-1984. The collection has been divided into three series: May Family, Seligmann Family, and Photographs.

The May Family series consists of the papers of John L. and Elizabeth Rohman May, and their children. These materials are largely legal documents concerning land and business matters in Las Cruces and surrounding area. Included also is a small amount of memorabilia.

The Seligmann Family series is comprised of the papers of Dirk E. Seligmann and his son Gustav L. Seligmann. The series is divided into three subseries: Dirk E. Seligmann, General Miscellany, and Gustav L. Seligmann.

Dirk E. Seligmann's materials include correspondence in the German language, store records from his Las Cruces dry goods business and a small amount of papers of his wife, Mary May, and their second son, Dirk E. Seligmann, Jr.

The Gustav L. Seligmann's Papers comprise the bulk of the collection. Included among his papers are military, professional and organizational records. Also included are miscellany artifacts, memorabilia and publications. There are extensive materials from his years as an engineer with the Farm Service Administration, Soil Conservation Service and the Bureau of Reclamation. These materials include field notes, maps, charts, blueprints and significant amounts of work-related correspondence. There are no records from the years 1932-1936, representing Seligmann's work in Las Angeles, California, in the collection.

The military records span the years 1921-1955, encompassing Seligmann's service in the New Mexico National Guards (1921-1924), and his later service in the United States Army (1942-1955). There are considerable materials from 1942-1946, though Seligmann's postwar activities are sparsely represented.

The final series, Photographs, contains family portraits from both the May and Seligmann families, scenes and snapshots, as well as an album and loose prints from Seligmann's work with the Baja California Canal Company. Also included is a panorama of the Chicago Cubs from 1915.

Dates

  • 1872-1984.

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English.

Access and Use Restrictions

This material may be examined by researchers under supervised conditions in the Search Room.

Extent

From the Collection: 9.5 Linear Feet

Repository Details

Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Branson Hall
PO Box 30006
MSC 3475
Las Cruces New Mexico 88003 USA