Bertram L. Podell Papers, 1945-1970

Summary

Abstract:
The Bertram L. Podell Papers document Podell's service as a New York State Assemblymen and Congressmen from the mid-1950s through the early 1970s.
Extent:
10.2 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Bertram L. Podell Papers, 1945-1970. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Podell Papers).

Background

Scope and content:

The Bertram L. Podell Papers document his work as a New York State Assemblyman and Congressmen during the years 1953-1970. The papers include legislative bills and files, newspapers, correspondence, resolutions, and various published materials. major topics in the subject files include conservation, education, highways, motor vehicles, labor, and gambling. A large portion of Podell's Assembly files discuss the Committee of Local Finance which he chaired for a period of time.

Overall the collection contains more material from Podell's tenure in the New York Assembly rather than the U.S. House of Representatives. Please note that the collection does not include records related to his final years in Congress, his trial or the later part of his life.

Biographical / historical:

Bertram L. Podell was born on December 7, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York. As a young adult he served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the War, he graduated from St. John's University in 1947 and acquired a degree in law from Brooklyn Law School in 1950. He maintained a law practice throughout his life.

A Democrat, Podell became a member of the New York State Assembly representing Kings County in 1955 and served 14 years in the 170th through 177th New York State Legislatures. In 1968 constituents elected him to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election for the 13th Congressional District (Brooklyn). He was re-elected to Congress three more times and served until 1975. Podell was an unsuccessful candidate for re-nomination by his party in 1974.

Toward the end of his Congressional career, Podell was indicted and ultimately plead guilty to bribery charges. He served several months in jail and then returned to his law firm where he spent the remainder of his years. Podell died of kidney failure at the age of 79 on August 25, 2005 in New York.

Acquisition information:
Bertram Podell initially donated his papers in a series of acquisitions to Syracuse University between 1967 and 1971. In 2006, the papers were transferred to the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives.
Processing information:

Processed in 2014 by Michael Nicholson.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into the following series:

  1. Series 1 - General Subject Files, 1945-1968, Undated
  2. Series 2 - Congressional Subject Files, 1963-1970, Undated
  3. Series 3 - Bills and Resolutions, 1963-1967, Undated

The files in all three series are arranged alphabetically. Series 3 is arranged alphabetically by legislation type and then chronologically by bill number.

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

Terms of access:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Bertram L. Podell Papers, 1945-1970. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Podell Papers).

Location of this collection:
M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives
Science Library 350
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
518-437-3933