Flora Ablondi and Edgar Workman Papers, 1941-2002

Summary

Creator:
Workman, Flora Ablondi.
Abstract:
Photographs, memorabilia, and other papers collected by Flora Ablondi and Edgar Workman during their time as students and alumni of Syracuse University
Extent:
5.25 linear feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Flora Ablondi and Edgar Workman Papers,

Background

Scope and content:

The Flora Ablondi and Edgar Workman Papers consist of various memorabilia, photographs, and other papers collected by Flora and Edgar during their time as both students and alumni of Syracuse University. Most of the materials in the collection document Flora's student experience. The collection is divided into the following series:

Memorabilia includes items such as a commemorative plate for the construction of the Carrier Dome in 1980, Flora's gym uniform, and a Sigma Nu paddle. This series also contains Edgar's cheerleading sweater, pants, and megaphone from the early 1940s.

Photographs consists of photographs taken by Flora and others with subjects such as Winter Carnival snow sculptures, Spring Weekend parade floats, and candid photographs of Flora, Edgar, and their classmates.

Papers contains various handouts, programs, and other materials collected by Flora and Edgar. Some of the papers in this series include Flora's Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award, commencement materials from Edgar's graduation in 1943, and a course listing for the Spanish program. The course listing also contains information for La Casa Espanola, a summer program in which students spent the term living together and only speaking in Spanish. Flora participated in the program in 1944.

This collection contains images that are racist. The collection is preserved and presented for its historic and research value. Researchers may find some content objectionable.

Biographical / historical:

Flora Ablondi Workman (1925-2017) and Edgar Workman (1921-1995) were Syracuse University alumni. Edgar graduated in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. While on campus he was a cheerleader and member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Flora graduated in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in Latin and was a member of the Women's Athletic Association, Latin-American Trade Club, and Spanish Club. The two met and started dating during their undergraduate years.

During World War II, Edgar served in the United States Naval Reserve and attended the Naval Reserve Officer School in Liverpool, New York and the Prairie State Midshipmen's School hosted at Columbia University. He completed sea duty as a lieutenant aboard the USS Landing Ship Medium 8 and was the vessel's commanding officer from January 1946 to the ship's decommission in April 1946. Once his commission was over, Edgar and Flora got married and settled in DeWitt, New York.

Edgar returned to Syracuse University for a master's degree in business administration in 1968. He then worked as a director of industrial engineering services for Carrier Corporation. Flora received a master's degree in education from the University in 1964 and taught at local elementary schools for 26 years. She also was a member of both the Syracuse Teachers Association Board of Directors and the Syracuse University National Alumni Board of Directors. Flora was known for volunteering at a variety of University events, such as lectures, fundraisers, and reunions. In 2002, she was awarded the Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award in recognition of her service to the University.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Flora Ablondi Workman in 1997, 2002, and 2006 and Nancy Workman in 2021.
Processing information:

All materials were housed in acid-free boxes. Photographs were placed in mylar sleeves and then in acid-free folders along with printed materials.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged alphabetically by series.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Flora Ablondi and Edgar Workman Papers,

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu