William H. O'Brien Collection, 1904 - 1914

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
O'Brien, William H., 1861-1942
Abstract:
Papers of William H. O'Brien from the New York State Department of Public Works.
Extent:
6 boxes
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes correspondence and business documents of William H. O'Brien from his tenure with the New York State Department of Public Works, during the years 1904-1914. These papers were recovered from Mr. O'Brien's family home in Baldwinsville, NY in 1996.

Biographical / historical:

William H. O'Brien (1861-1942) was employed by the New York State Department of Public Works for many years. In 1911, he was appointed Superintendent of Repairs for Section 6 of the Erie Canal, which extended from Canastota to Camillus and from Syracuse to Lock 5 on the Oswego Canal. Working from his office in the Weighlock Building in Syracuse, Mr. O'Brien oversaw the maintenance and repair of the entire Section 6, including the supervision of scow and carpenter forces, bank watchmen, bridge tenders, feeder tenders, and locktenders. In 1912, O'Brien was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for the MIddle Division of the Erie Canal.

Indexed terms

Places:
Erie Canal (N.Y.)
Syracuse (N.Y.)

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

The museum is providing access to these materials for personal, educational, and research purposes only. Prior permission from the Erie Canal Museum is required for any other use.

Location of this collection:
318 Erie Boulevard East
Syracuse, NY 13202, United States
Contact: