Series II: Client Correspondence and Card File, 1921-1968.

Scope and content:

Series II is housed in 80 archival boxes on shelf and arranged alphabetically by client name. Miscellaneous materials are arranged alphabetically by addressee or sender and inter-filed alphabetically within the series in "General" files (Example: "A General, 1942-1965"). The series includes correspondence, invoices, photographs, sketches, and plant lists. Correspondence files do not survive for all of Gillette's clients. Likewise, not all correspondence files have corresponding drawings and vice versa. Along with the Drawings (SERIES III), the Client Correspondence files make up the bulk of the Charles F. Gillette Papers. These records mostly contain written correspondence between Gillette's office and the clients. The file can be useful in documenting the development of individual garden plans, as well as an illustration of the architect/client relationship during a particular project. A significant portion of the original letters and other materials were typed or written on acidic paper. Accordingly, the processing archivist made preservation photocopies of these materials. The card file contained in this series was maintained in Gillette's office. In some instances, files and drawings were purged, and the card file may be the only indication of Gillette's involvement in a specific project.

In addition to the container listing found in this finding aid, the research can also search for client correspondence on the Gillette Drawings and Correspondence Database. While this searchable database was primarily created for the extensive list of Gillette's project drawings, it does include complete information on the client correspondence files. The card files are not included in this database. Researchers interested in finding correspondence can search under Gillette Account Number, Client Control Number, and Client Name. The page also includes a drop-down list of clients organized alphabetically by the last name of the client or the business name. General searches, such as a Client Name search of "Jones," returns a list of results containing links that will take the researcher to the full listing for that client name or client control number. As previously stated, correspondence does not survive for all projects. It is important to note that not all of Gillette's materials survive and a search may yield no results.

Arrangement:

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Access and use

Contents