General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York facts for kids
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General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen
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General Society's Library Building
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| Location | 20 W. 44th St., New York, New York |
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| NRHP reference No. | 08001048 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 12, 2008 |
The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York is an educational and cultural group. It is located at 20 West 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was started on November 17, 1785. Twenty-two men met in a tavern near Wall Street to create it.
The main goals of the General Society were to help families of skilled workers. They offered cultural, educational, and social support. The Society also took part in patriotic celebrations. They carried banners with their motto: 'By hammer and hand all arts do stand'. This means that all skills and crafts depend on tools and hard work.
New York City became the center of the Federal Government in 1789. This helped both the city and the Society grow. More people moved to the city, and business improved. By 1792, the Society had 413 members. They also received an official charter. The Society worked with other business groups. They also asked the state government to support new industries.
Contents
Learning and Education Programs
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In 1820, the General Society opened one of New York City's first free schools. At that time, New York had no public school system. There were only two other free schools in the entire city. One was for children in an almshouse. The other was only for children of formerly enslaved Black Americans.
The Society's new school started with 70 students. Children of members could attend for free. Others paid a small fee. Later that year, the Society opened a separate school for girls. This first school became the Mechanics Institute in 1858. It still offers free evening classes in trades-related subjects. It is the oldest private, free technical school in New York City. More than 180,000 students have graduated from it.
The Society's Library
The General Society Library also opened in 1820. It is the second oldest library in New York City. The main reading room is three stories tall. It has a beautiful skylight at the top. This library, called the Apprentices' Library, was a big step in social reform.
In 1820, public libraries were a new idea. The Apprentices' Library was one of the first in New York City. Its goal was to provide good books for young apprentices. These boys worked all day and had no other way to get books. So, the library stayed open in the evenings.
In 1833, the Society was allowed to use some of its money for "promoting and spreading literary and scientific knowledge." They decided to do this through lectures. Today, they also use cultural and educational activities. The lecture series began in 1837 and still continues. Famous speakers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Horace Greeley gave talks there. Today, it is called the Labor, Landmarks and Literature Lecture Series. It continues the Society's tradition of public talks.
During the 1830s, a French visitor named Chevalier observed American mechanics and tradesmen. He noted that they dressed well, like members of Congress. Their families also dressed like wealthy New York merchants. Their homes were warm, neat, and comfortable. Their tables had almost as much food as the richest citizens.
In 1878, the General Society opened a new Apprentices' Library. It was at No. 18 East 16th Street. It held 60,000 books, mostly practical works. About 8,000 people used the library. This included 4,000 apprentices and 3,000 "girls in shops." Members of the public could also join for $2 per year. The building could hold up to 100,000 books. It also had living space for the librarian and janitor.
College Scholarships
In the 1840s, the Society also started offering college scholarships. Each year, two students from Mechanics Institute could attend the University of the City of New York for free. The Society also paid for some students to go to other schools.
The library remained popular. In 1845, Benjamin DeMilt, a watchmaker and former president, gave his entire personal library to the Society. This added 1,800 books to the collection.
Supporting Social Change
The Society continued to be a leader in social change. They offered separate classes for women. In 1887, these classes for young women included stenography and typewriting. This was a very new idea. Few women worked in offices at that time.
When the American Civil War started in 1861, the Society strongly supported the government. They bought about $8,000 in government bonds. Many Society members also joined the New York Volunteer Corps of Engineers.
Society Locations Over Time
The General Society has moved several times. In 1802, they bought property at 239 Broadway. They soon built Mechanics Hall there. In 1831, they moved to 30–36 Crosby Street. Then in 1843, they moved again to 472 Broadway. In 1877, they moved to No. 18 Sixteenth Street. They had bought land there and built a new building.
In 1885, the Society celebrated its 100th anniversary. They held a large dinner at Delmonico's Restaurant. Many Society members and public officials attended. The Society continued to grow. In 1899, the organization moved to its fifth home at 20 West 44th Street.
Between 1899 and 1908, Andrew Carnegie gave over half a million dollars to the Society. He was a Society member and a wealthy industrialist. Other members also gave generous gifts. By 1913, 2,300 students attended Mechanics Institute. The courses then included new subjects like automobile drafting and industrial electricity.
The current home at 20 West 44th Street is a New York City designated landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was first designed by Lamb and Rich. It was built as the Berkeley School for Boys. The General Society bought it in 1899. Andrew Carnegie provided money to make the building much larger in 1903. Two wings were added to the back. Three new upper stories replaced an old gymnasium. This expansion was designed by Ralph S. Townsend. It combines grand Beaux Arts style with Renaissance elements.
The Society's Museum
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The Society also has the John M. Mossman Lock Museum. This museum has one of the most complete collections of bank and vault locks in the world. It has over 370 locks, keys, and tools. They date from 4000 BC to the 20th century. The museum is open to the public.
Famous Members
Many notable people have been members of the General Society. These include:
- Duncan Phyfe (a famous furniture maker)
- James Harper (a publisher and the 66th mayor of NYC)
- Peter Cooper (an inventor and industrialist)
- Nathaniel Currier (a lithographer, known for Currier and Ives prints)
- John Bishop Putnam (a printer and publisher)
- Andrew Carnegie (an industrialist and giver of money to good causes)
- Abram S. Hewitt (a glue manufacturer and the 87th mayor of NYC)
Some former presidents of the Society also became mayors of NYC:
- Stephen Allen (a sailmaker and the 55th mayor of NYC)
- Gideon Lee (a shoemaker and the 61st mayor of NYC)
- Jacob Aaron Westervelt (a shipbuilder and the 72nd mayor of NYC)
See also
In Spanish: Sociedad General de Mecánica y Comerciantes de la Ciudad de Nueva York para niños
