From the Archives: Christmas Eve Letter from Robert Moses
September 1st, 2010
We thought you might enjoy this bit of history from the MAS Archives, and we plan to share more with you over the next few weeks.
We found this letter from Robert Moses, addressed to MAS President Electus D. Litchfield, dated December 24, 1936, while sifting through the archives. Moses was appointed as the Commissioner of the Department of Parks in 1936 by then-Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia. Moses also served as head of the State Parks Council, head of the State Power Commission, and chairman of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Electus D. Litchfield was the president of MAS in the 1930s. The following is Moses’ somewhat testy response to a letter from Litchfield regarding the construction of East River Drive (known today as FDR Drive), which started in 1934 and was completed in 1966:
(Click-through for larger images.)

December 24, 1936
Miss Irene V. Walsh,
The Municipal Art Society,
119 East 19th Street,
New York CityDear Miss Walsh:
Mr. Litchfield’s letter of November 11th was answered by sending him printed reports which clearly indicated the answers to his questions.
I am happy, however, to answer them again in this letter. Continue Reading>>








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