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Robert M. Adler papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.260

Biographical / Historical note

The manufacture of men's clothing in Rochester, NY began in the mid-1800s, and within a few short decades the clothing industry had become one of the major economic forces in the city. In the second half of the 20th Century, however, the industry began a decline, and by 1980 only one manufacturer remained.

Robert M. Adler (d. Jan. 10, 1997) was the son of Mortimer Adler and grandson of Levi Adler, one of Rochester's pioneer clothiers and founder of L. Adler Bros. & Co. (1883-1922). Robert Adler joined the firm of Levy Bros. & Adler-Rochester, Inc. in 1933, and was active in sales and finance. He became treasurer of the firm upon the death of his father in 1950. He joined Michaels Stern & Co. when it bought out Levy Bros. & Adler-Rochester in 1951, staying with Michaels Stern & Co. until his retirement in the late 1960s.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Adler began collecting materials on the history of the men's clothing industry of Rochester, NY for the purpose of writing a comprehensive book on the topic. He completed "The Rise and Decline of the Men's Clothing Industry of Rochester, New York," in 1987.

Scope and Contents

This small collection consists of materials related to the research, publication, and distribution of Robert M. Adler's book. It includes historical materials such as newspaper clippings and photographs pertaining to the history of the clothing industry in Rochester, NY, as well as Adler's correspondence, research notes and original manuscripts for the book.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1865-1987

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es)

Access

The Robert M. Adler Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Robert M. Adler.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Robert M. Adler Papers, D.260, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Related Archival Materials

The Rise and Decline of the Men's Clothing Industry of Rochester, New York can be found in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the University of Rochester Library under the call number HD 9940 .U63 R6 1987.

Title
Robert M. Adler papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA