Eric Oldberg (1901-1986) Papers

The Oldberg papers are arranged in four boxes and relate to his activities with and on behalf of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestral Association. The papers are organized into two major categories: general correspondence and subject files.

General correspondence dates from 1940 through 1972, with the bulk of the correspondence dating between 1947 and 1963. The correspondence includes both incoming and copies of outgoing items and largely reflects Oldberg's efforts to garner financial support for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from individuals and corporations.

Subject files, consisting mainly of correspondence, memoranda, reports, and similar materials, reflect administrative and policy concerns, and the orchestra's relations with conductors, musicians, and representatives of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. The orchestra's engagement of conductors is documented by files identified with the names of pertinent individuals. Within folders materials are arranged in chronological order.

Addition: The addition consists of commencement correspondence regarding an honorary degree Eric Oldberg received in June 1961, letters from Eric’s wife, Mary Swissler regarding the donation of her husband’s papers, as well as newspaper clippings and various awards including diploma of the Degree of Doctor of Laws. The commencement correspondence has been merged into the General Correspondence folders. New folders have been made for the letters from Mary Swissler, for the newspaper clippings, and for the awards.

Addition: This addition consists of photographs of Eric Oldberg and correspondence regarding the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The photograph additions can be found in Eric Oldberg’s photo file. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra correspondence can be found in the addition Box 6 Folder 1.