Catalog of Manuscript Collections

MSS 79: Mermin Collection/New Haven Housing Authority and Redevelopment Records, 1941-75 Creators: Alvin A. Mermin (1908-77); New Haven Housing Authority Extent: 4 ft. (2,200 items) Description: Mermin served as director of the Family Relocation Division of the New Haven Redevelopment Agency (1958-66) and as manager of the Farnham Courts, West Hills, and McConaughty public housing projects of the New Haven Housing Authority. The collection comprises correspondence, minutes of meetings, reports, surveys, studies, proposals, contracts, press releases, legislation, clippings, and photographs. There are a number of "before" and "after" photographs meant to show the effects of redevelopment. The bulk of the documents was generated during the 1960s. Research Topics: Details and ramifications of redevelopment in New Haven; urban housing and relocation; photographs and documentation of urban renewal