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Joseph B. Danzansky papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS2059-UA

Collection Scope and Content

The materials in this collection include speeches, photographs, biographical sketches, videotapes, fundraising documents, membership lists, symposium materials, correspondence, publications, resolutions, a survey, and reports. The material dates from 1968-89. The collection documents the professional life of Joseph Danzansky, particularly during his time as president of Giant Food Inc., his involvement in D.C. development, both economically and socially, the impact of his death upon the community, and the various means by which his memory was honored. The collection materials were compiled by the combined efforts of Mrs. Ethel Danzansky, Mr. Stephen I. Danzansky, Mr. Barry F. Scher, Mr. Oral Suer, Mr. M. J. Brodie, and Mr. Paul S. Forbes.

Dates

  • Creation: 1968-1989

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical or Biographical Note

Joseph B. Danzansky (1914-1979) received his bachelor of arts, bachelor of laws and juris doctorate degrees from George Washington University. In 1941, Danzansky opened the law firm of Danzansky & Dickey where he practiced until he was elected president of Giant Food Inc. in 1964. In 1977, he became Chairman of the Board of Giant and upon his resignation, in 1978, became chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Washington. Extremely active in the DC community throughout his life, Danzansky was, president (1971, 1976) of the Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, member of the George Washington Board of Trustees (1969-72), chairman of: the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (1979), the Business Resource Center (1973-74), and the Mayor's Economic Development Committee of the D.C. (1963-74), as well as a member of many other organizations. His positive impact on the DC community was immediately evident as numerous organizations and individuals took steps to commemorate his memory. The Danzansky Commemorative Committee was formed and it succeeded in honoring the memory of Danzansky by dedicating an amphitheatre at the GW Law School, funding a symposium on Conflict Resolution at GWU, and placing a commemorative plaque on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Danzansky was born on May 16, 1914 in Washington, DC. He married Ethel E. Gelfand and they had two sons, Stephen I. Danzansky and Richard F. Danzansky. Joseph Danzansky died on November 8, 1979.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection includes speeches, photographs, biographical sketches, videotapes, fundraising documents, membership lists, symposium materials, correspondence, publications, resolutions, a survey, and reports. The material dates from 1968-89. The collection documents the professional life of Joseph Danzansky, particularly during his time as president of Giant Food Inc., his involvement in D.C. development, both economically and socially

Collection Organization

Organized into seven series: Personal information, Professional and volunteer associations, Speeches, statements and testimony, Photographs, Posthumous documentation, Audio-visual materials, and Oversized documents.

Acquisition Information

The Danzansky Papers were donated to the Gelman Library Special Collections Department in 1991.

Title
Guide to the Joseph B. Danzansky papers, 1968-1989
Status
Partially Processed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America