Joseph B. Danzansky papers
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
- Danzansky, Joseph B. (Person)
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.
Subject
- George Washington University--Alumni and alumnae (Organization)
- Giant (Firm) (Organization)
- Danzansky, Joseph B. (Person)
- 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
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America
speccoll@gwu.edu
