%xmlchars; ]> ms2059 Guide to the Joseph B. Danzansky papers, 1968-1989 Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University 2005

2130 H. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20052 Phone: 202-994-7549 Email: speccoll@gwu.edu

Machine-readable finding aid derived from Re:discovery database program and converted into xml; Code template by Archives and Information Associates (http://archivesandinformation.com), Alexandria, Virginia . 2005 Finding aid written in English Guide to the Joseph B. Danzansky Papers, 1968-1989 MS2059 Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

Processed by: Special Collections Staff, 2006 Encoded by: Jennifer King, 2006

Descriptive Summary Danzansky, Joseph B. Joseph B. Danzansky papers, 1968-1989 MS2059 3.5 Linear feet 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 The George Washington University, The Gelman Library, Special Collections Research Center

2130 H. St. NW Washington, D.C. 20052 Phone: 202-994-7549 Email:

English Information for Users Preferred citation

Joseph B. Danzansky papers, Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University.

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

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

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.

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.

Collection Organization

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

Subject Terms Individuals Danzansky, Joseph B. Corporate Entities Giant (Firm) Topics Joseph B. Danzansky papers Economic development Washington (D.C.) history Alumni & alumnae Geographic Locations Washington (D.C.) Detailed Description of the Records MS2059 Series 1 Personal information, 1971-1980 0.25 Linear feet

This series contains biographical sketches of Joseph Danzansky as well as miscellaneous memos and awards given and received by him. The material dates from 1971-80.

1 1 Biographical Sketch, undated

1 2 Awards-given and received, 1971-1980

1 3 Memos, 1977

MS2059 Series 2 Professional and volunteer associations, 1968-1989 1 Linear feet

This series contains reports, blueprints, correspondence, memos, annual reports, and other documents related to Danzansky's professional life. The material dates from 1968-89. The subjects of these records include Giant Food, the company's involvement in the Central City Market crisis and the Blue Laws controversy. The records also document Danzansky's time as Chairman of the National Bank of Washington. Danzansky's volunteer involvement related to D.C. development included organizations such as Metropolitan Business Resource Center, The Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, The United Way, the Mayor's Economic Development Committee, and the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation.

1 4 Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co., undated

1 5 Metropolitan Business Resource Center, 1973

1 6 The Metropolitan Washington Board of Trade, 1975-1977

1 7 The National Bank of Washington, 1978

1 8 The United Way, 1968-1969

1 9 United Way, 1976

1 10 Giant Food Incorporated, Corporate organization, 1971-1972

1 11 Giant Food Incorporated, Fiscal Information, 1971

1 12 Giant Food Incorporated, Publications, 1967-1974

1 13 Giant Food Incorporated, Giant WE News, 1967-1979

1 14 Giant Food Incorporated, Meat Prices, 1973-1977

1 15 Central City Markets, General Information, 1974-1976

1 16 Central City Markets, Blueprint for Giant Store on "O" St, 10/29/1976

1 17 Central City Markets, Proposal for the Development of Neighborhood Shopping Sited in DC, Drafts, 1974

1 18 Central City Markets, Inner-City Food Distribution Dale L. Anderson, 1973

1 19 Central City Markets, Exodus of Food Chain Stores Report March, 1975

1 20 Central City Markets, Competition and Technology D I Padberg, 06/09/1976

1 21 Central City Markets, Food Retailing, Dr. Kenneth Farrell (06/09/1976), 1966-1976

1 22 Central City Markets, City Eco-Culture and the Supermarket Dr. Gordon Bloom, 06/09/1976

1 23 Central City Markets, Factors Contributing to the Exodus of Food Chains from the Inner-City Donals R. Marian April 18-19, 04/18/1977

1 24 Central City Markets, A Positive Approach to the Problem of Inner Cityfood Distribution Dr. Gordon F. Bloom April 18-19,, 04/18/1977

1 25 Central City Markets, Structure of Food Retailing in Central Cities... G Featser, G Grimell and R Parks April 18-19,, 04/18/1977

1 26 Blue Laws, Maryland, 1974-1980

2 1 Virginia, 1974

2 2 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Amended Order of Establishment and Grant Conditions, 02/17/1970

2 3 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Grant Extension Application, 05/24/1972

2 4 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, General Information, 1969-1974

2 5 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Projects Report, undated

2 6 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Survey of Business in Washington, DC Summer, 1971

2 7 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Activities Report, 02/01/1973-06/30/1974

2 8 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Overall Development Program General Information, 1970-1972

2 9 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Overall Development Program for DC, 1969 Report

2 10 Mayor’s Economic Development Committee, Overall Development Program for DC, Report, 1970

2 11 Overall Development Program for DC, undated

3 1 DC Development Bank, 1971-1974

3 2 Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, Appointment of Danzansky as chairman, 1979

3 3 Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, The Pennsylvania Plan, 1974

3 4 Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, Annual Reports, 1983-1989

3 5 Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, Promotional Materials and Newspaper Publications, 1982-1984

MS2059 Series 3 Speeches, 1968-1978 0.25 Linear feet

This series is composed of the transcripts of speeches given by Joseph Danzansky between 1968-78.

3 6 Speeches, 1968

3 7 Speeches, 1969

3 8 Speeches, 1970

3 9 Speeches, 1971

3 10 Speeches, 1972

MS2059 Series 4 Photographs, 1972-1976 0.5 Linear feet

This series contains photographs. These photographs came from photograph albums and cover Danzansky's activities. The albums date from 1972-76.

4 1 Album 1 Danzansky, Honoree at NCCJ Brotherhood Citation Diner, 02/15/1972

5 1 Album 2 Danzansky, president of the Metropolitan Board of Trade, 1976

5 2 Album 3 Bicentennial Celebration, 1976

5 3 Album 4, undated

5 4 Album 5, undated

MS2059 Series 5 Post-humas documentations, 1979-1992 0.5 Linear feet

The series contains a memorial service program, correspondence, membership lists, publications, and resolutions. These records are dated 1979-92. These records documents the impact of Danzansky's death upon the D.C. community and the work of the Joseph B. Danzansky Commemoration Committee including the naming of the Joseph B. Danzansky Amphitheater at The George Washington University Law School. There is also some information about the National Bank of Washington scandal dated 1980-81.

6 1 Memorial Service, 1979

6 2 Publications - Obituaries and Commemorative Statements, 1979-1986

6 3 Resolutions and personal statements in memory of Danzansky, 1979-1980

6 4 Danzansky Soccer League, 1980

6 5 National Bank of Washington Scandal, 1980-- -- --1981

6 6 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Meeting Documentation, 1979-1991

6 7 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Membership Lists, undated

6 8 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Volunteers, 1979-1990

6 9 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Fund, 1979-1981

6 10 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Community Foundation, 1979-1982

6 11 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Fundraising Events, 1980-1982

6 12 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Danzansky Memorial, 1979-1991

6 13 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Publications - Danzansky Memorial, 1979-1980

6 14 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Memorial Dedication Ceremony, 10/23/1991

6 15 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Memorial Film, 1980

6 16 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Conflict Resolution Symposium at George Washington University, 10/15/1980

6 17 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Joseph B Danzansky Amphitheater - GW Law School, 1981-1984

6 18 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Washington Civic Festival/Danzansky Commemoration Festival, 1992

6 19 Joseph B Danzansky Commemoration Committee, Correspondence, 1979-1990

MS2059 Series 6 Audio-visual materials, undated 0.5 Linear feet

This series is composed of eight U-matic reels, one Betamax, and one VHS. The visual picture on the majority of the materials is distorted to various degrees although the audio on all is clear. Most of the items are not dated, but the Danzansky Memorial Dedication Ceremony took place on October 23, 1991. Other tapes are also remembrances of Danzansky.

7 1 It’s Academic - Danzansky segment U-matic, undated

7 2 Channel 4 - air check on Giant Food story U-matic, undated

7 3 Danzansky’s Death U-matic, undated

7 4 Channel 20 Editorial - Tribute to Joe Danzansky Betamax, undated

7 5 Danzansky Memorial Dedication Ceremony 10/23/91 30min VHS, undated

7 6 "The Making of an Intern" 5min and "A Little More Equal" 6:30min, undated

7 7 U-matic, undated

8 1 Tribute to Joseph B Danzansky 10:30min U-matic, undated

8 2 F. M. I. Award Ceremony 5min of viewable tape U-matic, undated

8 3 Remembering Danzansky 2:30min U-matic, undated

8 4 Channel 20 - Editorial Tribute to Joe Danzansky 1:30min U-matic, undated

MS2059 Series 7 Oversized documents, undated 0.5 Linear feet

This series contains an award, framed poem, bound volume, framed certificate, and plaque. Not all the items are dated, but the ones that are dated are from 1971.

9 1 Award given in appreciation of Loyal Support to Joseph Danzansky by the George Washington University Sesquicentennial Club, undated

9 2 Framed poem entitled "IF" adapted by Danzansky, 12/15/1971

9 3 Bound edition of the Board of Trade News, 1971

9 4 Framed certificate presented to Danzansky for the "IF" Award December, 1971

9 5 Plaque given to Danzansky on behalf of the United Way, undated