Thomas, Rudolph J., 1904-1990

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American conductor.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, [n.d.], to Mr. [Harry Harkness] Flagler, [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270675891

Rudolph James Thomas (1904?-1990), executive director of the New York City Harlem Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) at 135th Street from 1947-1965, was born in Orlando, Florida. Thomas moved with his family to New York City where he attended public schools, and in 1920 he began his career at the YMCA as an elevator operator and desk clerk. Upon graduation from Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio) in 1926 he held various positions at the YMCA, including acting membership secretary (1923); relief secretary (1927); membership secretary and employment director (1931) and business manager (1942). In 1947 he became the executive director of the Harlem Branch of the YMCA until his retirement in 1965.

Thomas was well known for fundraising and his ability to bring well known political, sports and show business figures to Harlem in support of the YMCA. During his tenure Thomas hired baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella to help with the YMCA youth programs. Later, Robinson and Campanella contributed their efforts towards fundraising for the YMCA. Among those supporting Thomas' work were Nelson and Winthrop Rockefeller, Perry Como, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, Humphrey Bogart, Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Ralph Bunche and Hubert Humphrey. President Dwight Eisenhower, then president of Columbia University, attended ceremonies at the Harlem YMCA. Thomas also secured Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians for a YMCA benefit concert at Lewishon Stadium. New York State Governors Harriman and Rockefeller and New York City Mayors Impelliteri and Wagner participated in the activities of the Harlem Branch of the YMCA. Thomas served on numerous boards and commissions including the Draft Board during World War II. He received a special citation from President Harry S. Truman for his outstanding volunteer services. After his retirment from the YMCA, Thomas spent fifteen years as personnel director at Harlem Teams for Self Help.

From the description of Rudolph James Thomas collection, 1895-1986 (1941-1971). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122533830

Rudolph James Thomas (1904?-1990), executive director of the New York City Harlem Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) at 135th Street from 1947-1965, was born in Orlando, Florida. Thomas moved with his family to New York City where he attended public schools, and in 1920 he began his career at the YMCA as an elevator operator and desk clerk. Upon graduation from Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio) in 1926 he held various positions at the YMCA, including acting membership secretary (1923); relief secretary (1927); membership secretary and employment director (1931) and business manager (1942). In 1947 he became the executive director of the Harlem Branch of the YMCA until his retirement in 1965.

Thomas was well known for fundraising and his ability to bring well known political, sports and show business figures to Harlem in support of the YMCA. During his tenure Thomas hired baseball players Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella to help with the YMCA youth programs. Later, Robinson and Campanella contributed their efforts towards fundraising for the YMCA. Among those supporting Thomas' work were Nelson and Winthrop Rockefeller, Perry Como, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, Humphrey Bogart, Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Ralph Bunche and Hubert Humphrey. President Dwight Eisenhower, then president of Columbia University, attended ceremonies at the Harlem YMCA. Thomas also secured Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians for a YMCA benefit concert at Lewishon Stadium. New York State Governors Harriman and Rockefeller and New York City Mayors Impelliteri and Wagner participated in the activities of the Harlem Branch of the YMCA. Thomas served on numerous boards and commissions including the Draft Board during World War II. He received a special citation from President Harry S. Truman for his outstanding volunteer services. After his retirment from the YMCA, Thomas spent fifteen years as personnel director at Harlem Teams for Self Help.

From the guide to the Rudolph James Thomas collection, 1895-1986, 1941-1971, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Thomas, Rudolph. Autograph letter signed : New York, [n.d.], to Mr. [Harry Harkness] Flagler, [n.d.]. Pierpont Morgan Library.
referencedIn Journal of Vernon Vaughan Thomas, 1942-88 Bodleian Library, Oxford
referencedIn Juilliard School. Office of the President. General administrative records, 1904-1938. The Juilliard School, Lila Acheson Wallace Library
creatorOf Rudolph James Thomas collection, 1895-1986, 1941-1971 Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archives Section
creatorOf Thomas, Rudolph J., 1904-1990. Rudolph James Thomas collection, 1895-1986 (1941-1971). Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Flagler, Harry Harkness, person
associatedWith Harlem Branch YMCA. corporateBody
associatedWith Juilliard School. Office of the President. corporateBody
associatedWith Mary Flagler Cary Music Collection (Pierpont Morgan Library) corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
New York (State)--New York
United States
Subject
African American businesspeople
African American executives
African Americans
African Americans
Associations, institutions, etc.
Associations, institutions, etc.
Fund raisers (Persons)
Fund raisers (Persons)
Sports general managers
Young Men's Christian associations
Young Men's Christian associations
Young Men's Christian associations
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1904

Death 1990

Information

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