The Abner T. Allen Papers consist primarily of Allen's correspondence with family in New England during the mid- to late-1800s.
The papers of Abner T. Allen reflect his life as a farmer and merchant in the state of Ohio during the 1800's. The correspondence is typical of this period as the letter itself is folded to form the envelope, the address is printed on the outside, and the fold sealed with a wax seal. The majority of the correspondence was to Abner T. Allen from his parents, brothers and sister. These letters concerned all aspects of family affairs and travel between Chagrin Falls, Ohio, South and Western Warren, Massachusetts and New Hartford, Connecticut, where each of the families resided. The collection includes the following documents: leaf of cash transactions, booklet of expenses and revenues, an award. and two Last Will and Testaments; also included are invitations to social affairs.
This collection contains periodicals, memorabilia, correspondence, ephemera, promotional materials, event programs, booklets, reports, photographs, scrapbooks, music sheets, realia, vinyl records, and other materials documenting South Florida history. Most of the materials pertain in particular to Miami Beach and notable figures to its history, such as Hy Gardner, Paul M. Bruun, Albert Pick, and former Miami Beach mayors Kenneth Oka and Herbert Frink. The collection also features photographs and materials from past beauty pageants held in Miami Beach.
