Title:
1950 New York Memorabilia Pass Group Issued to Mayor William O’Dwyer – Gallagher’s Oak Room and Empire State Observatory Annual Passes

Description:
Interesting pair of original 1950 identification and privilege passes issued to New York City Mayor William O’Dwyer, consisting of a Gallagher’s Oak Room honorary membership card and an Empire State Observatory annual pass. Both cards are personalized to O’Dwyer and reflect his prominence within New York civic and social life during the postwar era.

The first card is a 1950 honorary membership pass for Gallagher’s Oak Room, located at 228 West 52nd Street in New York City. Printed in red and black lettering, the card identifies “Mayor William O’Dwyer” as an “Honorary Member” and bears an ink signature from the establishment’s president. Gallagher’s was among Manhattan’s best-known mid-century dining and social establishments, closely associated with Broadway, politics, journalism, and celebrity culture.

The second item is a 1950 Annual Pass for the Empire State Observatory, issued to “Hon. Wm. O’Dwyer and guests.” The pass, numbered “59,” granted admission privileges to the famed observation deck of the Empire State Building and carries an expiration date of December 31, 1950. The card includes period printed typography and a presidential signature from the observatory administration.

Both passes exhibit noticeable burn marks or scorching near the upper center areas, along with expected age toning, handling wear, and light surface discoloration consistent with vintage paper ephemera. Despite the condition issues, the cards remain visually attractive and historically evocative examples of mid-century New York memorabilia connected to one of the city’s notable mayors.

Historical Context:
William O’Dwyer (1890–1964) served as Mayor of New York City from 1946 until 1950, overseeing the city during a transformative post-World War II period marked by rapid urban growth, political change, and expanding international influence. A decorated military veteran and former Brooklyn District Attorney, O’Dwyer became a prominent public figure in New York civic and political life before resigning his mayoralty in 1950 to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

Gallagher’s Steakhouse and Oak Room were iconic gathering places within Manhattan’s theater district, frequented by politicians, entertainers, athletes, and influential public figures. Likewise, the Empire State Building represented the pinnacle of New York prestige and architectural achievement, with observatory passes often extended to dignitaries and important civic leaders.

Together, these two personalized passes provide a fascinating glimpse into the privileges, social circles, and institutional relationships surrounding New York City’s political elite during the mid-twentieth century. Such ephemeral items tied directly to a sitting New York mayor are uncommon survivals and offer strong appeal for collectors of political memorabilia, New York history, and urban Americana.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This unusual and visually compelling pair of 1950 passes issued to Mayor William O’Dwyer captures the atmosphere of postwar New York political and social culture. From the legendary Gallagher’s Oak Room to the iconic Empire State Observatory, these personalized artifacts connect directly to the civic prestige and celebrity-infused world of mid-century Manhattan. Rarely encountered in group form, such items offer excellent display appeal and historical value for collectors of New York City memorabilia, political ephemera, and twentieth-century Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.