A subdivision of the Department of Public Property, it continued the work of the earlier Department of Public Works. It was responsible for maintenance city streets (both repairs and cleaning) and bridges, cleaning of public markets, and disposal of garbage. With the realignment of the responsibilities of the Department of Public Property in 1948 (effective in 1950), the duties of the Division of Public Works were transferred to several of the newly created departments.

The records include both incoming and outgoing correspondence, monthly reports, morning reports, incinerator reports, time books, and receipts for notices delivered to property owners.

Incoming letters (KDW510 1912-1922; 1927-1929--3 cu. ft.) are mostly complaints relative to non-collection of garbage, dangerous conditions of streets, uncut weeds, clogged gutters, and buildings in need of repair. There are scattered letters dealing with the construction or moving of buildings as well as several concerning personnel matters. At least some of the latter address matters of political patronage. These documents were rather heavily weeded to remove materials even more routine than the ones retained. Arrangement is chronological, with the bulk of the file between March, 1912 and December, 1922.

Outgoing letters are recorded as letterpress copies in letter books. There are separate series of books for different types of correspondence as follows:

Letters to the Commission Council and other city officials (KDW511c 1912-1920; 9 v.)--mostly routine, including transmittals, responses to complaints, etc., but also including more detailed reports [e.g., a 25-page report on the condition of streets through which railroads ran is dated February 8, 1913]. Among other topics represented are personnel matters and accidents involving private citizens;

Letters relative to contracts (KDW511con 1912-1920; 3 v.)--dealing with the public bid process as well as with the performance of city contractors;

Letters, miscellaneous (KDW511m 1912-1919; 6 v.)--most very routine (responses to complaints, relative to office supplies, copies of notices sent for correction of property deficiencies, etc.). There are a few references to the moving of individual buildings. Perhaps most interesting are responses to inquiries from other cities seeking information on local governmental practice;

Letters relative to railroads (KDW511r 1912-1920; 5 v.)--includes both railroads and street railways. Mostly concerned with damage to public property by railroad construction and/or operations. Some deal with the Public Belt Railroad's role in garbage disposal along the riverfront;

Letters relative to the Sewerage and Water Board (KDW511s 1912-1920; 2 v.)--dealing mostly with broken hydrants, leaking pipes, clogged drains, and damage caused to streets and sidewalks by Water Board workers;

Letters and orders of the General Superintendent (KDW5111u 1912-1920; 4 v.)--include detailed monthly reports. Some letters deal with personnel matters.