Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1940 - 1986 (Accumulation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
1.5 Linear feet
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Samuel T. Lawton, Jr. was the mayor of Highland Park for 3 years (1967-1971). However, Samuel mainly focused on his career and his family. He was a practicing environmental lawyer who earned his education from Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. World War II interrupted law school when Lawton joined the Illinois National Guard. He became stationed in the Philippines. Once he returned and completed his studies, Lawton worked with his father at their law-firm, taught at John Marshall Law School, and became a member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
Lawton married Mary (Struss) and had 3 children, Samuel III, Mary Larson, and Nancy. Samuel T. Lawton Jr. died in 2003 at the age of 84.
*Information obtained from Samuel T. Lawton Jr.'s obituary in the Chicago Tribune
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated to the Historical Society by Lawton's spouse, Mary Lawton, in 2003.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection was developed by Samuel T. Lawton Jr. It is an assortment of archival material and objects accumulated by Lawton. The collection is divided into 5 series. The first series is Personal, which contains personal papers. The dates in this series range from 1966-2004. The second series is Professional, which contains items pertaining to work Samuel was doing as Highland Park, Illinois. For example there are ordinances, zoning laws, and record books. The items in this series range from 1940-1980. The third series is Oversize, these are all the oversize archival items contained in the collection. It holds invitations and legal documents ranging from 1969-1970. The fourth series is Newspapers. It contains newspapers and newspaper clippings dating from 1968-1970. The final series is Objects. This series contains all the objects brought in with the archival material. These items are personal, professional, and commemorative. They range in dates from 1959-1986.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
These items have been arranged to the file level. They fill 3 boxes of various sizes, and also have a wrapped centennial flag associated with them.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No known restrictions.
Conditions governing reproduction
Consult Archivist.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Some of the objects are heavy so be careful while lifting boxes. The newspapers are also extremely brittle and should be handled with care.
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
The Highland Park Historical Society does not have the complete papers of Mayor Samuel T. Lawton Jr. Please consult archivist for reference to proper repository.
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Description control area
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Dates of creation revision deletion
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Archivist's note
Processed by Konstandina D Argyropoulos, 2012.