Collection 2003.10.7 - Samuel T. Lawton Jr. Collection

Identity area

Reference code

US IlHpHS 2003.10.7

Title

Samuel T. Lawton Jr. Collection

Date(s)

  • 1940 - 1986 (Accumulation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

1.5 Linear feet

Context area

Name of creator

(1919-2003)

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

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

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Related descriptions

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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Dates of creation revision deletion

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Archivist's note

Processed by Konstandina D Argyropoulos, 2012.

Accession area

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Physical storage

  • Box: 1
  • Box: 3
  • Box: 2
  • Oversize: 4