Title: Ben Johnson Aldermanic Records
Inclusive Dates: 1966-1977

Creators:

• Johnson, Ben E.
• Milwaukee (Wis.). Common Council.

Call Number: City of Milwaukee Archival Collection 77

Quantity: 1.8 cubic ft. (5 boxes)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

This collection contains the records of alderman Ben Johnson, who served Milwaukee's 6th District from 1971-1980. Contains reports, correspondence, memoranda, and statistics.

Note:

To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-cmac0077

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Ben E. Johnson was born in Milwaukee in 1937. He went to Lincoln High School and later earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Johnson began working for the Milwaukee Journal in 1965 as a circulation district sales manager and was also a community organizer for the Walnut Way Improvement Council. He was elected Alderman of Milwaukee’s 6th Aldermanic District in 1971, replacing Alderwoman Vel Phillips. Johnson was elected Milwaukee Common Council President in 1976, becoming the first African American to hold that title, a position he held until 1980.

Some of Johnson’s achievements include establishing an ethics code for City Officials and legislation to create the Urban Home Study Program, also known as the $1 House Program. This plan made home ownership possible for residents who repaired derelict houses in Milwaukee. In 1980, Johnson was appointed City Clerk and served until 1984. Johnson later worked as a teacher as well as participating in various civic activities. When he left the Common Council, Johnson’s then wife Marlene Johnson-Odom, was elected to his old seat.

This collection contains the aldermanic records of Ben Johnson. It includes correspondence, reports, memoranda, and statistics. Many of the files deal with issues such as crime and policing in Milwaukee and community groups that want to help. Other issues, such as taxes and healthcare are present as well.

The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject or name, then chronologically within each folder.

Johnson, Ben, Aldermanic Records, 1966-1977, Collection 77. City of Milwaukee Archival Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Archival Collections

• City Clerk Records. City of Milwaukee Archival Collection 3.

• Common Council Records. City of Milwaukee Archival Collection 6.

Publications and Other Items

Proceedings of the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee

Report on the Tax Stabilization Fund

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all in accordance with state law. The public may view City of Milwaukee Archival Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

Acquisition Information

Milwaukee Public Library receives official materials from city departments via the Milwaukee City Records Center, pursuant to state statutes and city ordinances governing the permanent retention of city records.

Processing Information

Processed by Bob Jaeger, March 2021.

Box   1 Folder   1	Barbee, Lloyd A., press releases and comments, 1972-1975
Box   5 Folder   1-2	Beer and Liquor Licenses, 1966-1973
Box   1 Folder   2	Campaign, 1972-1976
Box   1 Folder   3	City Departments, 1973-1975
Box   5 Folder   3	Clemency, 1973-1975
Box   1 Folder   4	Community Groups and Local Organizations, 1972-1975
Box   1 Folder   5-6	Comprehensive Health Planning Agency of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc., 1972-1975
Box   1 Folder   7	Concerned Citizens, 1973-1974
Box   1 Folder   8	Events and Meetings, 1972-1975
Box   1 Folder   9	Gallery of Famous Black Americans, 1972
Box   1 Folder   10	General Correspondence, 1971-1976
Box   1 Folder   11	McGee, Michael, People's Free Health Center, 1974
Box   1 Folder   12	Milwaukee Enforcers, Inc., 1973-1974
Box   2 Folder   1	Milwaukee Exposition Convention Center and Arena (MECCA), artist rendering, undated
Box   2 Folder   2-3	Milwaukee Public Schools, 1972-1977
Box   2 Folder   4	Memoranda, 1972-1974
Box   2 Folder   5	Natatoria (Swimming Pools), 1972
Box   2 Folder   6-7	Office of the Mayor, Henry W. Maier, 1971-1976
Box   2 Folder   8	Parades and Protests, 1972-1977
Box   2 Folder   9	People's Committee for Survival, 1972
Box   2 Folder   10	Pitts, Orville E., 1972-1975
	Police Department
Box   3 Folder   1-2	Correspondence, 1971-1977
Box   5 Folder   4	Crime and Statistics, 1971-1977
Box   3 Folder   3	General Information, 1973-1977
Box   3 Folder   4	Misconduct, 1973-1975, undated
Box   5 Folder   5	Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Fatalities, 1974-1976
Box   3 Folder   5	Parity with Firefighters, 1972-1975
Box   3 Folder   6	Professional Policemen's Protective Association, 1971-1972
Box   5 Folder   6	Staff and Studies, 1972-1976
Box   3 Folder   7	Redistricting, 1971-1972
	Reports
Box   3 Folder   8	Application to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation for Transfer of Surplus Federal Property (Havenwoods), undated
Box   3 Folder   9	Basic Facts and Figures, Social Development Commission, 1971
Box   3 Folder   10	Citizens Study on Metropolitan Problems, 1973
Box   4 Folder   1	City's Financial Outlook, 1974
Box   4 Folder   2	Expansion of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to Juvenile Correctional Returnees in a Model Cities Area, 1972
Box   4 Folder   3	Organization Study: City of Milwaukee, 1968
Box   4 Folder   4	Sickle Cell Anemia, 1972-1973
Box   4 Folder   5	Solid Waste, 1972-1975
Box   5 Folder   7	Tax Commissioner, 1971-1977
Box   4 Folder   6	Wisconsin Elected Officials, 1972-1975