Title: Robert A. Anderson Aldermanic Records
Inclusive Dates: 1968-1996

Creators:

• Anderson, Robert A.
• Milwaukee (Wis.). Common Council.

Call Number: City of Milwaukee Archival Collection 34

Quantity: 2.3 cubic ft. (7 boxes)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

Records of Common Council Alderman Robert Anderson, who served Milwaukee's 13th District from 1964-1996. Contains correspondence, photographs, and reports.

Note:

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Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-cmac0034

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Robert A. Anderson was born on 2 May 1919, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, spending his entire life living on Milwaukee’s southside in the 13th Aldermanic District. He graduated Pulaski High School and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1940 to 1944 in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, leaving with the rank of Master Sergeant. He married Sylvia E. Anderson and had four children. Anderson was first elected 13th District Alderman in 1964 and served the District through 1996. He served as Common Council President from 1980 to 1984.

As an alderman, Anderson was known for both his temper and his devotion to constituents of his district. Anderson said after his election in 1964 that “I don’t care about the city. The city didn’t put me in office, the people did. That’s going to be my policy for the next four years.” He was a strong opponent of salary raises for elected officials and major critic of the Department of Public Works Commissioner Herbert Goetsch. At one point he called for the abolishment of both the Common Council and Mayor, citing that department heads had all the authority so neither position was needed, then later said each could stay. His temper got him forcibly removed from the Mayor’s office by policemen on occasion, and caused him to punch State Senator Gerald D. Kleczka at a 1975 party. Former Ald. Tom Nardelli described him as “a real hothead… but deep down inside, he cared about the people he served.”

During his time in office, Alderman Anderson served as a member of the Emergency Government Administration, Municipal Court Operations Study Committee, Special Committee on Resource Recovery, University of Wisconsin Coordinating Committee, Urban Committee, as well as the MECCA Board, Central Board of Purchases, the Central Electronic Data Services Board, and the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau. Anderson planned to run for Mayor in the 1984 election, but backed out in 1983. Anderson announced on September 26, 1995, that he would not seek re-election for the 13th Aldermanic district, ending his 32-year post as Alderman. Anderson died on 24 April 2006, at the age of 86, due to complications resulting from Alzheimer’s disease.

Scope and content notes of each series are provided in the contents list.

The collection is arranged into the following series:

1. City Development, 1980-1996
2. Correspondence, 1979-1996
3. Public Services, 1968-1995
4. Subject Files, 1970-1995

The materials are in alphabetical order by subject or personal name, then chronologically.

Anderson, Robert A., Aldermanic Records, 1968-1996, Collection 34. City of Milwaukee Archival Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Archival Collections

• Central Electronic Data Services Records. City of Milwaukee Archival Collection 74.

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

Publications and Other Items

Milwaukee Report

Proceedings of the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee

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 Kyle Davis, 2011.

	Series: 1: City Development, 1980-1996 Scope and Content Note: The City Development files are comprised of correspondence dealing with city development issues within the 13th district. Types of correspondence include development for business, homes, and parks. Issues include the zoning of buildings, the paving of streets, and general improvements. Businesses included in these correspondences include fast-food restaurants such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s, as well as grocery store Pick N’ Save.
Box   1 Folder   1	South 13th St. (Zoning), 1985-1995
Box   1 Folder   2	South 15th Pl. (Zoning), 1990
Box   1 Folder   3	South 18th St (Repaving, Howard - Morgan), 1985
Box   1 Folder   4	South 27th St. (Development), 1984-1987
Box   1 Folder   5	South Austin St. (Development), 1982-1985
Box   1 Folder   6	Building Inspection and Safety Engineering, 1980-1995
Box   1 Folder   7	Burger King (13th & College), 1984
Box   1 Folder   8	City Development, 1984-1996
Box   1 Folder   9	City Development (City Plan Commission), 1982-1991
Box   1 Folder   10	Clayton Crest Ave. (Stop Sign), 1991
Box   1 Folder   11	Economic Development, 1984
Box   1 Folder   12	Frontier Cars, Inc. (5150 S. 27th St.), 1987-1991
Box   1 Folder   13	Grocery Store Beer Sales Hours, 1984
Box   1 Folder   14	Howard Ave. (Traffic), 1986
Box   1 Folder   15	Howell Ave. (Zoning), 1984-1995
Box   1 Folder   16	Layton Ave. (Zoning), 1984-1987
Box   1 Folder   17	License Division, 1983
Box   1 Folder   18	Low Income Energy Assistance Program, 1982
Box   1 Folder   19	McDonald's (13th & College), 1985
Box   1 Folder   20	McDonald's (27th & Clayton Crest), 1986
Box   1 Folder   21	Milwaukee Cartage (4400 S. 13th St.), 1984
Box   1 Folder   22	Milwaukee One-Way Streets, 1981
Box   1 Folder   23	Penalty Box (3585 S. Howell Ave.), 1987
Box   1 Folder   24	Pine Ave. (Zoning), 1985-1986
Box   1 Folder   25	Prison (formerly Trostel Tannery), 1983
Box   1 Folder   26	Public Improvements (S. Austin, E. Bolivar, E. Plainfield), 1983
Box   1 Folder   27	Redistricting, 1982
Box   1 Folder   28	Regency Terrace South (2919 W. Parnell Ave.), 1986
Box   1 Folder   29	Splasher's Lounge (3577 S. 13th St.), 1985-1986
Box   1 Folder   30	Starms Adolescent Homes (2521 W. Layton Ave.), 1984
Box   2 Folder   1	Uncas Park, 1980-1986
Box   2 Folder   2	Urban Development Action Grant Program, 1983
Box   2 Folder   3	Warnimont Ave. (Vacate), 1991
Box   2 Folder   4	Wendy's (5510 S. 27th St.), 1985
Box   2 Folder   5	Whitnall Ave. (Zoning), 1985-1991
	Series: 2: Correspondence, 1979-1996 Scope and Content Note: The Correspondence files are comprised of general correspondence between the Alderman and his constituents as well as other elected officials. Types of correspondence include citizen claims and complaints along with Anderson’s follow up letters when available, general issues facing the 13th district, petitions both for and against district happenings, correspondence involving the settlement of the Daniel Bell case, and the development of Warner Amex’s Milwaukee cable system. Included in this correspondence are the City Attorney, City Clerk, Common Council, the Mayor’s Office (Henry Maier and John Norquist), and Federal Correspondence with the Reagan Administration.	⇧
Box   2 Folder   6	A, 1983-1984
Box   2 Folder   7	American Muslim Mission, 1983
Box   2 Folder   8	Annuity and Pension Board, 1983-1984
Box   2 Folder   9	B, 1982-1983
Box   2 Folder   10	Bell, Daniel (case), 1983
Box   2 Folder   11	Berka, Peter, 1982-1983
Box   2 Folder   12	Boinski, Catherine, 1985
Box   2 Folder   13	Breier, Harold A., referendum, 1980-1982
Box   2 Folder   14	Budget and Management Analysis, 1983
Box   2 Folder   15	C, 1983
Box   2 Folder   16	Capital Improvements Committee, 1982-1983
Box   2 Folder   17	Central Electronic Data Services, 1981-1984
Box   2 Folder   18	Citizens' Task Force on Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, 1980
Box   2 Folder   19	City Attorney, 1981-1989
Box   2 Folder   20	City Clerk, 1983-1991
Box   2 Folder   21	City Comptroller, 1982-1983
Box   2 Folder   22	City Service Commission, 1982-1984
Box   2 Folder   23	Civil Defense, 1982-1983
Box   2 Folder   24	Claims, 1979-1984
Box   2 Folder   25	Common Council, 1983-1995
Box   2 Folder   26	Common Council Meeting, 1984
Box   2 Folder   27	Community Relations Commission, 1983
Box   2 Folder   28	Complaints and Service Requests, 1982-1984
Box   3 Folder   1	County of Milwaukee, 1984
Box   3 Folder   2	Cuda, Pat, 1983
Box   3 Folder   3	Digiovanni, Leonardo, 1985-1987
Box   3 Folder   4	Dykas, Raymond, 1980-1982
Box   3 Folder   5	E, 1983
Box   3 Folder   6	Election Commission, 1982-1983
Box   3 Folder   7	Employee Benefits Administration, 1983
Box   3 Folder   8	F, 1981-1983
Box   3 Folder   9	Federal, 1980-1983
Box   3 Folder   10	Finance and Personnel Committee, 1982-1983
Box   3 Folder   11	Friends of Havenwoods, 1983
Box   3 Folder   12	G-I, 1981-1991
Box   3 Folder   13	Harbor Commission, 1983
Box   3 Folder   14	Indian Health Center, 1980
Box   3 Folder   15	Intergovernmental Co-Operation Council, 1983
Box   3 Folder   16	Intergovernmental Fiscal Liaison, 1983
Box   3 Folder   17	J-K, 1983-1991
Box   3 Folder   18	Jankowski, Michael John, 1983
Box   3 Folder   19	Jobs For Peace, 1985
Box   3 Folder   20	Johnson, Mary Jill, 1983
Box   3 Folder   21	Judiciary and Legislation, 1983-1984
Box   3 Folder   22	Kaja, Jim and Virginia, 1985
Box   3 Folder   23	Karnes, Lauren and Alice, 1985
Box   3 Folder   24	L, 1983
Box   3 Folder   25	Labor Relations, 1983
Box   3 Folder   26	Lake Shore Fisherman's Sport Club, 1982
Box   3 Folder   27	League of Wisconsin Municipalities, 1983-1996
Box   3 Folder   28	Legislative Reference Bureau, 1983-1991
Box   3 Folder   29	M, 1983-1991
Box   3 Folder   30	Mayor's Office, 1983-1991
Box   3 Folder   31	McGee, Michael, undated
Box   3 Folder   32	McNulty, Mary Anne, 1991
Box   3 Folder   33	MECCA, 1981-1984
Box   3 Folder   34	Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), 1983
Box   3 Folder   35	Milwaukee Art Commission, 1981
Box   3 Folder   36	Milwaukee Public Library, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   1	Milwaukee Public Schools, 1983-1995
Box   4 Folder   2	Milwaukee World Festival, 1995
Box   4 Folder   3	Municipal Court, 1984
Box   4 Folder   4	Municipal Equipment, 1980
Box   4 Folder   5	Nardelli, Thomas, 1991
Box   4 Folder   6	North Division Neighborhood Plan, 1980
Box   4 Folder   7	P-Q, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   8	Parade Requests, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   9	Park West Redevelopment Task Force, 1981
Box   4 Folder   10	Parliamentary Procedure, undated
Box   4 Folder   11	Personnel, 1983-1991
Box   4 Folder   12	Petitions, 1983
Box   4 Folder   13	Port of Milwaukee, 1981
Box   4 Folder   14	Prendes, Mary, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   15	Purchases, Central Board of, 1983
Box   4 Folder   16	R, 1983
Box   4 Folder   17	Rodgers Laboratories, Inc., 1983
Box   4 Folder   18	S, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   19	Sisters of St. Francis, 1982
Box   4 Folder   20	South Community Organization, 1980
Box   4 Folder   21	Staff Correspondence, 1981
Box   4 Folder   22	Stark, Hilbert, 1981
Box   4 Folder   23	State of Wisconsin, 1981-1983
Box   4 Folder   24	T, 1983-1991
Box   4 Folder   25	Task Force on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence, 1983
Box   4 Folder   26	Tax Commissioner, 1983-1984
Box   4 Folder   27	Tax Commissioner's Office, reassessments, 1982-1984
Box   4 Folder   28	Taxes (Town, Village, City), 1980
Box   4 Folder   29	Telephone Study Committee, 1983
Box   4 Folder   30	Tops Club, Inc., 1982
Box   4 Folder   31	Trevino, Dagoberto, 1980
Box   4 Folder   32	U-W, 1983-1986
Box   4 Folder   33	Warner Amex, 1982-1984
Box   4 Folder   34	West Bend Citizens for Decency Through Law, 1983
Box   4 Folder   35	Wisconsin Electric Company, 1983
Box   4 Folder   36	Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, 1982
Box   5 Folder   1	Wisconsin Telephone Company, 1980-1982
Box   5 Folder   2	Y-Z, 1983-1984
Box   5 Folder   3	Miscellaneous, 1980-1991
	Series: 3: Public Services, 1968-1995 Scope and Content Note: The Public Services files are comprised of correspondence between the Alderman and city bodies relating to public service, such as the Health Department, the Fire and Police Commission, and the Department of Public Works. Files range from the development of dog utilization by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Figgie Report of crime prevention to barricade requests.	⇧
Box   5 Folder   4	Barricades, 1983-1984
Box   5 Folder   5	Emergency Government Administration, 1983
Box   5 Folder   6	Engineers, 1983-1995
Box   5 Folder   7	Figgie Report, 1983
Box   5 Folder   8	Fire Department, 1980-1983
Box   5 Folder   9	Fire and Police Commission, 1983
Box   5 Folder   10	Forestry, 1983
Box   5 Folder   11	Health Department, 1980-1991
Box   5 Folder   12	Metropolitan Milwaukee Criminal Justice Council, 1980
Box   5 Folder   13	Police Department, 1980-1985
Box   5 Folder   14	Police Dogs, 1968-1984
Box   5 Folder   15	Police Stations, 1985
Box   5 Folder   16	Public Safety Committee, 1981
Box   5 Folder   17	Public Works, 1981-1991
Box   5 Folder   18	Safety Commission, 1983
Box   5 Folder   19	Sanitation, 1983-1984
Box   5 Folder   20	Sewerage Commission, 1980-1982
Box   5 Folder   21	Snow, 1982-1996
Box   5 Folder   22	Street and Sewer Maintenance, 1983-1984
Box   6 Folder   1	Task Force on Solid Waste Disposal, 1982
Box   6 Folder   2	Traffic Engineering and Electrical Services, 1983-1991
Box   6 Folder   3	Water Works, 1983-1984
	Series: 4: Subject Files, 1970-1995 Scope and Content Note: The Subject Files include non-correspondence material produced during Anderson’s tenure as President of the Common Council. The files include maps, blank forms, directories, and newspaper clippings. Other materials produced include updates to the Boards and Commissions books and speeches given by Anderson during his time as Alderman of the 13th district.	⇧
Box   6 Folder   4	Aldermanic Districts, maps, undated
Box   6 Folder   5	Anderson, Robert, biographical sketch, correspondence, and photographs, 1980-1984
Box   6 Folder   6-8	Boards and Commissions, booklet updates, 1993-1995
Box   6 Folder   9	Census Tracts, undated
Box   6 Folder   10	Chicago, City Council Rules of Order, 1979-1983
Box   6 Folder   11	Directories/Lists, undated
Box   6 Folder   12	Forms, travel and mileage, undated
Box   6 Folder   13	Greater Milwaukee Master Calendar, 1984
Box   6 Folder   14	Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, 1980
Box   6 Folder   15	Milwaukee Code of Ordinances (Volume 3), 1995
Box   6 Folder   16	Milwaukee's Lakefront, 1978
Box   6 Folder   17	Newspaper Clippings, 1980-1982
Box   6 Folder   18	Press Releases, 1981-1991
Box   6 Folder   19	Public Hearings, 1980
Box   6 Folder   20	Read (Teacher's Edition), 1970
Box   6 Folder   21	Resolutions/Ordinances, undated
Box   7 Folder   1-6	Speeches, 1978-1986
Box   7 Folder   7	Speeches, undated
Box   7 Folder   8	Telephone Calls, 1981-1983
Box   7 Folder   9	Travel Expenses, undated
Box   7 Folder   10	Wisconsin Center District, by-laws, 1980
Box   7 Folder   11	Wisconsin's Public Agency 911 Planning Manual, 1980