Title: Walter M. Swietlik Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1908-1982

Creator:

• Swietlik, Walter M., 1892-1981

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 242

Quantity: .2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

Collection of materials pertaining to Walter M. Swietlik, who served as Milwaukee's commissioner of Public Works from 1940 to 1956. The collection includes biographical information, certificates, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and some miscellaneous materials. The collection contains some documentation of Swietlik's school and United States Army service years, but most of the collection pertains to his days as Milwaukee's commissioner of Public Works. The collection includes images of Milwaukee's Dept. of Public Works and city personnel, including Frank Zeidler, as well as images of downtown Milwaukee, including city hall and the Mecca Arena.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0242

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Walter M. Swietlik was born in Milwaukee in 1892, the son of Polish immigrants. Swietlik graduated from North Division High School in Milwaukee in 1911. He attended Marquette University for a few years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin, where he received a civil engineering degree in 1916. In 1917 he enlisted in the United States Army, became a second lieutenant, and was assigned to the Coast Artillery. He was honorably discharged in 1919 after serving in France. In 1940, Mayor Carl Zeidler appointed Swietlik as Milwaukee's commissioner of Public Works, a position Swietlik held until his retirement in 1956. Swietlik was an active member of the American Public Works Association and in 1962 received the Henry S. Swearingen Award for service to the association. Swietlik died in November 1981.

The files are organized alphabetically by subject, then chronologically.

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.

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

Francis X. Swietlik donated the collection to the Archives in July 1991.

Processing Information

Christel Maass processed part of the collection in 1998 and completed processing in September 2006. Materials pertaining to the Polish National Alliance, the American Relief for Poland, the Polish American Council, and various other Polish organizations were transferred to the Immigration History Research Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Box   1 Folder   1	Biographical Information, 1962, undated
Box   1 Folder   2	Certificates, 1919-1966, undated
Box   1 Folder   3	Correspondence, 1915-1962
Box   1 Folder   4	Miscellaneous, 1908-1981, undated
Box   1 Folder   5	Newspaper Clippings, 1940-1982, undated
Box   1 Folder   6	Photographs, Miscellaneous, 1911-1933, undated
Box   1 Folder   7	Photographs, Work-Related, undated