E.J. "Zeke" Giorgi Papers (Rockford)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-136

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Giorgi Papers are organized into three series: (1) constituent correspondence (1967-1981), (2) topical files (1965-1979), and (3) topical newsclipping files (1969-1975). The topical files contain information Giorgi gathered from various sources and comprise the largest series. Major subjects covered include the Board of Higher Education, energy, environmental protection, equal rights amendment, Governor Walker’s news releases, health care, law enforcement, the lottery, the mental health department, schools, unemployment and workmen’s compensation, and welfare. Some of these subjects, among many others, are also documented in the alphabetically arranged newsclipping topical files. For the most part, the constituent correspondence is organized chronologically. However, some of the folders are labeled by subjects—house bill numbers and E.R.A., for example. Researchers wishing to make use of the correspondence for particular subjects will need to know the approximate date when the topic became a governmental concern. The collection contains very little material for Giorgi’s first few years as a state representative and nothing from his term as an alderman in Rockford. Nevertheless, the material documents a wide variety of subjects useful for background information on legislation. Of particular note are the legislative synopses (1965-1975, Box 5, ff 3-6) which indicate the current and past measures taken on all bills presented to the House of Representatives. The collection also contains information on Winnebago County and the City of Rockford.

Dates

created: 1965-1981
Other: Date acquired: 11/02/1981

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Edolo J. “Zeke” Giorgi was born in Rockford in 1923 to immigrant parents from Ferentino, Italy. After attending St. Anthony grade school and Central High School, Giorgi became a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving for 40 months during World War II. He also was educated at Washington and Lee University through the Army Information - Education program. Upon returning to Rockford, Giorgi worked at the Roper Corporation and for the Midwest Distributing Company. His career as a politician did not begin until 1955. When Alderman Peter Cicero decided to retire from the Rockford City Council in 1955 Giorgi chose to run for the position as a Good Government candidate. Backed by Mayor Milton Lundstrom and Emmett Poyer, then the city’s most powerful union leader, Giorgi easily won his first election. Since then Giorgi has been successful in all but one campaign; in 1969 he lost the mayoral race as the Democratic candidate against Republican incumbent Ben Schleicher. Although Giorgi served as fifth ward alderman until 1967, his political aspirations began pointing towards offices at the state level as early as 1965. His chance to move up the political ladder came when the Illinois Supreme Court decreed that all the state representatives were holding office illegally on the basis of a redistricting problem. By joining forces with Representative William Pierce, Giorgi became a delegate to the Democratic convention, was nominated, and subsequently elected. Giorgi’s constituents continued to back him in his political endeavors and today, Giorgi is serving his ninth term as state representative. Giorgi’s political career has mirrored his personal interests and concerns. Always the staunch supporter of individual rights, Giorgi worked to improve workmen’s and unemployment compensation laws. He also has been concerned with upgrading mental health and higher education facilities throughout the state. In 1975, recognizing Giorgi’s achievements, the Young Democrats of Illinois named him “Outstanding Legislator” and the Democratic Party elected him assistant majority leader in the House. His innovative work on the Illinois Lottery earned him the designation “Father of the Illinois Lottery” from Governor Dan Walker during the same year. Giorgi passed away unexpectedly in 1993.

Note written by

Extent

12.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi

Method of Acquisition

E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi donated his political papers to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on November 2, 1981.

Related Materials

Researchers interested in northern Illinois politics may wish to consult the other politicians’ papers held by the Center. The local government records collected in the region also may provide information on politics, although in a localized area rather than state-wide.