Robert McGaw Papers (Rockford)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-150

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Robert McGaw Papers document events in Rockford, Illinois from 1972-1981. Few of McGaw’s personal papers, financial records, campaign material, speeches, or position papers are included in the collection. It is a small collection divided into two series: Correspondence and Subject Files, and News Clippings. The Correspondence and Subject Files series consists of material dating 1972-1981. It is predominantly correspondence arranged by topic. Subjects covered include: Community Services and Development, Aldermanic Appointments, letters supporting state and national level legislation, and Correspondence with Rockford City Departments. The second series is a set reproduced News Clippings dating 1974-1977. This series topics are very diverse. Subjects covered include: Annexation, Bicentennial Celebrations, Cable Television, Liquor Licenses, McGaw’s mayoral campaigns, Rockford City Departments, the Public Safety Building, and Unemployment. Although small, the collection does provide the researcher with information on local events in Rockford during the mid-1970’s.

Dates

created: 1972-1981
Other: Date acquired: 05/27/1982

Conditions Governing Access

No materials in the collection may be published without consent of the donor, Robert McGaw.

Conditions Governing Use

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

Biographical or Historical Information

Robert McGaw was born in Rockford, Illinois on April 9, 1923. He attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he received his B.S. Ed. degree in political science in 1950 and his M.S. Ed. degree in educational administration in 1966. As a professional, McGaw taught at Harlem High School in Love’s Park (near Rockford) for sixteen years, and became principal of Rock Cut Elementary School in 1968. During that time, McGaw served on the Rockford City Council as an alderman (1955), and chaired the Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee (1962). He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1973, an office he held until 1981. After serving as major, McGaw sat on the NIU Alumni Association Board as a director and held a position as instructor in NIU’s political science department for the Fall 1981 semester. McGaw died on February 21, 1988 after a sudden illness.

Note written by

Extent

1.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

It is a small collection divided into two series: Correspondence and Subject Files, and News Clippings.

Source of Acquisition

Robert McGaw

Method of Acquisition

Robert McGaw donated his personal papers to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on May 27, 1982.

Related Materials

For other collections concerning Rockford, Winnebago County, and northern Illinois politicians researchers should consult the index to the Regional History Center’s guide.