Samuel Mardian Jr. Collection

The Samuel Mardian Jr. Collection houses records created by a number of City of Phoenix departments and municipal offices. These records include correspondence, memoranda, reports, printed and published materials, committee minutes, financial records, plot maps, street improvement recommendations, and other materials. Although the collection dates from the 1950s to the 1960s, the bulk of the material documents Samuel Mardian's tenure as Mayor of the City of Phoenix from 1960 to 1964. The collection has been divided into 15 series reflecting the organizational structure of the City of Phoenix and the Office of the Mayor.

Series I: General includes correspondence to and from Samuel Mardian Jr. during his tenure as Mayor of the City of Phoenix, memoranda, handwritten notes, daily itineraries, materials regarding civic and religious organizations, daily telephone messages, and public speaking statements.

Series II: American Municipal Association includes correspondence, meeting minutes, agendas, and conference attendee information.

Series III: Civic Plaza includes correspondence, Board of Director communications, financial information, dedication planning, and promotional development.

Series IV: City of Phoenix includes municipal business correspondence documenting the major municipal services provided by the City of Phoenix. These services include fire protection, library services, parks and recreation, streets, and water and sewers.

Series V: Correspondence houses letters showing general municipal business and includes communications from area business owners, museums, and citizens.

Series VI: City Council Minutes contains duplicate documents prepared at Samuel Mardian Jr.'s request in 1988. They have remained with the collection as a source of historical documentation for the City of Phoenix. The minutes date from January of 1960 through January of 1964.

Series VII: Artifacts includes a wide assortment of items that have been culled and preserved separately for ease of use.

Series VIII: Brochures/Pamphlets provides a unique source of research material and an interesting view of the history of Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Series IX: Directories, Arizona dates from 1959 to 1962 and shows the City of Phoenix and related departments.

Series X: Maps reflects a wide variety of subject areas. These maps, ranging in date from 1958 to 1963, provide a visual history of the development of Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

Series XI: Miscellaneous News Clippings and Magazines chronicles the history of Phoenix and other related news events.

Series XII: Newsletters discusses City of Phoenix municipal and civic development in addition to documenting other locations across the country.

Series XIII: Postcards includes items received by the Mayor's office as well as some that appear to have been undelivered.

Series XIV: Publications contains City of Phoenix municipal documents, including annual reports, street programs, and zoning ordinances.

Series XV: Photographs shows local businesses, civic and religious organizations, and department greeting cards.