Sidney J. Marcus Papers, 1968-1983

Summary

Creator:
Marcus, Sidney J., 1928-1983.
Date:
1968-1983
Extent:
72 box(es) (36 linear feet), including 68 photographs
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Sidney J. Marcus Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Background

Scope and content:

The Sidney J. Marcus Papers include correspondence, bills, speeches, appointment books, printed material, and photographs. The collection primarily pertains to his legislative career, but also includes material relating to his 1981 campaign for Atlanta mayor against Andrew Young, and some personal papers. There is little correspondence or material for the year 1979 and none for 1975.

Biographical / historical:

Sidney J. Marcus was born in Cook County, Illinois on February 5, 1928. At age 10, Marcus and his family moved to Atlanta where he lived most of his life. Marcus graduated from the University of Georgia with an Associate of Business in 1948 and earned a doctorate in law from Emory University Law School. He served eight terms in the Georgia House of Representatives, 26th (later renamed 106) district from 1968 until his death in 1983. During this time, Marcus served as chairman of the Georgia House Health and Ecology Committee, and he was a member of the Rules Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. He also chaired the Fulton County House Delegation. During his political career, Marcus fought and won support for Grady Hospital, extension of MARTA sales tax, the World Congress Center , the hotel/motel tax, and many other measures that brought better treatment to the poor and elderly. Marcus was also active in Atlanta 's Jewish community. He served as a bridge between races, rural and urban interests, business interests and the less fortunate. Marcus helped found the Urban Caucus, which greatly supported Atlanta in the rural-dominated General Assembly. One of Marcus' more recognized accomplishments involves stopping the construction of Interstate 485, which threatened several Atlanta communities. As a result, the City of Atlanta named a park in honor of Marcus.

In 1981, Marcus ran for mayor of Atlanta against Andrew Young in a racially divided campaign. Ultimately, Marcus lost the race to Young, with 90% of white vote and Young having 90% of the black vote. Despite the bitter campaign, Marcus moved to heal the rift immediately after losing to Young and promised to help the new mayor pursue Atlanta's legislative package in the 1982 session.

In addition to his career as a politician, Marcus was secretary-treasurer of E&M Construction Company in Atlanta.

Marcus died of cancer in 1983 at age 55.

Processing information:

The library material was all clearly marked as such, either by Marcus or his office, and has been kept in tact in this processing. Photographs were removed for preservation.

Arrangement:

The papers, following generally the plan of organization set up by Marcus's office, are in eight series. These are: I. General; II. Legislative; III. Personal; IV. Political; V. Speech/Media; VI. Library; VII. Case Mail (restricted), VIII. Photographs, and IX. Artifacts.

Access and use restrictions

Restrictions:

Case files closed for 75 years after the date of their creation.

Terms of access:

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Preferred citation:

Sidney J. Marcus Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.