Mark Schwiebert papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 374

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Mark Schwiebert papers, 1981-2009, has been arranged into two series. Correspondence, 1986-2009, includes extensive correspondence detailing the daily duties of the Mayor such as responding to concerns of citizens, congratulating youth on academic and athletic achievements, and announcing support/distaste for new city ordinances. Subject Files, 1981-2009, contains mostly remarks from events and meetings, as well as files regarding local and state affairs.

Dates

Creation: 1981-2009

Creator

Schwiebert, Mark W. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Mark Schwiebert was born on August 2, 1950, in Moline, Illinois, to Lloyd A. and Olive E. Schwiebert. He attended Rock Island Public Schools, graduating from Rock Island High School in 1968. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in 1972. In 1975, he received his juris doctor degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and, in 1976, his master's degree in history. He married Deborah L. Johnson of Moline in 1987.

Schwiebert served on the Rock Island City Council, 1981-1989. He went on to win, by very large margins, five elections for Mayor of Rock Island, 1989 to 2009. He oversaw many significant changes in Rock Island, including the development of riverboat gambling and related infrastructure, as well as the later transition to brick-and-mortar casinos.

Throughout his time as mayor, Schwiebert won several awards and recognitions. He also served on the boards of Augustana College, Unity Point Health-Trinity Rock Island, and the Figge Art Museum. In 2010, the Schwiebert Riverfront Park, on the Mississippi riverfront in Rock Island, was named for him. In 2006, he pursued, but did not win, the special weighted vote of precinct committeemen to fill the U.S. House seat vacated, due to health concerns, by Lane Evans.

Schwiebert has practiced law at his firm, Schwiebert Law, P.C., in Rock Island, IL., 1976-present.

Extent

4.0 Cubic Feet (/ 10 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

From 1989 to 2009, Mark Schwiebert served as the Mayor of Rock Island. After graduating with a history degree from Augustana College in 1972, Schwiebert chose to focus his interests on local politics by targeting childhood hunger and rising teen crime rates, expanding the development of “The District” for entertainment, and the Arsenal as a historical center. The collection spans from 1981-2009 and includes extensive correspondence and subject files detailing the daily duties of the Mayor.

Arrangement

The first series is arranged chronologically while the second is organized alphabetically. Original order within folders has been maintained. Some original folder titles used.