W. Russell Arrington Papers

An inventory of the collection at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Biography of

W. Russell Arrington (1906-1979) spent nearly three decades actively contributing to the politics and legislation of the Republican party. In 1944, he was elected by the suburban north shore townships to the House of Representatives. He remained in this position until 1954 when he became a member of the Illinois Senate. He spent the next ten years in the state Senate, gaining a reputation for his aggressiveness, ambition and legislative productivity. It is perhaps for this reason that, in 1964, Arrington was elected Senate leader and President Pro Tempore.

During his time in government, Arrington became known for his involvement in legislation dealing with drug traffic, workmen's compensation, election fraud, medial care for the elderly, consumer protection, fair employment practices, state revenue policies, and the criminal code. He is perhaps best known for his support of Illinois' first income tax. Though he suffered two heart attacks and a stroke during his time in office, Arrington did not retire from office until 1972. Despite this official retirement, he still retained much of his political influence in the following years.

Throughout his lifetime, Arrington was involved in many activities outside of government as well. After graduating from the University of Illinois Law School, he founded the Arrington & Healy law firm which was successful enough to make Arrington a millionaire. He also founded the Robert McCormick Boy's Club and served as the director of both the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry and the Mental Health Association of Chicago. Additionally, Arrington helped to replace the Department of Public Welfare with the Department of Mental Health, and worked to establish the Department of Children and Family Services. Due to these activities, Arrington is remembered not only for his role in strengthening the Republican Party, but also for his direct involvement in the social and political issues of the community. In 1979, Arrington died at the age of 73.

Scope and Contents

This collection reflects Arrington's activities in the U.S. Senate between the years of 1965 and 1971. The bulk of the information within pertains to legislation influenced by the Republican party between those years. Documents reflect communication within the Senate itself, as well as legislative information that was released officially to the public.

This collection is divided into five series: Republican Legislation, Press Releases, Correspondence with U.S. Senators, Taxation and Revenue, and Committee of the Whole--Transcripts. The fourth series is divided into two subseries: Illinois Governor's Revenue Study Committee and General Information. Folders are ordered chronologically within each series and subseries. Material in this collection includes official correspondence, legislation, press releases, speech material, newspaper clippings and meeting notes.

Detailed Description/Box and Folder Listing