Introduction
The records of Mayor Raymond Wieczorek represent the largest group of mayoral papers in the Manchester Municipal Archives. There are 75 cubic feet of correspondence, reports, memos, brochures, contracts, programs and pamphlets.
Biographical Note
Raymond J. Wieczorek
Photograph Courtesy of the
Manchester Union Leader
Raymond J. Wieczorek was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on December 9, 1928, the son of Stanley P. and Bertha (Sidor) Wieczorek. After graduating from New Britain High School, Wieczorek served in the U.S. Army 40th Infantry Division during the Korean conflict. He was a resident of Manchester since 1958 and in 1964 founded RJW Associates, Inc. Wieczorek married Susan Kramas in 1986, and their family consists of six children and two grandchildren.
Mayor Wieczorek served the City of Manchester in many different capacities prior to assuming his duties as mayor. He served as director and president of the Manchester Scholarship Foundation from 1973 to 1976. During the years 1984 to 1989, Wieczorek was a commissioner of the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority and in 1986 served as its chairman. He was a Life Member of the VFW, Post #8214. In 2001 Mayor Wieczorek was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law from New Hampshire College. He represented District 4 on the New Hampshire Executive Council after his tenure as Mayor.
Mayor Wieczorek passed away on November 22, 2022, at the age of 93.
Scope and Content
Mayor Wieczorek's terms in office cover one decade in the life of the City of Manchester, and his records constitute a comprehensive look at the most important issues facing his administration. The budgetary files provide a detailed look at the numerous approaches to developing an annual budget and addressing the diverse needs of citizens groups and city departments. Chamber of Commerce files describe business overtures made to other countries through the Business Visitation Program.
In 1995 the City of Manchester celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding as a city. This date also marks the beginning of the renovation of Manchester's City Hall, which was built in 1845 and now is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through the efforts of Mayor Wieczorek, the Board of Aldermen and a grassroots effort by local citizenry, the building was fully restored and enhanced, with the dedication taking place in March 1999.
Other important issues occurring during Mayor Wieczorek's tenure in office include the adoption of a new City Charter in 1996, the approval to build a new Civic Center in 1999, the development of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), and a business development program in conjunction with the Manchester Economic Development Office.
The Wieczorek files also allow a glimpse into the daily workings of the mayor's office because they are very extensive. City department correspondence, constituent notes, the mayor's calendars and policy reports detail many of the problems and issues facing Mayor Wieczorek during his years in office.
Arrangement
The Wieczorek collection is arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically within each folder.
Administrative Information
The mayoral papers of Raymond J. Wieczorek were surveyed and described by archivist Sally Stephensen in 2001.
Access
The records are open for research without restrictions under the conditions of the Archives' access policy. Records may be copied for use in administrative, scholarly or personal research. Researchers are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the archivist to use the material.
Citation
The records of Raymond J. Wieczorek, Office of the Mayor, City of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Accession 2001.1
Topics
- Airport
- Best City to Live in Eastern America
- Central Business Service District
- City Solicitor
- C.I.P. (Community Improvement Program)
- Intown Manchester
- Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
- New Hampshire Municipal Association
- Personnel Department (Human Resources)
- Policies and Procedures
- Senior Outings
- Solid Waste Management
- Zoning Board of Adjustment