Archie Motley Obituary

Dear Valerie & Mara:



Please know how sorry we were to hear about Archie. As the depth and breadth of the book responses show, Archie touched so many lives in many ways. Although I have not been in Chicago for quite some time, I always think fondly of Archie and looked forward to hearing from him, especially at NCAA time; Archie was a valued link to my time at the CHS and in Chicago. He was a most considerate and thoughtful soul who lives on in our memories. God Bless and our best to you. Joe (& Ann).

I remember beginning my internship at the CHS this past summer, and when my supervisor, Julie Thomas, enthusiastically introduced me to Archie. I quickly got the impression that he was already a long time legend. Little did I realize at that point exactly how loved he was.

Archie really had a spiritual presence about him. Just seeing him in passing brought a smile to my face. I really enjoyed his "Howdy" and "Greetings." It was a small gesture, but a large one to me.

Archie really was a wonderful man. I remember working in the basement for hours on end, and he would come talk to me and keep me company. I laugh, because I could never understand half of what he said since he mumbled so much :), but it didn't matter. We all pieced together what he said and were thrilled to chat with him. He always talked about how he wished he had thrown more away as an archivist...he tended to talk more about this to me (well, in addition to his work experiences) than anything. This must have been his perfectionist side, because it's obvious that his contribution to his field is immeasurable.

I was always impressed by his desire to not only learn about what I was doing, know how my work was going, but also to jump in and help. He never had to be asked. One day my garbage can in the basement was full, and when I asked what to do with its contents, he just took the garbage out for me. Again, a small thing, but it said a lot.

I was the last person to say a formal goodbye to Archie. To me, this is just tremendous. I was saying goodbye as I did not plan to see him again...my internship was almost over. I shook his hand and let him know what a pleasure it was to get to know him. I don't know if he realized, but I cannot tell you how sincere I was. I wound up going back down to the basement just a few minutes later. I will never forget finding Archie after he fell just an overwhelmingly frustrating few minutes too late. I still don't understand why it was my fate to find him, and probably never will. Nevertheless, I am happy that I was able to give Valerie, Mara, and their family the gift of time with him.

Although I did not know Archie as well as I would have liked, I can tell that he lived a very full and happy life. Most of all, I am so incredibly grateful that he touched not only my life significantly, but also the lives of countless others. We are all truly blessed to have known such a wonderful man. I truly believe he was an angel sent down to us, showing us how to live well.

I miss you, Archie. And to me it doesn't matter that I didn't know you well...I love you just the same.

I'm glad you're in a truly happy place. We'll be reunited with you soon.

All of my love,

Carrie

As a relative newcomer to the archival profession, the Midwest, and to the Midwest Archives Conference, my memories of Archie--few that they are--center around the warmth and welcome that he showed to newcomers like myself.



I only met him twice--fittingly at a baseball game at SAA in Denver in 2000, and as part of a group (with Valerie present) at a restaurant at MAC in Indianapolis last year. Yet, on both occasions I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him and learning of his passion for history, archives, and baseball (not necessarily in that order). And following both of those occasions I also received in my mailbox those ubiquitous packets of news clippings or photocopies related to what we had discussed (and which I still keep). It amazed me then that he remembered me and took the time to send me this material.



It struck me then and still does how Archie seemed to exemplify those most positive traits that I associate with Chicagoans--an openness, honesty, lack of pretention, and willingness to speak one's mind. While pointing out to my wife the paintings from Archie's father during a recent visit to the Art Institute, I regretted not having had the chance to get to know Archie better than I did.



Valerie and Mara, my thoughts and prayers have been with you this past month, and will continue to be.

I only met Archie once. I was at CHS to meet someone else when he came by and introduced himself. His reputation had preceeded him and he defintely lived up to it. An experience I will always remember. To Valerie I send my heartfelt condolences. Chicago history was made better because of him.

Dear Valerie and Mara,



My heart goes out to you both at this sad time. I will always cherish the kind and supportive words Archie gave me as my career hit many peaks and valleys as it moved from Montana, to Colorado, and now Iowa - where I've at last found my professional niche at the Hoover Library.



I'm probably not alone when I say that not only am I a better archivist for having known Archie, I'm a better person. I'll miss him!



Take care and may God bless you both,

Lynn

In Loving memory of Archie Motley, Jr.



Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumm's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush; I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand beside my grave and cry; for I am not there. I did not die.



This poem is submitted by Angelica Vazquez.



I had the honor & privileged of working with Archie when I was a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Society between the years of 1993 thru 1995 and I remained his friend ever since.

Dear Valerie and Mara,



I was so sad to learn of Archie's death. I had hoped and prayed since August that he would recover, but gradually over time recognized that he had been critically injured in the fall. Like everyone else has said he will be so much missed. Archie was unique and provided a conscience for us all. Witty, funny, and a man of great passion. Valerie, remember that his legacy and yours lives on in Mara. She is a special young woman and I deeply regret that she now must face the big occasions like, graduation, marriage, children without her beloved father to share in them. But, Mara, his love for you shone in his eyes and that love never goes away. Right now and forever he will be with you.



Love,



Karen Benedict

All of us who knew Archie are the poorer for his death, as is the archival community generally, to which he contributed so much. Archie was a buoyant force, committed to democracy and progressive policies in the Society of American Archivists, and to access to all archival materials. He was always "on," always friendly, and always striving to make things better.

He will be sorely missed, and to Valerie and Mara my deepest condolences on your loss.

I am saddened to hear of Archie's passing. I am sorry for your loss. I first met Archie many years ago, early in my archival career. He showed me many small kindnesses and I remember him fondly for that

To Archie's family, friends, and colleagues,



He was a noble soul with a helping hand out to all.



During my return visits to CHS, I always looked forward to seeing Archie again. It is truly inspiring to read all that has been written about him. He touched so many lives and will be sorely missed. It's so gratifying to see old friends among the names signing this book in tribute to Archie.



May the memory of him help us through grief and may one of us live long enough to see the Cubs win the series and tell him about it.

Archie was a wonderful colleague and friend. I have worked with him for six years and have valued his humor and honesty. He was thoughtful and caring in a very non intrusive but steady way. I have many fond memories of him and his contributions to the CHS work environment. He was a kind and dear man who thought of other people and willingly shared his knowledge and friendship. One little memory:

Archie always brought in little treats for his colleagues in the R&A dept. at CHS. Mostly donut holes from Dunkin Donuts. While he was recovering from his knee surgery at home he managed to get money to Linda Evans to keep us suplied in donut holes until he returned to work. What a guy!!

I will miss him greatly.

I'm another former Chicago Historical Society employee, not there for very long (1992 - 1995) but like my Prints & Photos colleague, Diane Ryan, I always found that running into Archie in the halls was a bright spot in the work day. And like Alison Hinderliter, I also looked for Archie at every MAC conference I attended.



All my best wishes to Mara and Valerie, and all the rest of us in this community that will continue to remember and be insprired by Archie Motley.



Debra

Dear Valerie,



I greatly admired Archie for his devotion to principle, to the archival profession and to Chicago. He will be greatly missed. But his long life of service to others in this world will serve him well in all the worlds of God.



Sincerely, Roger Dahl

Chicago lost a charming, benevolent man with the passing of Archie Motley, and historians of Chicago lost an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. From the first time I met Archie some ten years ago while researching a graduate school project at the Chicago Historical Society to our most recent encounter, I never failed to be impressed by Archie’s good humor, friendliness and incredible recall. He always had a kind word for researchers, whether student or professional, and was never less than generous with his time and his impeccable knowledge of local archives, both at CHS and throughout the city. The genuine interest that Archie displayed in researchers is evident in the inevitable appearance of his name in the acknowledgments of nearly every book on Chicago history published during the past several decades. Like many other historians, I am greatly indebted to Archie and offer my sincerest sympathies to his family. I hope they will find solace in knowing that Archie is fondly remembered and deeply missed by so many.

Dear Valerie and Mara, I have always held Archie in the highest regard, but seeing all the tributes to him and reading his obituaries has only increased my respect and admiration for him. I have learned details about him that I never knew, although of course I knew all along that he was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone.



The archives profession has lost a passionate advocate, as well as a tremendous friend and colleague. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Dear Valerie and Mara:



The memorial service on Saturday was a very moving tribute to Archie and his work. I hope the burden of your grief is somewhat lightened by the knowledge that so many people have been affected by his passing. Archie was one of a kind and that makes it all the harder to accept the loss.

Mara and Valerie-



I extend my sympathies for your loss and join you in celebration of Archie's life. My story is typical: I met Archie while conducting research at CHS, he greatly improved my understanding and appreciation of Chicago history and the Midwest, and he did so in a humane, sophisticated, and intelligent way. I later wondered how he could maintain such a warm and enthusiastic posture towards the hordes of researchers (and their many demands) that relied on CHS and Archie's skills. That he did this is, alone, a testiment to his professionalism and intellect. That he did so as a matter of course is an even greater credit to the beliefs and virtues of your husband and father. Again, my condolences during your time of deepest grief.



David Blanke

Dear Valerie and Mara:



I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Needless to say, I too am saddened by Archie’s passing. I met him in 1974 when I arrived in Chicago to take up my position at Loyola University. I knew him first as a researcher, a consumer of archives. He was amazing at it; he seemed to have the whole card catalog in his head. More, he could make connections between your research interests and various nuggets of gold buried in various papers and collections. Archie was invaluable in another way to historians. He knew what everybody was doing, he served as a human network bringing people together. As the years of work at the Historical Society stretched on, I mostly worked in the reading room, but could not resist finding some excuse each day I was there to say hello to Archie. He was such an upbeat, positive guy that it was infectious. Even the briefest encounter left you with good cheer.

Archie was also an inspiration in his outspoken advocacy for social justice. One story I remember among many took place during a session at the Society to discuss Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. (This was in the days preceding the formation of the Urban History Seminar, which he was so instrumental in getting off the ground.) A fairly prominent scholar had been invited to give a lecture on the topic because she had recently published a book on Packingtown. She came to tell us that Sinclair was wrong; his claims were exaggerated and exceptional. On the contrary, she argued that living conditions were not so bad and that federal inspectors were already safeguarding the quality of the meat. I was uneasy with her position but since I had read the book fifteen years earlier as an undergraduate, I felt unqualified to respond to her thesis. I was amazed that seemingly more knowledgeable colleagues were cowed into silence without raising any objections. Then, Archie rose like Clarence Darrow to the defense of Upton Sinclair. He cited chapter and verse of the book, undercutting her position with convincing rebuttals. Yes, he admitted, Sinclair talked about the inspectors, but it after they went home in the evening that the condemned cattle was processed. And yes, these federal regulators guarded the beef in interstate commerce, but the tainted stuff was sold in local markets, according to Sinclair, often to the workers in the back of the yards. Archie was magnificent that day and put us so-called scholars to shame for not doing our homework. I know that I went home, found my now brittle-paper copy and started reading. I know I speak for the community of Chicago historians when I say simply, we are going to miss him.

Harold L. Platt

Rome, Italy

Dear Valerie and Mara:

I wish that I could attend the memorial service Saturday, unfortunately there is a conflict in schedules.



Please know that my thoughts and

prayers are with you. Archie was such a special friend.



Audrey Morgan

Englewood Class of 52'

To All of Archie's many friends and especially to Valerie and Mara,



Before I started writing this, I read through what everyone else had to say and it is amazing to see how consistent the comments were across the board. So if I were a historian, the evidence is there to show how wonderful and how loved Archie was and will be. We all hoped that things would be different and that he could be with us for a much longer time. I was so lucky to meet him at the very moment when I had no clear idea of what my profession should be (not unlike others who have signed this guest book!) and he made me feel like it was exciting and that the entire history of Chicago was his oyster - and wasn't it? I was only about 19, but he took the time. So many of us, too, want to continue to be worthy of Archie and what he knew about and felt to be an archivist.



Valerie and Mara, we truly grieve Archie's loss even more because we love both of you so much too. Many of us wish we had better words, but maybe all we need to say is that we loved Archie. I loved Archie. Even if our world is a bit darker because of his loss, heaven gains one of the best guys I'll ever know. Elisabeth

Valerie and Mara -- how sad for you and for all of SAA. How will we ever function without our loveable gadfly that we couldn't swat and didn't want to. He will be sorely missed.



Ellen Garrison

Dear Valerie and Mara:

We are so sorry for your loss. Archie had the biggest heart and I know he loved you so much. We will miss seeing him in the neighborhood and the community and in our lives. I can only imagine how much you will, too.

Love, the Jaffes

Dear Valerie and Mara,



I send you my deepest sympathies. Archie was a truly special person and touched the lives of so many people. I shall always be grateful for the many things that he did to make me feel welcome in the archival profession and in the SAA. Archie voiced the ideas that I thought, but was never articulate enough to express. I'll always remember the times we shared at the SAA day care sites, where we were both dashing in to pick up our girls who were just about the same age. You could easily see that he was just so happy and proud to be a father. SAA just won't be the same without him.



Sincerely,

Valerie and Mara,



I am deeply saddened by your loss. However, I will forever be grateful that I met such a kind, personable gentleman named Archie Motley. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time and I know that God will continue to take care of you.



May God bless and keep you.

Dear Valerie,

I don't know whether you remember me since I have been away from St. Paul, the great Upper Mid-West and MAC for some 17 years. Life finds me now in Up-state New York.

I remember picking you up from the airport one day, getting a chance to visit with you for a time and giving you a little tour the Minnesota Historical Society. That was a very nice day...

We always chatted and laughed together when we saw one another at MAC meetings over the years! I'll never forget Archie's wonderful and welcoming way when we first met at MAC and I'd been an archivist for all of six months!

Altough it's been years since I last saw either of you, I remember you both as very special people. I couldn't have imagined that Archie would leave us so soon and I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and your daughter, and so wish that you didn't have to be going through this...



With sympathy,

When Archie Motley died, we lost an excellent archivist who also had a social conscience and cared deeply about records, history, people and justice. I met Archie at my first SAA meeting in 1977 in a meeting of the ACT archivists. He was, as usual and always, pushing SAA to become more democratic and inclusive and urging the organization to take stands on social issues of concern to archivists. He continued this activism over the years by, for example, supporting and speaking for women's issues pushed by the SAA Women's Caucus and the Committee on the Status of Women. In the late 1980s I served on SAA Council with him, and we could count on him to speak out when social issues needed Council's attention. On a personal note, he arranged for me to meet his father, the noted artist, when I was in Chicago in 1979. Years later I saw an exhibit of Archibald J. Motley, Jr.'s paintings here in Washington at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, a moving experience.



Dear Valerie and Mara,



I know you will miss him so much. So will we.



Linda Henry, Washington, DC

Dear Valerie and Mara,

Ken and I always enjoyed talking with Archie at different parties and functions. He was always very interesting and a very nice person. We will miss him.

Dear Valerie & Mara:



I'm very sorry that a schedule conflict will prevent me from attending the memorial service Saturday, but want you to know that you and Archie are in my thoughts and prayers.



Jim Carson

College of American Pathologists/

LGBT Religious Archives Network

I was privileged to know Archie Motley for many years, through many changes in our work as archivists. He was untiring in his efforts to improve our service to all users and equally dedicated to improving the working conditions of all archivists, especially new people.

Every time I went to a MAC spring meeting in Chicago I'd walk through the doors of the Bismarck or the Midland and my eyes would scan through the crowds of dresses, blazers, and jackets, to find the Bulls sweatshirt, figuring prominently in the crowd! Then I knew I'd found Archie, and I could meet up with him and exchange a few words and ideas and a few laughs as well.

I don't have the direct work experience or the years of contact with Archie as others do, but I can tell you that he was always a profound inspiration for me. He was his own person, and universally loved for it. Even in his passing, I still consider him a great inspiration in my life, because he has proven to us that it's the quality of your life rather than the quantity that counts, and his passion and his compassion will continue on. A wise person once said that success is not measured by how much money you make but how many friends you have; Archie was and is a success.

MAC has lost one of its founders and a valuable member. I've lost a wonderful friend and colleague. Valerie and Mara, my (and MACs) thoughts and prayers are with you.

Although a beautiful spirit has left us and these days of sorrow are difficult to bear, please know that I and others who have been touched by that spirit truly sympathize and care.

With warmest wishes,

Carrolyn

Dear Val and Mara:



I will miss working with Archie so much. He brought me my mail everyday in recent years and never passed me in the corridor without a cheerful sign or pleasantry. He was always articulate in his position on work issues and ethics and, as a role model for less senior curators and archivists like myself, created an environment where we could speak out too. It was my extreme pleasure to enjoy his company during the past year on my weekly rides to Evanston. I will remember him fondly and often.

Diane

I join the many who are mourning Archie's death. I knew him for 30 years, was a guest in his house, and he in mine. Our meetings at archival conferences were always fun. I remember the first of these, SAA in St. Louis, 1973. I attended a caucus of "activist archivists" and heard Archie hold forth passionately on the duty to preserve records of the least fortunate in society. I was then at the Labor History Archives of Wayne State University, and learned that Archie had protested Wayne's acquisition of records of the International Workers of the World from the Wobblies' old Chicago office. Later Archie achieved retribution of sorts by proposing marriage to one of my co-workers, Valerie Browne. She accepted, of course, and moved to Chicago. What a swap!

I have sons who are approximately the same age as Mara, a wonderful element in our families' get-togethers over the years. The boys took Archie's obituary to school and told their history teacher that they were proud to have known Archie (as I learned at a conference later the same day). In a word, my whole family joins me in expressing our deepest sympathies for Valerie and Mara, but confidence in their strength for the future.

On behalf of the members, Board of Directors and Staff of the Better Business Bureau please accept out sincere condolences on the loss of Archie. I first met him in 1974 when he approached the BBB and asked if we would be interested in storing our documents in the Chicago Historical Society. The timing was perfect as we were contemplating what we were going to do with many years of information that had some value to us but not much to many other people, and we were relocating our office. Archie convinced us that all of the info. we had was significant because it traced some of the early Chicago companies and their involvement with self-regulation in the marketplace. Over 10,000 pounds of consumer complaints and background on more that 30,000 businesses were thus given to the Society. We continue to this day providing significant historical info. to the Society mainly because Archie and his associates want it for research purposes as well as to document the BBB history in Chicago area. We want to thank Archie for all of his perservence with us and know that God in his wisdom will find the perfect place in his kingdom for a truly remarkable man who cared deeply for all who came in contact with him. May Archie rest in peace knowing he made the Chicago area better for his all too brief stay on this earth! James E. Baumhart President/CEO Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Ill., Inc.

Valerie and Mara,

I am in tears as I write this. I thought Archie, scrapper that he was, would come out of his accident better than ever! Archie and Valerie were part of my entire career as an archivist, and I was lucky to end up here in Evanston where I continued to see you at meetings and parties and at the grocery store--although not as often as I would have liked.



It would be impossible to sum up Archie's ideas, influence, personality, or talents in a nutshell. And it definitely would not be suitable; Archie did not necessarily value brevity. I'll just say that Archie had the most generous spirit I ever knew. He fought against elitism and injustice without ever being hateful or unkind. He remained true to principle, did a wonderful life work, and was the best of friends to all.



I've been thinking of you, Valerie and Mara, and I hope you'll let me know if and when you can use a friend.



Love, Sue

There will never be another Archie. It was both a privelege and a delight to know him. His passions and his work leave a wonderful legacy -- Mara, important collections, and the inspiring example of how to lead a meaningful life. He will always be in our hearts and spirits. Carolyn and Mark

Since becoming involved in the Midwest Archives Conference, I have so much appreciated Archie's wit and his insights into the problems and challenges that archivists face. He was truly a gift to the city of Chicago and to the archival profession. Even more so, he was obviously a treasured gift to Valerie and Mara ... as they were to him. I thank God for even the small ways in which one such as Archie touched my life, and I pray that God's comfort and peace now fill the lives and hearts of those who loved him.

Archie Motley loved Chicago and his own Chicago Historical Society. He died serving them and the lights aren't as bright in the Second City just now. A gentle, loving man, he fiercely defended the powerless and led us by his words and actions to open the archival profession to new ideas and new colleagues. In a unique way he, his wife, Valerie, and their daughter Mara were our archival family. Those of us who have been archivists for a couple of decades saw Archie and Valerie meet and fall in love, then like dozens of aunts and uncles we anxiously awaited the birth of Mara, and watched her at many archival meetings over the years growing into a lovely young woman. Until sidelined by knee surgery in the Spring he and his great good friend, Patrick Quinn, had never missed a Midwest Archives Conference meeting since its founding in 1972. I wish the "contest" could have gone on forever.

Archie: archivist extraordinary; activist. His deeds will endure; the sound of his laughter shall linger...

I first met Archie in the mid-70's when I first became interested in archives. I always ran into him at meetings of MAC and SAA and often at CAA. I cannot think of an archives meeting when I did not run into Archie and could not imagine one without him being there and speaking up on the topic under discussion. He was one of the pioneers in the field, especially here in Chicago. It was only in the past few decades that we gradually have became a profession in our own right. Some have noted that he represented the populist point of view, and I think that's very accurate--I remember him presenting at a session on documenting the African-American experience. In pushing for documentation of ordinary people, he was ahead of his time, but scholars have caught on to this and such collections are well-used now. He always encouraged new archivists coming into the profession. I also knew Archie when I did my research for my dissertation and he noted new accessions which helped me in my work. And yes, he was a Cubs fan, who wrote letters to the editor on the Cubs performance. He would have enjoyed the talk by the first speaker at the recent medical history symposium at the AMA, which was dedicated to Archie Motley. The first speaker was the team physician for the Chicago Cubs. Being a Cubs fan is itself an indication of support for the underdog. We will all greatly miss Archie.

Dear Mara and Valerie,



Words are empty shells of what we feel and I am not so foolish as to claim that I understand what you are feeling. But as the days go by, do know that I would be honored to help you. Here are my few words about my friend:



Archie Motley loved Chicago and his own Chicago Historical Society. He died serving them and the lights aren't as bright in the Second City just now. A gentle, loving man, he fiercely defended the powerless and led us by his words and actions to open the archival profession to new ideas and new colleagues. In a unique way he, his wife, Valerie, and their daughter Mara were our archival family. Those of us who have been archivists for a couple of decades saw Archie and Valerie meet and fall in love, then like dozens of aunts and uncles we anxiously awaited the birth of Mara, and watched her at many archival meetings over the years growing into a lovely young woman. Until sidelined by knee surgery in the Spring he and his great good friend, Patrick Quinn, had never missed a Midwest Archives Conference meeting since its founding in 1972. I wish the "contest" could have gone on forever.



Frank

An institution. Mr. Chicago. Mr. Cubs. I knew a lot of Cub fans, but no one came close to Archie. And Archie was around to witness the Cubs win the pennant, which is more than those slightly younger can claim.



I smile every time I think of Archie. No business meeting of archivists was complete until Archie rose in defense of the populist perspective. He was our fighting Bob LaFollette. After a while I instinctively prepared to get comfortable in my seat whenever Archie rose to speak.



It will be awhile before I stop looking for you at archives conferences. But everytime I hear a Chicagoan say, "Well, maybe next year!," I will remember you and smile.

Valerie and Mara –



It is with great sadness that I write these words. But I want to share, or confirm, what you already know. That Archie was a gift for everyone who knew him and we are all richer because of him.



I had the immense pleasure of working with Archie in the Archives and Manuscripts Department at the Chicago Historical Society from 1988 to 1992. This was my first archival position, and because of Archie’s guidance and mentorship, it was the beginning of my career in archives and libraries. Through his passion for this work, I discovered the true joy of being an archivist and the satisfaction of helping people without a strong voice solidify their place in history. In Archie, I found a boss who led by example, and provided me with the role model of what I became as a manager myself. If there was a problem, you fix it. If there were scraps on the floor, you grab the vacuum and clean it up. If copies were to be made, you just do it. His modesty is a goal for all of us, and he never stole the spotlight for the department, allowing all to bask in its glow. In Archie, I also found on numerous occasions the tickets to an afternoon Cubs game sitting on my desk, the result of a poorly timed meeting. He also provided the support for me to spread my wings, even though I was only a “curatorial assistant.”



During the past ten years, Archie filled my mailbox with his “Clipping Service” and I tried, in vain, to keep up. There were days when I would get one letter at work and another at home. He sent not only articles on the CHS, but on baseball (our shared favorite sport), news of the weird columns, Ike and Tina Turner (I never figured that one out) and the unusual things that always brought a smile to my face. He also sent articles on the Chicago Shakespeare scene for my wife Pam, who he knew was working on her dissertation in this area. While the articles were often wonderful in and of themselves, it was the marginalia that really personalized the mail. In a review of his Curators Choice exhibit (Chicago Tribune, Section 7, page N, November 19, 1993) titled “Small talk in personal letters brings history alive,” he wrote “YOU BET YOU’RE A - - THEY DO!” He once commented on an article I wrote blasting the emphasis of statistics in sport history by saying “You Bad. But SABR Gonna Get Your Butt!” in reference to the Society for American Baseball Research. The image of the index cards typed at a furious pace on his selectric will be one I have in my mind forever.



Valerie and Mara, my heart goes out to you and I share your loss. People who have made the impact that he has never really leave us. The memories I have of him will be with me forever.



Take it slow, Arch. Take it slow

I volunteered on Saturdays with the Archives and Manuscripts Department. Archie exuded warmth and good humor when dealing with researchers, the staff, and us volunteers. He was never too busy to spend time explaining how he wanted a collection to be organized. He expressed his appreciation for our help by bringing in food such as coffee cake, donuts, and ice cream. When he was in the basement to retrieve Hollinger boxes, he would take a minute to talk with us, even though he had a roomful of researchers upstairs. He often carried a radio down to the basement so that we could listen to college football and briefly would listen with us. My condolences to Valerie and Mara. Archie was a special person.

To Valerie, Mara and family,

On behalf of the Archivists and Archives of Color Roundtable, I send heartfelt condolences on the passing of our dear friend and colleague Archie. He has been an unwavering advocate for democracy and diversity in the Society of American Archivists and the archival profession. And as important he has been a friend and supporter, always willing to give a helping hand and an encouraging word. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We hope you will find comfort in knowing how well respected and loved he was and find joy in loving memories of him.

I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of Archie's death. The best part of being a historian, to me, was the opportunity to visit the CHS archives -- back when it was just a one-room operation, and later when it expanded and got spiffed up -- and therefore to work with Archie. He knew where everything was, of course, and most importantly he wanted the researchers (high school students or famous academics, it mattered not) to really use the material -- not a sentiment all archivists share. His joy and enthusiasm made doing research such a sweet experience. I spoke with him over the summer, when I needed an obscure pamphlet for a class I am now teaching, and of course Archie found it instantly and sent a copy to me right away -- I didn't expect such service, but Archie was glad to help. He always was. Valerie and Mara, you are in my thoughts. You will miss him most, but many scores of historians, amateurs and professionals, will think of him whenever they fill out a note card or peruse a tattered old leaflet. I know I will.

It was Archie who gave me my first full-time position as an archivist at the Chicago Historical Society in 1995, when I was still fresh out of grad school. Though the grant project I was hired to work on ended after a year and I moved on to work elsewhere, I'll always be grateful for that start. Over the years, I'd run into him at various functions, and he always had a smile and warm words for me.



My heart goes out to Valerie and Mara. Though we all miss him, I'm sure his passing is an especially difficult loss for his family.

I only knew Archie for about a year but I was glad that I had at least some time to talk to him about the archival profession and other matters. He was truly a great man - always willing to me and listen to what I had to say. I'll miss him a lot. My thoughts go out to his family, his associates at CHS, and the entire archival profession.

Although it's been 25 years since I worked with Archie at the CHS, whenever I ran into him around town it was like only yesterday. Our conversation simply seemed to pick up where we left off. It usually made it to his Cubs vs. my Sox.



Archie was a wonderful man, always looking to help. He will be missed.

Archie was a friend. He provided me with direction in my peregrinations toward my present archival situation. He also filled me in on part of the history of archival activism and provided material which later comprised a modest exhibit of newsletters from a defunct organization of archival activists. I will miss him dearly

Dear Valerie and Mara,



You are both in my thoughts today and I wish I could be there with you. Archie was such a special individual--I remember meeting him when I was a graduate student in 1988, and wondering at his energy, enthusiasm, and breadth of knowledge. But over the past few years, Archie has truly become a role model for me. I saw in him someone who was willing to raise the issues in MAC and SAA that needed to be raised, while at the same time, remaining friendly and open to everyone. The world will seem so much smaller without him, and the archival community will truly miss his unique voice.

I met Archie at the beginning of my archival career and was deeply impressed by his warmth and intellect. I'm sorry to hear of his death.

Archie's passing is a very great loss to the archival community of Chicago and of the mid-continent. Certainly he was a State Treasure, a great leader called away decades before his time. He mentored many of us, directly and indirectly. In the mid 1980s he was persuaded to "guest" direct the organizing of the 170,000-leaves Joseph Medill Patterson (New York Daily News) collection here at Lake Forest College's library, working with a herd of student assistants and me--all very naive about what needed to happen. He managed this graciously and effectively, ultimately drafting a model finding aid which still guides our Special Collections. He instructed all of us in the hows and whys of archival organization. He taught and preached, campaigned and role-modeled then and until just lately at every meeting, at every gathering. Those of us lucky enough to have known, worked with, and relied on him, are the stewards of his rich legacty in this region. As one only of this cohort, I was honored to know and work with this ultimate gentleman, scholar, teacher, preacher, friend and quite irrational Cubs fan.

Gratefully,

Art Miller
Archivist and Librarian
for special Collections
Donnelley Library,
Lake Forest College

Dear Valerie:



I could not be more saddened to hear of Archie's death. I think of him as a lively, interested, involved, lovely man. I envision his dear face across so many tables of committees I have served on with him over the years. And when I think of him, I think of the gray sweatshirts he wore so often it became a trademark. He was an original and I will miss him, even though, since the birth of my two sons, I have not been very involved with MAC or SAA. Still, the idea of Archie Motley will, probably, never leave my memory.



My very best thoughts are with you and your daughter and family.



Affectionately,



Katherine

I worked at CHS for two years but that was long enough for Archie to make an impression. Not just his knowledge of history, but his love of sports. He never held it against me that I was an American League fan and a Kansas City Royals fan to boot! A great guy. My thoughts are with you, Valerie and Mara.

Valerie and Mara -



I had the honor of working with Archie at the Chicago Historical Society as a newly minted archivist. His passion for the profession, collections, and researchers was and is inspirational to me. His contributions to the city's history and the profession will never be forgotten. He shaped and inspired so many people. May your fond memories of Archie sustain you always.



Debbie

Valerie - I am so sorry to hear about Archie. I had been following the news and hoping for improvement over the past months. Like many others, I met Archie at SAA when he spoke up at a business meeting and made more sense than anyone else. I then was doing research at the CHS one time and Archie proved to be a great help. He was a special guy and all of us in the profession will miss his wit and common sense!



Kathie Johnson

University of Louisville

Hi Valerie:



I am so sorry to hear about Archie. I remember Archie to be a very kind and gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mara. Please take good care of yourself.



Love,

Kathy Miller

Mara and Valerie, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope kind words and stories from Archie's many friends provide comfort.



I was a graduate student just starting out when I first met Archie at a history conference. Wearing a college football sweatshirt, he came up to me and asked me what I was studying. When we met again, months later, he remembered my name, my school, and my research interests.



I'll never forget Archie's kindness. He always seemed to take a special interest in me, although I know he did this for hundreds of others.



Thank you, Archie. You will be missed.

Archie's generous imprint remains with everyone who ever had the honor of knowing him. It also remains in print with all who have been aided by his help in writing books and articles about Chicago's history. For me personally and for my family, nobody will ever mean more than he in our lives. He will be our brother and friend always. To Mara and Valerie, we pour out our sorrow and grief, but we also offer words to consider. Archie is alive in all of us who knew him; his spirit is deep in our bosoms.

Dennis, Gun, Peter, and Patrik

My words can't possibly express the profound sorrow I feel in Archie's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Valerie and Mara, and the nation of friends Archie touched.



As a new archivist in Chicago in the 1980s, Archie became a reliable colleague and a quick friend. He was always available to answer questions, to discuss issues and he always, always, told you how appreciative he was of any effort to preserve Chicago's history.



My favorite memory of Archie is not the afternoon he arranged for an impromptu visit by Studs Terkel at a Society of American Archivists meeting (Archie's pride in his city on his face that day was truly memorable), nor will it be the magical September afternoon I spent with Archie in 1989 watching the Cubs and the Mets do battle (I never saw someone keep score at a baseball game like Archie!), although both of these are preserved forever.



My favorite and lasting memory of Archie will be a simple over-the-shoulder statement he made to me one year at a meeting-- "we'll see ya"-- he said, as he and Mara, hand-in-hand, strolled away from the meeting hotel and toward a day of father and daughter fun.



God Bless.

My brother, Bob Sink, is a longtime member of SAA and had told me, admiringly, about Archie and his career at the time of his retirement from the Historical Society. More recently, he told me of Archie's love of the Cubs, which I share. Archie was clearly a treasure to our city and his family is in my thoughts.