Official Inaugural Portrait Folio, 1969

File — Box: 265, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: J. Willard and Alice Sheets Marriott formed a business partnership in 1927 that produced one of the twentieth century's most successful hotel and restaurant chains. Not only did they make a lasting impact in the service and hospitality industry, but they left their mark in the political, religious, and academic arenas as well. Their papers range in date from the 1920s to the 1980s and have been divided into nine sections. It should be noted that some original correspondence from the collection were put in the Manuscripts Division Reserve Collection and photocopies were placed in its stead.

The first section contains family biographical and autobiographical materials. Items include correspondence, certificates and awards, medical and health histories, pension plans, will and estate information, family property records, and draft and final copies of Marriott, a biography written by Robert O'Brien. Personal letters in this section detail family relationships and friendships with prominent leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and civic leaders.

Section two contains correspondence and comprises one of the largest portions of the collection. It has been arranged alphabetically, chronologically, and by subject. This method of organization originated with Mr. Marriott and was left intact to maintain original order. It should be noted that there is a great deal of what would be considered personal correspondence in this portion of the collection. The correspondence files document the Marriotts' involvement with the corporation, as well as in civic, religious, and family affairs from the 1940s to the 1980s. In addition to the letters, there are corresponding pamphlets, brochures, minutes, reports, speeches, programs, and various newspaper and magazine articles.

The subject files comprising the third section were originally filed in Mr. Marriott's home. These documents include information on various clubs and organizations, notes and research materials on religious subjects, speeches delivered by Mr. Marriott, correspondence between Mr. Marriott and friends, Book of Mormon archaeological research information, files regarding the Book of Mormon hotel placement program, records documenting the Marriotts' affiliation with various universities, the United States Military Chaplaincy and Mormon chaplains, the building and dedication of the Mormon temple in Washington, D.C., and general information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This material mainly reflects Mr. Marriott's private interests and subjects of interest to him, his association with friends, and materials researched for sermons. Corresponding material may be found in the correspondence, corporate, and political sections of the collection.

The corporate files comprise the fourth section of the collection and contain information relating to Hot Shoppes Incorporated and the Marriott Corporation. They provide a general overview of the company's internal functions, management philosophies and styles, and company growth over a period of 50 years. Materials include board of directors files, restaurant and hotel branch records, calendars, catering division records, contracts, correspondence, test kitchen records and statistics, competitor files, expansion and development information, financial records, historical information, insurance records, leases and agreements, licenses and permits, personnel files, wage and tip information, physical facilities and grounds records, company reports, and Marriott Corporation publications. Because the Marriotts' personal lives were so interconnected with their professional lives, there is information about the corporation in other parts of the collection as well. For instance, there is information about Earl Sams' early financial involvement with the corporation in box nine, and correspondence regarding the corporation in the general correspondence section of the collection. There are also memoranda in box 57 between Mr. Marriott and John S. Daniels, a corporate vice president. The general scrapbooks in section seven provide excellent chronological documentation of the corporation. In addition, the Marriott Corporation maintains an extensive corporate archive.

Section five contains political records that reflect the Marriotts' involvement in national affairs from the 1950s until the 1970s. These papers show both the personal and professional sides of their involvement. Information on various presidential inaugurations, the National Republican Committee and conventions, Watergate, and the candidacy of George Romney, a close personal friend, have been filed here. Documents include reports, correspondence, invitations, tickets, legal paperwork, events planning records, and general committee files. These materials are arranged chronologically by inauguration and alphabetically by subject.

The files in section six document Mr. Marriott's service as chairman of Honor America Day from 1970 until 1984. Materials include information about the American Historic and Cultural Society, the Bicentennial Celebration, souvenirs and commemorative memorabilia, publicity and promotional materials, contribution records, correspondence, financial information, and celebration plans. Also included are anti-pornography materials from the group Morality in Media.

In 1970 Mrs. Marriott was named chairman of the advisory committee for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The materials in section seven document her involvement with the center and in the national arts community. All records have been listed under the Kennedy Center name, although the organization itself was known as the National Cultural Center until the dedication of the Kennedy Center in 1971. These papers also provide a comprehensive look at Mrs. Marriott's individual activities, and the esteem with which she was regarded by colleagues and admirers across the country.

The scrapbooks in section eight were compiled by Mrs. Marriott and cover the lives of the Marriotts from the 1920s to 1985. They illustrate the personal, political, social, and religious aspects of the Marriotts' lives. Corporate history and development can be traced from newspaper articles, menus, annual reports, corporate publications, tickets, invitations, and information about stock and sales, robberies, restaurant associations, and restaurant and hotel openings. Also included are Christmas cards, photographs, items from family gatherings and various social events. There are also scrapbooks documenting Honor America Day celebrations and various presidential inaugurations.

The final section of the collection contains oversize items including personal and corporate blueprints and architectural drawings, maps, posters, and book cover designs. Of particular interest are the watercolors and chalk drawings made for the Honor America Day celebrations.

Dates

1969

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.