Updated 10/2017
TITLE
Pettigrew Papers
ID NUMBER
1926.1.1000
YEAR
1869-1926
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Richard F. Pettigrew first came to Sioux Falls in the summer of 1869 as part of a surveying team. Pettigrew became
instrumental in the development and growth of the city of Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. He was heavily
invested in business and real estate ventures, but today he is most remembered for his political career. Pettigrew’s
political career began in 1875 when he was elected to the Dakota Territorial Council, and continued when he was
elected to the following positions: Territorial delegate to Congress from Dakota, 1880; U.S. Senator for South
Dakota, 1889-1901. Although he was not reelected to another term in the Senate in 1900, Pettigrew continued to
be active in politics until his death in 1926.The Pettigrew Papers contain a variety of R.F. Pettigrew’s business and
political papers from the 1880s until his death in 1926, with the highest concentration of material dating from his
time in the Senate. Also included are scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, research notes, and books from R.F.
Pettigrew’s personal library.
TITLE
A. C. Phillips Papers
ID NUMBER
1926.4.1-500
YEAR
1880s-1920s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Arthur C. Phillips was born in Maine in 1859 and came to Sioux Falls with his family in 1881. While in Sioux Falls,
Phillips worked as the local editor for the Sioux Falls Daily Leader and the Sioux Falls Daily Tribune. He was also the
city editor for The Daily Press. Through his work with the local papers, Phillips covered both the 1883 and the 1885
Dakota Constitutional Conventions. In 1884, Phillips was admitted to the Bar and partnered with his father,
Andrew Phillips, and uncle, Josiah Phillips. Along with law services, their firm also dealt with real estate and loans.
Phillips was also active in the Sioux Falls school board, serving as vice president of the board in 1896 and a member
in 1897. At some point, Phillips relocated to Chicago, IL. The Arthur C. Phillips collection consists of items collected
by himself, his father, his uncle, and other sources. Objects are primarily documentary artifacts dealing with the
Dakota Constitutional Conventions, fraternal organizations, local and state politics, newspapers, Sioux Falls
businesses, maps, social events, and photographs of downtown Sioux Falls and the Falls of the Big Sioux River.
TITLE
Armstrong-Coutts Papers
ID NUMBER
1939.6; 1943.3; 1945.2; 1948.7
YEAR
1863-1910
SCOPE AND CONTENT
John Coutts was born in 1842 near Tipton, IA. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union Army. He fought in seven battles
during the Civil War before he received his discharge in 1865. After his military service Coutts returned to Iowa. His
family later moved to Colton, SD, and then moved again to Sioux Falls, SD. This collection contains various Civil War
era documents from Private John Coutts, Company C, 24th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, including letters, discharge
papers, a military pass, GAR items and a collection of calling cards.
TITLE
Howard and Broughton Papers
ID NUMBER
1942.10; 1943.1
YEAR
1934-1870
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Charles K. Howard was a Suttler for Fort Dakota, Dakota Territory, 1867 1869. Ed Broughton was his partner until The collection contains miscellaneous records of Post Suttler, Fort Dakota, Dakota Territory, 1867 1870, newspaper clippings on C.K. Howard, and miscellaneous papers that belonged to Ed Broughton.
TITLE
Griswold Diaries
ID NUMBER
1951.8.1
YEAR
1838-1899
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The collection contains miscellaneous records of Post Suttler, Fort Dakota, Dakota Territory, 1867 1870,
newspaper clippings on C.K. Howard, and miscellaneous papers that belonged to Ed Broughton.
TITLE
Griswold Diaries
ID NUMBER
1951.8.1
YEAR
1838-1899
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The collection mainly consists of a set of diaries or datebooks that are filled out by E. E. Griswold’s father Osaph S.
Griswald. Each day is filled in with the weather conditions and sometimes personal entries about daily life. Some of
the diaries are used as ledgers and there is also one address book.
TITLE
SF Stockyard Cornerstone
Collection/Bert Yeager
ID NUMBER
1976.7.30
YEAR
1889-1940
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Sioux Falls Stockyard Company operated for 5 days in South Sioux Falls in 1890. Richard F. Pettigrew was the
President of the Company. On February 29, 1940, the large cornerstone was removed from the building. A capsule
was found that contained various newspapers and photographs. Upon removal, the items were placed on display
in the window of Harold’s Photography at 308 South Phillips Avenue. This collection includes an inventory dated
February 29, 1940 and various 1890 newspapers.
TITLE
Bert Yeager Papers
ID NUMBER
1976.7.21-28; 1984.79.249-251, 272, 273, 300-308
YEAR
1920s-1980s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Bert Yeager was born in 1892 in Sioux Falls. He was City Commissioner and a member of the school board. From
1961‑1962, he served one term in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from Minnehaha County.
Yeager died in 1984. The Yeager papers include correspondence, House Bill Information, certificates, and
pamphlets.
TITLE
Bowen Family Papers
ID NUMBER
1978.22.37
YEAR
1815-1898
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains the materials of Abraham M., Joseph P., and Hortense Bowen. Abraham M. Bowen was a
farmer who moved from Dayton, OH, to Bloomington, IL, and later, sometime in 1882 or 1883, to Sioux Falls,
Dakota Territory. The family lived two miles west of Sioux Falls. Documents included in the collection are letters,
certificates, deeds, diaries from 1858 to 1892, and bank passbooks.
TITLE
Northern League Records
ID NUMBER
1977.35.1; 2009.24.1
YEAR
1930s to 1970s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Baseball’s Northern League initially operated from 1902‑1905. The second Northern League was formed in 1913,
but ended in 1917 due to World War I. The third Northern League was organized in 1933 and operated every year,
except the war years of 1943‑1945, until 1971 when the league folded. At the time of its disbandment in 1971, the
third Northern League was the oldest league in the lower classifications of the minors. The fourth Northern League
was established in 1992 and is still in existence. The papers include materials from various teams that date from
the 1930s to the 1970s such as minutes, contracts, tickets, photographs, correspondence, financial statements,
newspaper clippings, statistics, schedules, equipment catalogues, programs and rosters.
TITLE
Minnie Locke Papers
ID NUMBER
1978.2; 1986.17.243
YEAR
1890s-1950s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains miscellaneous papers related to Frederick Pettigrew and his family. Frederick Pettigrew
was Senator Richard F. Pettigrew’s brother and Bessie was his daughter. Minnie Locke was a niece, by marriage, of
Bessie Pettigrew. Subject matter of the collection varies a great deal and includes correspondence, newspaper
clippings, receipts, booklets, real estate documents, certificates, and postcards.
TITLE
Carl Heinson Papers
ID NUMBER
1979.9.329
YEAR
1930s to 1970s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Carl Heinson was a local contractor, master craftsman and avid collector. When the old Minnehaha County
Courthouse was abandoned in the 1960s, talk of demolishing the building started. Heinson dreamed of a museum.
In 1965 he made an agreement with the county commission to move into the building with his collections. Carl
Heinson died in 1974, the same year the old Minnehaha County Courthouse became part of the Siouxland Heritage
Museums, as the Old Courthouse Museum. The Carl Heinson papers include correspondence, postcards,
newspaper clippings, ledger books, blank stock certificates for Dakota Paradise, legal documents, and
miscellaneous school papers.
TITLE
Loring Allebaugh Papers
ID NUMBER
1979.16.245
YEAR
1913-1961
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The correspondence in this collection was sent to Allebaugh at residences in Idaho, Oregan, and Texas. Much of
the collection has ties to San Antonio, TX. There is some mention of Garrettson, SD. The collection includes
postcards, business cards, newspaper clippings, letters to and from US Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, and personal
correspondence.
TITLE
Burns/Reiper Papers
ID NUMBER
1980.17; 1981.45; 1982.2; 1983.56; 1984.20; 1985.10; 1986.60; 1987.91; 1989.54; 2006.71; 2007.22; 2008.53; 2009.89; 2010.69
YEAR
1910-2016
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Burns/Rieper Collection is made up of both unique and staple household items: Christmas ornaments,
artwork, silver, postcards, candlesticks, doilies, and nearly every other small effect that could make a house a
home. Roy David Burns became a South Dakota Circuit Court judge in 1950 after having been in private practice
and serving at various times as City Attorney and on various boards of directors including the Red Cross and Sioux
Valley Hospital. His wife Lorene was involved in the Girl Scouts, American Association of University Women, and
Daughters of the American Revolution. Some of the artifacts from their collection deal with these clubs, positions,
and interests. One of the most significant contributions on behalf of the family was a set of diaries kept regularly
by Lorene. Born in 1896, the earliest of her diaries donated to the Museums is dated 1910. She then filled one
book after the next for nearly half a century. She died in 1982. Her entries gloss over the events of her day in a
sweet, animated style. Looking through the diaries, one learns about Lorene’s school days, going to the movies, the
weather, chores, gardening, and motherhood. Forty-one books contain almost her entire personal history. Also
included in this collection are magazines, scrapbooks, political buttons, correspondence and a collection of comic
books collected by Roy and Lorene’s daughter Robin.
TITLE
Edmison Jameson Cornerstone
ID NUMBER
1980.54.1; 2011.63
YEAR
1890-1891
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Edmison Jameson Block, later known as the Minnehaha Block, was constructed in 1890. The building was
located at the corner of 9th Street and Phillips Avenue, across the street from the Cataract Hotel. The building was
six floors and was home to many offices. In 1947, the top four floors were removed as a safety measure. The
building was razed in 1980, and the corner is now home to Western Surety. The papers in this collection were the
materials that were buried in the building’s original 1890 cornerstone and include an 1890‑1891 City Directory,
1890 newspapers, and a letter on Jameson Bros. and Green Real Estate letterhead dated August 22, 1890.
TITLE
Ward Family Papers
ID NUMBER
1981.46
YEAR
1884-1967
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Esther Ward was born in 1896 in Egan, SD. In 1917, she married Jack Dempsey, together they had one son, John. In
1921, Esther married Leonard Ward, together they had four children. Leonard Ward worked at Morrell’s Packing
Plant for many years. The Ward papers include photographs, books about the South Dakota National Guard, WWI
military papers, the Spawn Family History from 1814 to 1967, and a scrapbook of newspaper clippings
TITLE
Lynn’s Studio Records
ID NUMBER
1981.47; 1996.51
YEAR
1950s-1970s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Lynn’s Studio papers include ledgers and customer records for the Sioux Falls photography studio as well as
studio portrait photographs with subject matter ranging from weddings, graduations, yearbook photos and
childrens photographs.
TITLE
Lyon Family Papers
ID NUMBER
1983.14; 1980.29; 1990.66.38
YEAR
1890s-1920s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
William H. and Winona Axtell Lyon were a prominent couple in Sioux Falls history. Mr. Lyon was a lawyer and state
legislator and Mrs. Lyon was involved in many social clubs in Sioux Falls. They deeded several areas to the city to
be used as parks and a fair ground. The Lyon Family Papers include a certificate from the Minnehaha County
Historical Society, correspondence, W.H. Lyons Balance Sheets from 1904 to 1910, newspapers, political and legal
documents, and invitations.
TITLE
Mildred Harsha Herrick Papers
ID NUMBER
1983.22; 1984.75
YEAR
1920-1973
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Mildred Harsha Herrick graduated from Washington High School, Sioux Falls, SD, in 1923. For a time, Herrick
worked as a teacher at the Little Eagle and Pierre Indian Schools. Included in the Herrick papers are projects,
books, and correspondence relating to that time. The Herrick papers also include a Washington High School Class
Book, Reunion Information, 1973 class reunion photo, and newspaper clippings.
TITLE
Sioux Falls Ephemera
ID NUMBER
1983.35; 1986.47; 1987.17; 1995.10.66-79; 1995.10; 2007.16.148; 2009.34; 2015.46.2
YEAR
1880s-present
SCOPE AND CONTENT
An assorted collection of documents related to the city of Sioux Falls. Misc. atlases of Minnehaha County, Sioux
Falls Fire insurance Maps, various programs, invitations, booklets, ledgers for various businesses in Sioux Falls
including Look’s Meat Market, Farmer’s and Education Co-Op Union of America, and the Sioux Falls Milk
Producers; City of Sioux Falls information including Sioux Falls Comprehensive Plan, guidebooks and magazines;
1976 Bicentennial Items; and booklets, magazines and pamphlets produced by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of
Commerce about the city.
TITLE
Henrick Halvorson Papers
ID NUMBER
1984.17.1
YEAR
1918-1919
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains letters and postcards dated from 1918‑1919. They were received by Pvt. Henrick
Halvorson at Camp Dodge, Iowa. Most were written by his sister and other family members who lived in Dell
Rapids, SD. The letters contain the news of Dell Rapids and everyday happenings. Most of the letters are addressed
to Halvorson at the Ward Hospital (from October 1918-1919). The letters indicate that the family does not know
why he is at the hospital for such a long time. In February 1919, Clara indicated Halvorson is going to transfer to a
convalescents ward. The letters from his friends indicate he had the Spanish Flu, and an epidemic that had spread
throughout various military camps during WWI.
TITLE
Urban Renewal Records
ID NUMBER
1984.18.442
YEAR
1968-1975
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Files for the Sioux Falls Community Development Office, Urban Renewal includes maps, surveys, immovable fixture
appraisal, data for survey and planning applications, structural survey forms, raw and compiled data as well as over
400 photographs of downtown Sioux Falls taken for condition assessment purposes durning Urban Renewal.
TITLE
Alfred Burkholder
ID NUMBER
1983.1.43-49
YEAR
1896-1935
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Alfred Burkholder was a writer for the Argus Leader into the 1930s. Included in this collection are newspaper
articles written by Burkholder including articles about gold mining, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and the Drady
collection that was housed at the Pettigrew Museum. Subjects also include the 60th Anniversary of Custer’s Last
Stand, Devil’s Tower, the Artesian Well, and the Battle of Wounded Knee.
TITLE
Morrell Records
ID NUMBER
1985.2; 1998.5; 2010.41
YEAR
1914-1975
SCOPE AND CONTENT
George Morrell started selling fruit in the streets of England in 1827. By 1834, he had expanded to meats,
vegetables and other items. His company came to the United States in 1864. John Morrell and Co. opened a
location in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1909. The plant continues to be a major industry in Sioux Falls. The collection includes
a scrapbook documenting the Morrell strikes from 1935 to 1937, memos, Morrell Magazines dating from
19241960, anniversary publications, the book “The Strike Story, 1935”, and Labor Statistics from 1914 to 1919.
TITLE
Grange Records
ID NUMBER
1985.72
YEAR
1929-1938
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Grange is a national agricultural organization that began in 1867 in Washington D. C. The records include
information about the Sioux Valley Grange No. 192 chapter as well as the South Dakota Grange records including
the following: Ledgers, Roll Book, Journal of Proceedings, South Dakota State Grange Proceedings, Grange Initiate
and Declaration of Purposes of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, Dues Receipt Book, Check Book Register,
Grange Lecturer’s Handbook, By-laws, South Dakota Grange Constitution and Correspondence for the South
Dakota Grange.
TITLE
Harold M. Dale Papers
ID NUMBER
1987.1.110-175
YEAR
1916-1920
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Harold M. Dale was an enlisted man in the 32nd Infantry Division from 1917‑1918. Dale lived in Sioux Falls, and is
buried at Woodlawn Cemetery. Much of the printed material is written in German or French. The Dale Papers
include correspondence, photographs, postcards, maps, and various documents relating to World War I service.
TITLE
Cora Bailey Emerson Papers
ID NUMBER
1987.15.1-10
YEAR
1953-1977
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Cora Estella Bailey was born in Hatfield, MN in 1894. In 1920 she married Charles Emerson in Sioux Falls, and they
had two children. Jesse David was born in 1921 and Donald Melores was born in 1923. Cora later married Ed
Hendrikson in 1967; he died in 1971. As a child, Cora lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Georgia and
Missouri. The Emerson collection includes a family history compiled by Cora and diaries from 1950 to 1970 that
include accounts of daily events, weather, health and visitors.
TITLE
George W. Abbott Papers
ID NUMBER
1987.23.1013
YEAR
1894-1938
SCOPE AND CONTENT
George W. Abbott moved to Sioux Falls in 1891. He was a major organizer of several financial organizations in the
city. The George W. Abbott Papers include certificates, business correspondence, scrapbook pages, newspaper
clippings, and undated material from the George W. Abbott letterbook
TITLE
Hayward Family Papers
ID NUMBER
1987.23
YEAR
1850s to early 1900s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Hayward Family Papers include correspondence, account books, photographs, bills, receipts, deeds, telegrams,
newspapers, the 1862 to 1870 diary of Daniel Webster, letters to Orlan A. Hayward, the account book of Orlan A.
Hayward, and a letter copy book.
TITLE
Thomas Fawick Papers
ID NUMBER
1987.3; 2002.6; 2009.34
YEAR
1900s-1930s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Thomas L. Fawick held several jobs before experimenting with his dream of building
a better car. His first automobile, the “Silent Sioux,” was completed in 1906. Two years later, at the age of 19, he
completed the “Fawick Flyer,” believed to be the first five passenger, four door car built in the United States. The
Fawick Motor Car Company ceased production by 1912 after producing 7 cars. Fawick lived in Iowa, Illinois and
Wisconsin and continued to design and invent items, mostly related to automobiles. In the 1940’s, Fawick designed
rubber handles for golf clubs which absorbed the shock, and soon every major golf club manufacturer in the world
used his design. When Fawick was in his fifties, he also designed a concert worthy violin and composed music for
the violin. Thomas’ brother N. O. Fawick was also a businessman in Sioux Falls. He and his wife
manufactured the “Yankee Boy Cannon” produced the N. O. Fawick Manufacturing Company in Sioux Falls, SD. The
Fawick collection includes various honors that were awarded to Thomas Fawick, patent drawings, photographs,
letters, trade cards, receipts, business cards, and stock certificates.
TITLE
Minnehaha County Public and Rural
ID NUMBER
1989.18; xp.1; 1981.51; 1985.41; Schools 1989.18; 1992.15; 1992.73;1999.1.39; 2007.18; 2007.49.1-24; 2008.31, 33, 71; 2009.7, 8, 9; 2001.10; 2009.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33; 2009.81.1; 2010.12; 2011.58; 2012.9, 60, 61; 2013.14; 2014.48; 2015.61;
YEAR
1874-2008
SCOPE AND CONTENT
An assorted collection of documents related to the rural and public schools of Minnehaha County. The Minnehaha
School Record collection includes teacher record books, registers, contracts, teacher term reports, report cards,
certificates, diplomas souvenir cards, student projects, books, photographs, Lenore Foster (Superintendent of
School) records, ledger of 8th grade graduates, and other school records. The following schools are an example of
the public and rural schools represented in the collection: Bothun No. 13; Byg School No. 93; Clear Lake School No.
67; Dell Rapids School No. 128; Ellis, South Dakota; Evergreen School No. 18; Excelsior No. 41; Foster No. 85;
Granaas No. 86; Grand Meadow No. 91; Grinde School No. 52; Hanson School District #129; Hartford No. 94;
Hegge School District No. 126; Howard No. 140; Humboldt No. 120; Huntimer No. 80; Kickland School District No.
114; Lackey No. 50; Lakeview School District No. 110; Lovlie School District No. 128; Lyman Tyler No. 42; Lyons, SD
School; Merry No. 65; Moen No. 33; Mount Pleasant No. 58; Mount Pleasant No. 59; Mount Pleasant No. 21;
Muchow No. 29; Peterson School District No. 48; Plainview No. 103; Pleasant Valley No. 68; Pleasant Valley School
No. 55; Pleasant View No. 11; Renner No. 2; Sioux Falls No. 1; Split Rock No. 23; Thompson School District No. 3;
Thompson School District No. 8; Tyler/Byg No. 93; Whittier School District; Willow Creek No. 131; Ziegler School
District No. 68; South Sioux PTA Records, Irving School PTA Records, Washington High School and Hartford High
School.
TITLE
Edward Beebe & R.F. Pettigrew Papers from the Woodlawn Cemetery Association
ID NUMBER
1990.22.1
YEAR
1902-1923
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This Collection consists of Edward P. Beebe family papers and R.F. Pettigrew family papers. Edward Beebe was R.F.
Pettigrew’s brother-in-law (married to his sister Elizabeth Medora Pettigrew). Edward Beebe served as the business
manager for not only R.F. Pettigrew’s family affairs, but also as a real estate agent in his own right. The Collection
contains bills and receipts on multiple properties owned by R.F. Pettigrew not only in Sioux Falls, but other states
as well. These records show specific repairs and added construction to buildings in downtown Sioux Falls. In
addition, R.F. Pettigrew had mining interests. A business friend of many years, Eben M. Hills of Denver,
Colorado, handled much of R.F’s. mining affairs and western United States affairs. Upon the death of Frederick
Wallace Pettigrew, much correspondence was generated from his estate matters. In addition’ as R.F.’s sons, Arthur
and Franklin, moved West, correspondence from Montana, Idaho, and Washington was written. Arthur and
Franklin lived several years near Moses Lake,Washington, and are buried near Spokane. Included also are several
receipts for work done at two Pettigrew Sioux Falls residences located at 215 North Duluth Ave. (1904-1911) and
131 North Duluth Ave. (1911-1023. This part of the Collection gives an excellent picture of the day-to-day lives of
the Pettigrew family.
TITLE
Arthur B. Anderson Collections
ID NUMBER
1990.68; 2007.4.34
YEAR
1917-1960
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Arthur B. Anderson Papers are a collection of records, documents, travel literature, correspondence, and
ledger notebooks. Anderson ran the A. B. Anderson Oil Company and was a State Senator in the 1950s and 60s.
TITLE
John McClellen Papers
ID NUMBER
1993.1.85 B
YEAR
1846-1921
SCOPE AND CONTENT
John McClellan came to Dakota Territory with other members of the Western Town Company of Dubuque, Iowa in 1857. He joined the Dakota Cavalry in 1863, which was in Sioux Falls. McClellan died a violent death in the elevator of the Van Eps Block. He is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. He left no authentic heirs to inherit his estate. After years of litigation the state of South Dakota was awarded the McClellan property and money. The papers were found in a locked box in the Old Courthouse Museum. The collection includes legal papers, correspondence, military records, court proceedings, court records, and estate bills.
TITLE
CCC Records
ID NUMBER
1994.32.1
YEAR
1977-1993
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public works program that put over 3 million men to work during the
Great Depression of the 1930s and 1940s. The National Association of CCC Alumni was established in 1977 as a
non‑profit organization. Currently, the NACCCA has over 6500 members and is open to any individual associated
with the original CCC. The CCC papers include newspaper clippings, NACCCA membership information and journal,
and correspondence.
TITLE
Ellis Woodworking Patterns
ID NUMBER
1994.49.5-64
YEAR
1930s-1950s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Easi-Bild Pattern Book Company sold do-it-yourself manuals for homeowners wanting to create their own
furniture and interior and exterior furnishings in their own home workshops. Patterns and instructions with the
materials and equipment needed were all packaged in envelopes and available to consumers. This collection
contains 59 patterns for children’s furniture, indoor shelves and furniture and as well as outdoor furniture.
TITLE
Louis Warren Papers
ID NUMBER
1994.56.25
YEAR
1943-1945
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Louis Warren Papers consist of an Instructor’s Guide, organizational charts, a Radio School class book,
handwritten manuscripts, typescripts, leave forms, a personnel manual, circuit board diagrams, syllabi,
correspondence, histories, memoranda, a student workbook, manuals, a cassette tape, newspaper articles, rosters
and statistics. The bulk of material dates from 1943 to 1945. The majority of materials in this collection were
generated or received by Louis Warren in the course of carrying out his duties as a civilian Radio Instructor in the
Radio Training School at the Sioux Falls Army Air Field. Topics of significance include the flexible circuit board;
course content, in particular receivers, transmitters, radio mechanics/radio operator-mechanics; and the history of
the Army Air Base at Sioux Falls.
TITLE
Credit Women International SD State
ID NUMBER
1994.60.10
YEAR
1955-1979
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Credit Women’s Breakfast Club (CWBC) was organized in 1930 by Edith Shaw. The purpose for organizing the
CWBC was the belief that women holding positions in the retail credit profession should become an organized
body, making possible the promotion of their common interests. The organization has gone through a series of
name changes in its over 70 years of existence. In 1966 the name was changed to Credit Women International
(CWI). The bylaws were changed in 1976 to allow men to join the organization, and in 1987, the name was
changed to Credit Women International: Credit Professionals (CWICP). In 1990, the organization became Credit
Professionals International (CPI). The Credit Women International Papers include meeting minutes from 1955 to
1979, local chapter rosters, newsletters, conference materials, attendance register, correspondence, and
programs.
TITLE
Leanard Tripp Papers
ID NUMBER
1995.60.1
YEAR
1888-1989
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains photocopies of typewritten manuscripts, newspapers and magazine articles by Leonard
Tripp, clippings, photographs, train schedules and maps. The collection also contains an original typewritten
manuscript. Subjects covered include: railroad and public transportation history in Sioux Falls, railroads built in
South Dakota between 1872‑1910, and the Great Northern Burlington Railroad.
TITLE
Study/History Club Records
ID NUMBER
1995.10.882
YEAR
1902-1968
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The History Club was organized in 1879. In 1902, some History Club members left the group and later formed the
Study Club. Records include some of the South Dakota General Federation of Women’s Club, Business and
Professional Women’s Club, and the American Association of University Women Papers. This collection contains
programs from the various years of the Study Club from 1902-3 through 1966-67, programs from the Minnehaha
Study Club from 1935-36 and 1945-46, correspondence, “Fifty Five Years of Study Club” by Maude Finney Briggs
from 1957, programs from the History Club from 1903-4 through 1941-42, the publication “South Dakota Bulletin,”
Official Organ of the South Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs from 1921-23, a program from the Catholic
Women’s Literary Society of Sioux Falls, the Constitution and By Laws of the Study Club, various publications, the
annual report of the South Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs from 1945-46, General Federation of Women’s
Clubs Membership Directory, receipts, Study Club treasurer’s books from 1902 to 1965, and Study Club Meeting
minutes from 1902 to 1968.
TITLE
Tuthill Family Papers
ID NUMBER
1995.23
YEAR
1885-1909
SCOPE AND CONTENT
John W. Tuthill moved to Sioux Falls in 1882 and incorporated his lumber company in 1884. By 1915, Tuthill owned
and operated thirty-two lumber yards in three states. His lumberyard, at 311 East 8th Street was built in 1895. The
lumber company operated at this site until the mid-1960s. Records include the following: a record book for the
John W. Tuthill Lumber Company, with the articles of incorporation, a listing of the shares with a seal, the condition
of the Lumber Company and minutes to the meetings of the stockholders; a statistical book for the John W. Tuthill
Lumber Company, with ledger accounts of accounts, sales, expenses and balances for various towns with accounts
with the John W. Lumber Company; calling cards and photographs of the Tuthill family.
TITLE
Theater Programs/S.F. Coliseum & Community Playhouse
ID NUMBER
1995.41.1-83
YEAR
1954-1973
SCOPE AND CONTENT
A set of 73 programs and stage bills for performances held at the Sioux Falls Coliseum, Knights of Columbus Hall,
Augustana College Vikings Field, Sioux Falls Public Library and the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse.
TITLE
June S. Beecher Papers
ID NUMBER
1995.28; 1995.66
YEAR
1912-1990
SCOPE AND CONTENT
June S. Beecher was the daughter of Fred Beecher, manager of the Sioux Falls Coliseum. Fred Beecher was
responsible for booking theatrical entertainment in the New Theatre, the Majestic Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre,
and the Coliseum. The manuscript written by June S. Beecher is included in this collection and is an important
history of the Sioux Falls theater scene from the 1870s to 1947, when her father died. The collection also includes
Coliseum programs from 1914‑1947, newspaper clippings, various notes, press releases, and manuscript research.
TITLE
L. P. Engen Papers
ID NUMBER
1996.31.1
YEAR
1926-1958
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Personal papers of L. Pierre Engen who taught Math & Science at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD.
Included are class record books, lesson notes and outlines, students tests and teacher’s answers, memos,
correspondence, invoices and his own student tests and experiment booklets. Subjects covered by these materials
include Math and Science education, Business Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Home Economics, and Drivers’
Education.
TITLE
J. Bruce Blake/Minnehaha County Historical Society Records
ID NUMBER
96.34
YEAR
1958-2010
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Bruce Blake attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He
completed his freshman year at the University of South Dakota Law School before being called to active during the
Korean War. Blake finished Law School after the war, and eventually returned to practicing law in SD in 1959. Blake
became a member of the Minnehaha County Historical Society in 1962, and created the historical marker program
in 1988. Bruce authored or edited more than 185 historical markers in Minnehaha County. He also compiled and
edited a book, Twelve Thousand Years of Human History as recorded on 235 Historical Markers. This collection
consists mainly of programs for the dedication of these historical markers and commemorative ribbons. The
programs contain historical information and photographs. Some of his source material and original research is also
included.
TITLE
Earl L. McLaughlin Records
ID NUMBER
1999.21.1
YEAR
1945-1962
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The collection contains architectural drawings, transparency slides, and a small manuscript collection. The items
belonged to the architectural firm of L. Earl McLaughlin and Associates. It also includes correspondence, color
samples, and color plans.
TITLE
H. B. Crandall Papers
ID NUMBER
1999.60.1, 12, 15, 17
YEAR
1940-1945
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Lieutenant Colonel H. B. Crandall Collection includes curriculum for Tank Destroyer School, Command and General
Staff School, test booklets, notes for teaching, correspondence, recruiting materials and operations materials
during WWII.
TITLE
Atlantic, Yellowstone & Pacific Highway Association
ID NUMBER
2000.20.1
YEAR
1923-1934
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains the Certificates of Incorporation and the meeting minutes of the Atlantic, Yellowstone, and
Pacific Highway Association. The Atlantic-Yellowstone-Pacific (AYP) Highway started with the citizens of Sioux Falls,
South Dakota. Membership included many business owners and other well-respected citizens. The route was born
from a desire on the part of these individuals to increase tourist revenues and showcase the nation’s natural
beauty. In August of 1934, the members voted to close the office in Sioux Falls on September 14, 1934. The last
board meeting was held in September 1934 where the last remaining business for the Sioux Falls office was
discussed.
TITLE
Mildred and Maude Linahan Collection
ID NUMBER
2001.35.1-12
YEAR
1916-1918
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Mildred and Maude Linahan graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High School in 1918. They continued to live in
Sioux Falls after high school. Maude managed a tourism home in their residence and worked at Fantle’s
Department Store. Mildred worked at First National Bank as a teller. Maude died in 1976. Mildred died in 1991.
Both women are buried at Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls. The Linahan collection includes Washington
High School yearbooks, magazines, diplomas, report cards and graduation program.
TITLE
Leana (Toni) Eastman Papers/Praire Waves
ID NUMBER
2003.11.1; 2005.25.1
YEAR
1944-1998
SCOPE AND CONTENT
WAVES National was established in 1979 as an organization for women who have served or who are currently
serving in one of the sea services (U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp., U.S. Coast Guard or Reserves). This paper group
was collected by Leona (Toni) Eastman of Sioux Falls, SD, who was a WAVE during the mid‑1940s, a member of
WAVES National, and the organizer and first State Director of South Dakota’s local unit, “The Prairie Waves.”
TITLE
Blauvelt/Van Eps Papers
ID NUMBER
2003.21.5-72; 74-108
YEAR
1884-1938
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Blauvelt and Van Eps families were influential in Sioux Falls history. This collection of papers was found in the
museums’ collection and various items are believed to have belonged to members of these two families. The
collection includes programs, booklets, catalogs, liquor licences and certificates.
TITLE
Boyd/Kuchta Papers
ID NUMBER
2003.41.69-70
YEAR
1940s-1970s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Boyd/Kuchta records include Donald Kuchta’s military service records including receipts, military paperwork,
loan account books, veterans paperwork, and “Crew’s News” from the Sioux Falls Army Airbase; Iris Boyd’s radio
operation training booklets from the Sioux Falls Army Airbase; personal cash book for home expenses for Frank
and Iris Boyd; Frank Boyd’s Knights of Pythias records including minutes, programs, and letters; Iris Boyd’s
correspondence relating to her role as the Grand Temple Cancer Chairperson; American Cancer Society pamphlets
and booklets; photographs.
TITLE
Meyer Family Collections
ID NUMBER
2004.7; 2005.45; 2009.5
YEAR
1909-2008
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Walter A. Meyer was a farmer from Humboldt, SD during the 1930s to the 1970s. The family consisted of Walter
and Cecil Meyer and their children Leonard and Wanda. The Meyers were given the deed to their farm in
Humboldt on November 4, 1938 by Walter’s mother. They proceeded to pay $3,750 for the farm. The Meyer
collection include a collection of farm work plan papers related to soil conservation in Minnehaha County during
the late 1930; papers regarding farm management and maintenance including booklets, receipts, crop mortgages,
handbooks, farm plans, permits, letters and forms; WWII ration booklets, correspondence, banking information,
ledgers, daybooks, calendars and business cards; other records include Leonard Meyer’s notes on the journals of
his father, Walter Meyer.
TITLE
Millie Haan Papers/Sioux Falls Coliseum
ID NUMBER
2004.15.2
YEAR
2003
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Booklet “Coliseum and Concourse Remodel” and architectural drawings of the remodel.
TITLE
South Dakota Horticultural Club Collection
ID NUMBER
2004.23.22
YEAR
1918-1976
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The South Dakota State Horticultural Society Collection contains Annual Reports of the Society from 1926 through
1955, along with newsletters from the South Dakota Federation of Garden Clubs dating from 1964 to 1973. The
Collection also contains issues of North and South Dakota Horticulture Magazine from the 1930s, issues of Organic
Gardening Magazine from the 1940s, and several booklets published by the South Dakota State College Extension
Service.
TITLE
Pettigrew/Fay Family Papers
ID NUMBER
2005.2.55, 98, 143, 165
YEAR
1855-1935
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The collection contains personal papers from several members of the Pettigrew & Fay families. Addie Fay
Pettigrew was the daughter of George A. Pettigrew and Eudora Stearns. She married Maurice Fay. George was
Senator Richard F. Pettigrew’s cousin. Documents included are poems, newspaper clippings, greeting cards,
marriage and graduation announcements and invitations, report cards, programs, and correspondence. The
collection contains papers from Dora Stearns, Addie Fay Pettigrew, Maurice Fay, Josiah W. Pettigrew, George A.
Pettigrew, Edith Fletcher, and others.
TITLE
American Legion Records
ID NUMBER
2005.2.194
YEAR
1966-1971
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual help, war time veterans
organization. There are currently more than 3 million members. Membership is based on honorable federal active
duty during specific times of war or crisis. The American Legion Papers contain correspondence, patriotic
pamphlets, the National Constitution and By‑laws of the American Legion, balance sheets, and financial papers.
TITLE
Basel/Portz Papers
ID NUMBER
2005.2.195, 202
YEAR
1930s-1950s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains the letters that Marlen K. Basel diligently wrote to his family while serving the United
States in World War II. Letters were sent to his father Ira Basel (San Francisco, CA) and to his mother, Mrs. Mable
Burt (Sioux Falls, SD). Letters are generally light hearted. This collection also contains correspondence sent from
Nellie, Marlen’s sister, to her mother and father. Items relating to civilian wartime life, such as ration books and
civil defense, are included. This collection contains a variety of materials centering around the school years of
Marlynne Portz. She was a 1957 graduate of Washington High School and was active in orchestra and chorus. A
related collection is the Marlen K. Basel papers. Marlynne’s mother, Nellie, and Marlen were siblings. Marlynne
married John Gustafson of Sioux Falls. The Portz papers include children’s books, paper dolls with clothes, US
History Workbook from the 1930’s, calendars, craft patterns, a 1940 first aid textbook, school composition books
used by Marlynne Portz, appliance instruction manuals, report cards, music programs from grade schools and
Washington High School, a certificate of graduation of Elementary Grades from 1953, and a high school graduation
program from May 1957.
TITLE
Civil Defense
ID NUMBER
2005.2.196
YEAR
1942-1965
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The American Civil Defense Association is an organization dedicated to the promotion of reasonable civil defense,
disaster preparedness, and disaster mitigation activities in all sectors of American society. This is done in an effort
to help protect America and its citizens from the effects of natural and manmade disasters and to lessen the
likelihood of certain types of disasters through public awareness and the implementation of a national
civilian‑based Civil Defense strategy and program. Disasters include: national security and defense issues and
developments, domestic terrorism issues, biological and chemical warfare threats, developments concerning
nuclear war and weaponry, natural and environmental threats, as well as current events abroad. This collection
includes pamphlets, correspondence, newspaper clippings, training records, and enrollment forms, all from the
Cold War era.
TITLE
East River Legal Services Records
ID NUMBER
2005.2.197
YEAR
1974-1982
SCOPE AND CONTENT
ERLS is an independent, non‑profit agency that provides services for low income people in Clay, Union, Lincoln,
Turner, McCook, Minnehaha, Lake, and Moody Counties. The collection contains various documents, including
minutes and financial records from 1977 to 1982.
TITLE
Degree of Honor Protective Association Records Cascade Lodge No. 61
ID NUMBER
2005.52.11
YEAR
1936-2001
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Sioux Falls Degree of Honor Protective Association, Cascade Lodge No 61 was formed in 1886 as the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with membership being comprised of the wives, mothers,
sisters, and daughters of the AOUW. Their purpose was to provide fellowship for women and support for the
AOUW. Initially, the Ladies Auxiliary collected and provided funds for AOUW widows. The Ladies Auxiliary
eventually separated from the AOUW and began issuing “benefit certificates” to widows in various amounts. The
auxiliary formed the Degree of Honor Protective Association, which provides insurance and fixed annuity products
and sponsors charitable, cultural, educational, and social activities. It is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Records
include ledgers, scrapbook, certificate of incorporation, booklets, savings pass books, and minute books.
TITLE
Union Center Station Records
ID NUMBER
2007.13.4-5
YEAR
1945-1961
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection of documents is from the Union Center, a filling and service station located west of Sioux Falls. The
station was in operation from the 1940s to the 1960s. Clinton Gunderson, of Humboldt, SD, was the proprietor. It
also sold various groceries, beer, and cigarettes. Included in the collection are ledgers, income records, tax
documents, receipts, bills, booklets, and letters.
TITLE
Sioux Empire Environmental Committee Records
ID NUMBER
2008.10.1
YEAR
1983-1986
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Sioux Empire Environmental Committee was incorporated on September 19, 1983 to promote a clean,
healthy, and attractive community. The initial agents were William J. Reynolds and Donna Bennett. The records
include Articles of Incorporation, tax information, newsletters, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, and programming
information.
TITLE
Leontine Liepa Papers
ID NUMBER
2008.25.35
YEAR
1945-1990
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Vilums and Leontine Liepa were originally from Riga, Latvia. When Russia invaded Latvia in 1940, they fled and hid
in the forest rather than be forced to go to a work camp in Siberia. The Liepas went back to their farm, but in 1941
they were loaded onto ships and taken to Germany to be forced laborers for the Reich. In 1945, American soldiers
liberated them, and as part of the Lutheran Resettlement Service, the Liepas moved to Revillo, SD. The Liepas were
provided an apartment and jobs in a hatchery. The records include newspaper clippings, map of Latvia, a speech on
communism, pre-immigration papers, pamphlets, bulletins, magazines, cards, postcards, invitations, and
correspondence.
TITLE
United Brotherhood Records
ID NUMBER
2008.28.1
YEAR
1954-1988
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The organization was founded to fight discrimination in housing, employment, and other racial issues. The
group stopped meeting after the state passed the Civil Rights Act and a Sioux Falls Civil Rights board was
appointed. Records for the United Brotherhood Council including meeting minutes, council membership,
annual dinner mailing lists and programs, invoices and receipts, proclamations for Brotherhood Week,
constitution and by-laws, and information on social issues the group was interested in promoting.
TITLE
Witte Papers/Minnehaha Springs Records
ID NUMBER
2009.3.1
YEAR
1896-1953
SCOPE AND CONTENT
A set of personal and business papers for the Witte family. This family owned the Minnehaha Springs/Minnehaha
Springs Bottling Works and other businesses in Sioux Falls. Most of the papers are legal documents concerning
rental properties and also contracts between the Minnehaha Springs and the Keeley Institute, which was a facility
to cure alcoholism and drug addiction. Cyrus Arndt ran the Keeley Institute, and the collection also contains legal
documents concerning him. Records include receipts, banking information, correspondence, legal documents,
contracts, mortgages, and ledgers.
TITLE
Berry Family Papers
ID NUMBER
2009.55.1
YEAR
1873-1923
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Miscellaneous records of the Berry Family, including warranty deeds, receipts, graduation and other invitations,
hand-written I.O.U.s, tax receipts, and farm contracts between Berry and Inez Van Eps.
TITLE
Sioux Empire Fair Records
ID NUMBER
2010.12.9
YEAR
1962-1972
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The records are of meeting minutes, entertainment costs, meeting notices, schedules, and bills paid from the Sioux
Empire Fair Board of Directors. The records also include programs, Argus Leader clippings, tickets, and
miscellaneous letters from the fair. Most of the letters are written to or from Violet Byg, who was appointed the
Supervisor of the Home Economics Division in 1962.
TITLE
Running Board
ID NUMBER
2011.49.1
YEAR
1957-2007
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The monthly publication of horseless carriage club. The newsletters contain stories about old-time motoring, auto
restoration, fictional tales, reports and pictures from club tours, membership rosters with addresses and cars
owned, and want ads.
TITLE
Poll Books
ID NUMBER
2011.1.506
YEAR
1954
SCOPE AND CONTENT
A set of Poll Books for the primary election in Minnehaha County held on June 1, 1954.
TITLE
Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club
ID NUMBER
2011.75.1
YEAR
1946-2003
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Founded in 1946 as the “Mr. & Mrs. Dance Club,” the Ballroom Dance Club has a rich heritage in the Sioux Falls
area. Early dances were held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Ramada Inn. In 1982, the dance club joined
forces with the El Riad Dance Club and held the dances at the former Arkota Ballroom. In 1997, the club
modernized its name to the Couples Dance Club and finally, in 2009, the club became the Ballroom Dance Club.
Records include by-laws, membership information, guest lists, committees, annual meetings, meeting minutes,
budget information, newspaper articles, and flyers.
TITLE
Sioux Falls Garden Club
ID NUMBER
2012.1.88
YEAR
1914-1970
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Sioux Falls Garden Club Collection includes membership cards, publications, a bank account book, and
correspondence.
TITLE
Wangsness Papers
ID NUMBER
2012.1.89
YEAR
1885-1948
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Wangsness Papers include the book “Civil Government of South Dakota” by J. A. Ross, financial papers of Chris
Wangsness, and documents related to the Minnehaha County Historical Society, pioneer stories, and the Pioneer
Monument (Amidon Marker, Sioux Quartzite obelisk). Also included are many handwritten miscellaneous notes by
Laura Bothum, Garretson.
TITLE
Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense Records
ID NUMBER
2012.1.90
YEAR
1918
SCOPE AND CONTENT
In April of 1917 as the United States entered World War I, the Woman’s Committee, a government-appointed
national organization and a division of the Council of National Defense, was formed. A survey of the skills women
would contribute to the national war effort on the home front, obtained through a voluntary registration program,
became the major effort of the Woman’s Committee. This collection contains a full set of registration cards filled
out during a survey of the women of Minnehaha County during WWI. These cards are about women from all social
backgrounds, income levels, years of education, both immigrant and native born, and from them see that an
unexpected number of women were employed in many different occupations. They offered their skills, and
expressed interest in being trained in a vast array of choices.
TITLE
Crooks Papers
ID NUMBER
2012.9.135
YEAR
1880s-2012
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Crooks was founded in 1873, by David O. Crooks and his family, in Minnehaha County, SD. The first Post Office was
established in 1876 on the farm of Ole Nelson and named New Hope. In 1904, the South Dakota Central Railroad
extended to Crooks and built a depot. The railroad insisted that the depot be named after D. O. Crooks, and the
town’s name was changed to Crooks. This collection contains materials collected by the Crooks Community Center,
including historical information about schools, families, businesses, churches, etc.
TITLE
Townsend Club Records
ID NUMBER
2012.54.1
YEAR
1945-1949
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Townsend Plan was a proposal by Dr. Francis Townsend, a retired medical doctor, during the Great Depression
for an old-age revolving pension in the United States. The pension plan, proposed in 1934 but never passed by
Congress, would have awarded $200 monthly pensions to persons over 60 who were no longer gainfully employed,
provided that such allowance was spent in the U.S. within 30 days. During its existence, over 5 million people
joined local Townsend clubs. This collection includes meeting minutes, manuals, and correspondence for the South
Dakota Townsend Club.
TITLE
Harold Mason Papers
ID NUMBER
2013.11
YEAR
1918-1921
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Corporal Harold Mason, E Company 58th Infantry, died on July 21, 1918 due to wounds sustained in the second
battle of Marne, during WWI. The Harold Mason Post No. 15, named after him as he was the first person from
Sioux Falls to be killed in action during WWI, was the first American Legion post in Sioux Falls. He is buried at
Woodlawn Cemetery. Included in this collection are a telegram to his mother announcing his death, history of the
Harold Mason Post No. 15, newspaper clippings, correspondence from Harold to his family during the war, a
memorial program, and an American Flag.
TITLE
Sioux Falls Business & Professional Women
ID NUMBER
2013.29.13
YEAR
1924-1994
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Sioux Falls Business & Professional Women, Inc. of Sioux Falls was the first national organization in the world
created by and for business and professional women. It was established in July, 1919 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan,
nonsectarian, and self-governing organization. This collection includes photographs, newspapers, scrapbooks,
ribbons, booklets, programs, and yearbooks.
TITLE
C. A. Christopherson Papers
ID NUMBER
2013.42
YEAR
1894-1964
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Charles A. Christopherson (1871-1951) was admitted to the bar in 1893 and started his practice in Sioux Falls at the
Joe Kirby law office. Christopherson was active in local issues; he was an elected member of the Board of Education
of Sioux Falls from 1908–1918 and was President of it from 1911-1915. He also served as president of the board of
directors of the Union Savings Association. In 1912, he was elected as a Republican to the South Dakota House of Representatives, and he served as Speaker of the House beginning in 1915. In 1918, Christopherson ran for and won the state seat in the United States House of Representatives. He was re-elected every term until 1932 (for a total of seven). Christopherson ran again for office in 1934 but lost. Christopherson married Abbie M. Deyoe (1871-1952) in 1897. They had two children: Wanda M. and Charles A. Christopherson. This collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, and other materials relating to Charles Christopherson, his career as a lawyer and politician, and his family, including his daughter Wanda Christopherson, who died at the age of 8 in 1916, and his son Charles A. Christopherson.
TITLE
History Club Yearbooks/Papers
ID NUMBER
2013.44.1
YEAR
1898-2003
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The History Club was organized in 1879 in Sioux Falls and joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1892.
The club would meet at various members homes and public buildings until Mrs. Winona Lyon gave the lot where
the current club house now resides, 758 S. Phillips Ave. This collection contains 73 Ladies’ History Club Yearbooks
from 1898 to 2003. Yearbooks include member lists, club by-laws, and lists of programs for the year.
TITLE
Sechser Family Papers
ID NUMBER
2015.29.24
YEAR
1940-2004
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Sechser family farm was a 160-acre farm, located in the south-central part of section 24 of Benton Township,
Minnehaha County. The farm was owned by Nicholas Sechser around 1940 and later passed to his son, Francis L.
Sechser. Items in this collection include farm-related advertisements, receipts, and notebooks; funeral programs
for Agnes and Francis Sechser and Anna Schmidt, some greeting cards, South and North Dakota road maps, and
bulletins from St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
TITLE
Hazel O’Conner Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.5
YEAR
1903-1985
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Hazel O’Connor was a huge supporter of the preservation of historic buildings in Sioux Falls. She was involved in
many women’s groups throughout her lifetime as well as many other civic organizations, holding leadership roles
at different points in her lifetime. She lived her entire life at 901 S. Cleveland Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD. She was
married to Joseph O’Connor in June, 1926. They had three children, Mary Louise Farias, Michael Joseph O’Connor,
and Elsie Ann Beck. She received many awards in her lifetime, including being named “Exemplary Mother of the
Sioux Empire” by the Chamber of Commerce in 1957 and “Citizen of the Week” by the Argus Leader in 1963. The
Sioux Falls Cosmopolitan Club awarded her the “Distinguished Service Award” in 1972. Joseph O’Connor died in
March, 1962, and Hazel passed away on April 18, 1985 at the age of 87. The contents include school records,
Valentine’s cards, certificates and correspondence and papers concerning all the clubs and organizations she was
involved in including: Minnehaha County Chapter of the Red Cross, Sioux Falls High School Foundation, United
Brotherhood Council, Salvation Army Board, City Beautification Committee, Women’s Club Board of Directors,
Order of the Eastern Star, Minnehaha County Historical Society, President of La Sertoma Club, President of History
Club of Sioux Falls, President of Whittier P.T.A., President of City Federation of Woman’s Clubs, President of First
Baptist Sunday School, Crippled Children’s Hospital and School Auxiliary, McCrossan Boys Ranch Auxiliary, Editor
and Manager of South Dakota Club Women, Member of Toastmistresses, President Lady Ikes, and Ladies Chapter
of the Sioux Falls Izaak Walton League of America.
TITLE
Old Settler’s Assn.
ID NUMBER
2013.50.6
YEAR
1889-1958
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Records from the Old Settlers Association, sometimes referred to as the Early Settlers Association. The collections
contains a minute book, secretary’s book, and treasurer’s book from the association as well as letter files.
TITLE
Orpha Buck Weber Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.7
YEAR
1883-1984
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Orpha Buck Weber was a longtime resident of Sioux Falls and a 50-year member of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Her father, Dr. E. R. Buck was an early physician in Sioux Falls. This collection consists of various items
collected by Orpha Buck Weber during her lifetime. This collection includes correspondence from 1908-1980,
letters Paul Weber wrote to her during their courtship, letters written by her sister, Minnie Buck, who died
suddenly of meningitis in 1935, genealogy and research about the Buck family history, certificates and
membership cards, ephemera concerning Paul and Orpha Weber’s 50th Wedding Celebration, Christmas letters
sent out by Orpha and Paul from 1953-1982 detailing their lives in Sioux Falls, a history of her membership with
the DAR, and other memorabilia concerning the Buck and Weber families.
TITLE
Joseph Nelson Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.9
YEAR
1918-1960
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Joseph S. Nelson was from Plainview, Minnesota where he operated a furniture and undertaking business. He
came to Sioux Falls in 1904 and he bought Mayor Burnside’s undertaking business, which he consolidated with
Miller Funeral Home to form the Miller-Nelson Co. where he worked until 1914 as secretary. He then entered the
real estate business where he built and sold houses in the “East Side” of Sioux Falls. He ran an unsuccessful bid for
Clerk of Courts in 1918. This collection mainly contains newspaper clippings pertaining to Joseph S. Nelson’s time
as a city commissioner for the city of Sioux Falls from 1926 to 1946. He was elected to his first term in 1926,
second term in 1931, third term in 1936 and his fourth term in 1941. He ran for a fifth term in 1946 but lost. He
acted as Water Commissioner and most of the articles are about city utility issues and also about election and poll
results for himself, other commissioners, and the mayor during his tenure in office. He was also involved in the
development and design of Drake Pool and features at Terrace Park. He was acting mayor in 1942 after the death
of Mayor John T. McKee but before the election in November of 1942 when C. M. Whitfield became mayor. He
was born in 1877 and died in 1968; and Nelson Park is named for him.
TITLE
A. G. Erskine
ID NUMBER
2013.50.10
YEAR
1914-1947
SCOPE AND CONTENT
A. G. Erskine was an auctioneer in Sioux Falls, and this collection consists primarily of his financial journals and
pocket diaries.
TITLE
West Sioux Falls Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.11, 14
YEAR
1928-1991
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Reverend Dr. Clayton F. Smith spent many years researching the history of West Sioux Falls where he was born
and raised. He published a book “The West Sioux Story” in 1987. This collection contains materials relating to that
research including audio interviews, drafts of the book, report cards, photographs, brochures, letters, and
newspaper clippings.
TITLE
Clayton F. Smith Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.13
YEAR
1921-2003
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Reverend Dr. Clayton F. Smith was born and raised in West Sioux Falls. He spent many years in his retirement
researching local history. The majority of the collection consists of research papers written by Smith and presented
at the Dakota History Conference including the topics of farm auctions, aviation and Charles A. Lindbergh, music,
Brockhouse Collection at the Great Plains Zoo, Wall Lake, Agriculture in the 1920s, Meredith School, and the
history of West Sioux Falls. Included in the collection are correspondence, Sioux Falls Coliseum programs,
miscellaneous programs, calendars, photocopies of papers presented, and research notes.
TITLE
Harvey Loffer Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.15
YEAR
1913-1937
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Harvey I. Loffer was an attorney in Sioux Falls. He had an office in the Boyce Greeley building. He became a circuit
judge in 1924. Most of the documents contained in this collections are letters sent by Mr. Loffer and letters
received by him in the year 1924. Most of the letters are concerning payment of funds owed. He did probate for
estates so many are concerning estate bills and inheritance bills. This collection also contains many receipts or paid
bills for various businesses in Sioux Falls from the years 1913-1924, and one from 1937.
TITLE
Soren Olson Collection
ID NUMBER
2013.50.16
YEAR
1919-1956
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains documents relating to the Soren Olson family. The documents include correspondence,
greeting cards, invitations, birth announcements, and Yankton State Hospital letters. The Soren Olson family lived
in Dell Rapids, SD. Many of the correspondence in 1931 are from Christina Hendrickson, who was voluntarily
admitted to the Yankton State Hospital. These letters are to her brother Soren asking to be released from the
hospital. These letters also describe her time at the hospital. From at least 1951-1952 Ella Olson, Soren’s daughter
was also at the Yankton State Hospital in Yankton, SD. She died there in the fall of 1952.
TITLE
Colton History Files
ID NUMBER
2014.44.1
YEAR
1860s to 2000s
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection consists of early Colton, South Dakota, pioneer records pertaining to several families of Taopi
Township including the founders of Colton, John Edward Colton and Paulina Colton. Records include family
histories, photographs, warranty deeds, railroad information, plat maps, and “Colton Courier” newspaper articles.
Included, too, are school and church records.
TITLE
Joyland Park and Casey’s Steam Railroad Collection
ID NUMBER
2015.46.1
YEAR
1948-1973
SCOPE AND CONTENT
In 1950, Gene Scribner bought land in the Smith Addition near the corner of 33rd Street and Duluth Avenue for
Joyland Park and Casey’s Steam Railroad from Charles P. Dunning. Joyland Park opened July 15, 1951. In 1955,
Scribner bought more land on Smith Addition from the Dunning Estate to expand Joyland Park. In 1963, the park
closed and Scribner sold the equipment from Joyland Park to C. Burdette Melloon for $15,000. Melloon operated
the park as Lollipop Park for the next ten years. In 1971-73, Scribner sold the land where Joyland Park was located.
Records from this collection include biographic information, correspondence, advertising materials, track layout,
newspaper clippings, contracts, business cards, sale agreements, tax documents, time books, account books, and
tickets.
TITLE
J. L. Scherer Papers
ID NUMBER
2016.15.1
YEAR
1917-1944
SCOPE AND CONTENT
J. L. Scherer was a farmer who sold livestock and was from Hartford, SD. J. L. Scherer was married to Sarah
Schlieman and had three children, Alice Ethel, Leo, and Bethel. Included in the collection are account statements,
invoices, correspondence, school notes, and WWII maps of the Scherer family of Hartford, SD.
TITLE
Black Family Papers
ID NUMBER
2016.15.2
YEAR
1945-1974
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Black family farmed west of Madison, SD near Junius, SD in Lake County. These documents relate to Harold or
Franklin (son) Black including reciepts, record books, and programs and pamphlets about various organizations in
or around Sioux Falls. The reciepts in this collection are businesses in Sioux Falls where the Black family conducted
business.
TITLE
Jewel Peterson Papers
ID NUMBER
2016.41.6
YEAR
1946-1949
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Jewel Peterson Halladay was a teacher at the Radio Training School in Sioux Falls at the Army Air Technical School
from 1942-1945. After the war, she taught at the Escola Tecnica de Aviacao of the Air Ministry in Sao Paulo, Brazil
for one year. The letters document her life for that year and she reports in them in a diary like style, writing to her
sisters about her everyday activities. She documents her apartment life, meeting friends, going dancing, asking her
family to send her items and learning Portuguese so she can teach at the school in Sao Paulo.
TITLE
Northlander Restaurant Collection
ID NUMBER
2016.44.1
YEAR
1978-1988
SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Northlander restaurant opened in Sioux Falls in 1978 and was first owned by Tim Engen and Phil Froehlich.
The restaurant changed owners in 1987 and closed around 1991. By 1984, the Northlander Ltd. had added
additional restaurants including O’Garrity in Sioux City, the Pyrenees in Rapid City, and the Brown Bag Express in
Rapid City. The collection contains documents relating to the running of the restaurant including manuals for
employees, prep cooks, hostesses, and cooks. Also included are menus, recipes, and newspaper clippings about
the Northlander Restaurant.
TITLE
Daily Argus Leader
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
January 1887 to December 1916
TITLE
Argus Leader
ID NUMBER
R2014.7
YEAR
1900-1976
TITLE
Celestial Empire
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
December 1897 to September 1913, Jan. 1904 to June
1925
TITLE
Dakota Bell
ID NUMBER
1995.10.12
YEAR
April 16, 1887 and August 27, 1887
TITLE
Durand Patriot (Winnebago Co. IL)
YEAR
1875-1879
TITLE
Illustrated London News
YEAR
July 21, 1888 to December 1888
TITLE
Illustrated News (New York)
YEAR
January 1853 to November 1853
TITLE
Orange and Black, Washington High School
YEAR
1964-1989
TITLE
Polar Tech
YEAR
1942-1945
TITLE
St. Louis Globe Democrat
YEAR
July 6-10, 1904
TITLE
St. Louis Republic
YEAR
July 7-10, 1904
TITLE
Salt Lake Tribune
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
January 1905 to March 22nd 1906
TITLE
Sioux Falls Daily Press
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
March 1895 to July 1898; Dec 1898 to November 1915
TITLE
Sioux Falls Press and Sioux Falls Daily Press
ID NUMBER
R2014.8
YEAR
1900-1928
TITLE
The Stars & Stripes
YEAR
February 8, 1918 to June 13, 1919
TITLE
Washington Post 1926.1
YEAR
January 1897 to October 1914
TITLE
Weekly Springfield Republican
YEAR
September 1900 to August 1910
TITLE
Baltic Beacon
ID NUMBER
2017.58.1
YEAR
1934-2007
TITLE
Brandon Valley Challenger
ID NUMBER
2017.58.2
YEAR
various years from 1993 to 2006
TITLE
Garretson Weekly
ID NUMBER
2017.58.3
YEAR
1985, 2002, and 2008
TITLE
Tea Harrisburg Champion
ID NUMBER
2017.58.4
YEAR
2006
TITLE
Sioux Falls Suburban News
ID NUMBER
2017.58.5
YEAR
1969
TITLE
Dell Rapids Times, Dell Rapids Tribune, Dell Rapids Times-Tribune
ID NUMBER
2017.58.6
YEAR
1885-2012
TITLE
Dell Rapids Exponent, Dell Rapids Journal, Sioux Falls Journal
ID NUMBER
2017.58.7
YEAR
1879-1888
TITLE
Colton Courier
ID NUMBER
2017.58.8
YEAR
1903
TITLE
Dell Rapids Exponent
ID NUMBER
2017.58.9
YEAR
February 4, 1888
TITLE
Hartford Herald.
ID NUMBER
2010.32.2
YEAR
various years from 1914-1986
TITLE
Harford Area News
ID NUMBER
2010.32.3
YEAR
various years from 1985-2010
TITLE
Trojan Tribune, West Central School
ID NUMBER
2010.32.4
YEAR
various years
TITLE
City of Sioux Falls, City Records
YEAR
1877-1931
TITLE
City of Sioux Falls, Minute Books
YEAR
1931-1982
TITLE
Town Board of South Sioux Falls Minutes
ID NUMBER
1996.23.43-48
YEAR
March 4, 1890 to December 1955
TITLE
Register, Auditor’s Reception, South Sioux Falls
ID NUMBER
1996.23.49-51
YEAR
1938-1955
TITLE
Congressional Globe & Appendices
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
1874-1926
TITLE
Congressional Records
ID NUMBER
1926.1
YEAR
1874-1926
TITLE
Golden Days for Boys and Girls Magazine
ID NUMBER
1995.10.11
YEAR
December 1881 to December 1882