West Duluth; Duluth Zoo murals; interior of main zoo building; most of the buildings were constructed in 1927 including the primate house, aviary, and pheasant house; mural leaf forms; radiators; people; gumball machines; light fixtures suspended from ceiling; murals are by Arne Edgar Nybak; Minnesota Art Project Work Projects Administration; WPA
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
This Sound Clip highlights the WPA and all the good that came out of this program. The Roseau County Historical Society prepared this radio script to share county history through broadcasts on KJ102 FM in Roseau. The topics highlight the history of Roseau County and the people that lived there.
This sound clip highlights the lives of John and Clara Morehouse who were one of the Sandridge Settler families. The Roseau County Historical Society prepared this radio script to share county history through broadcasts on KJ102 FM in Roseau. The topics highlight the history of Roseau County and the people that lived there.
This sound clip highlights the history of the Harold Lian family immigrating from Norway and life in America the first 23 years. The Roseau County Historical Society prepared this radio script to share county history through broadcasts on KJ102 FM in Roseau. The topics highlight the history of Roseau County and the people that lived there.
This sound clip highlights Gust Nyquist, an amazing entrepreneur with only 3 years of formal education. The Roseau County Historical Society prepared this radio script to share county history through broadcasts on KJ102 FM in Roseau. The topics highlight the history of Roseau County and the people that lived there.
Marie Ehrenberg was living in hospice care in St. Charles and her last wish was to visit Whitewater State Park. She shares about growing up on a farm in the area and her memories of spending time at the park with her father. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mille Lacs Ojibwe elder Naawigiizis (Jim Clark) is speaking Ojibwe, his first language, in an interview for a television documentary on the history and culture of Lake Superior Anishinaabe. He worked for Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis from 1953, in purchasing and into a warehouse firm distributing to hospitals. Mr. Clark states about the Spirit: I wonder if he will listen to us when we are speaking a different language, when we use the white man's language.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library, University Archives
In an oral history, Carl Byers describes his early work as a lumberjack, working for the WPA during the depression, his dealings with Indians, and returning to the logging industry.
In an oral history, Mrs. Emily Cline describes her family coming to Crow Wing County in 1896, her life as a youngster in the Pequot Lakes area, and job working at a resort during the Depression, where she met several Hollywood movie stars.
In an oral history, Mrs. Ed (Jessie) Berg describes her family coming to Crow Wing County, her experiences as a teacher starting in 1903, her husband's work, and her thoughts on various historical events.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 30, 1979, Marcus Erickson detailed his family history and educational background. Erickson discussed his father's receiving a job with Pan Motor Company as their reason for moving to St. Cloud, though the company later folded as a result of the owner going to jail. He described his family was somewhat poor, so the decision to attend St. Cloud State was a natural choice, since it was affordable and would allow him to live at home. He also detailed his reasons for becoming a teacher. After graduating from St. Cloud's Technical (Tech) High School in 1932, he attended St. Cloud State with help from the National Youth Administration (NYA), a New Deal program that allowed students to take part in work study programs. If not for the NYA, Erickson would not have been able to finish college. He also discussed several important teachers to him, including Evelyn Pribble. Erickson claimed that the teachers were very strict, but only because they knew the students were there to learn. He also addressed some of the extracurricular and social activities he was involved in at St. Cloud State, including band and the Camera Club, as well as the demographics of the school. Erickson graduate in 1936 with a bachelor's degree. After graduation, he received teaching jobs in Remer and Brainerd, Minnesota, before he began working with the Army Air Force Program. Here he helped develop a program that would help correct improper weight and balance in airplanes. This program was later moved to Yale, where Erickson was able to receive his master's degree in Education. He also received a master's degree in Science from the University of Michigan. He then moved to California, where he taught until 1956, when he began working with the California Teachers Association. He remained in California and eventually retired. Erickson talked about his career after graduating from St. Cloud State, and also reflected on the ways in which the University prepared him for his career and other aspects of his life. He also discussed his memories of how the Depression affected the school and the people around him. Overall, he claimed that St. Cloud State was a strict but friendly school that prepared him wonderfully for a career as a teacher.
Peg Bauernfeind is an author who discovered the Whitewater Valley after living near the park for more than 30 years. She shares the history of the Whitewater Valley from her book titled, ""Return to Backyard Canyon."" The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Volume 3, Number 47, Issue 151. Focus Point was published and edited by Craig Lindahl-Urben. It included articles of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) communities of Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Topics included news, events, politics, entertainment, and the arts. Many of these stories were not covered by the mainstream press in Minnesota.
In this oral history by David H. Overy, Carl F. VanderHaar details his service experiences in the Minnesota National Guard and U.S. Army from 1931 to 1952. VonderHaar was born in Albertville, Minnesota on June 21, 1913, and was raised in Little Falls where he spent his adult life. His service includes early surveying and construction at Camp Ripley, motor repair during World War II, and later quartermaster duties in both World War 2 and Korea. VonderHaar served overseas in Ireland, Africa, France, and the Philippines. In Minnesota, he ran several successful businesses between his terms of military service. VonderHaar also discusses Japanese internment, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The father of four he died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 100 in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Dave Palmquist shares about his 38-year career as a naturalist at Whitewater State Park. His wife, Kathy Palmquist, shares about her experiences as a school teacher bringing students to Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history given on February 13, 1975, Ruth M. Alexander relates her family history, her experiences as a teacher, and dealing with rationing during World War II.
Mike's family has lived in the Whitewater Valley since 1890. Mike shared memories growing up in the valley and the family business at Mauer Brothers Tavern in Elba, Minnesota.
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University librarians Norman Clarke and Lawrence Busse on February 14, 1974, February 25, 1975, November 26, 1975, and February 18, 1976, Harvey Waugh discussed his family background and a wide range of topics related to St. Cloud State. Born in Clarksville, Iowa, in 1902, Waugh worked at the Iowa State Teacher's College before offered a position at St. Cloud State by President George Selke. Waugh described how different things were when he first came to St. Cloud State, and how there was a great lack of organization, of departments, and of staff, along with very poor buildings. Other faculty members are also discussed including presidents George Selke, Dudley Brainard, and George Budd, music faculty Helen Grime, Roger Barrett, and Helen Hulls, also Amy Dale of English, who wrote the lyrics of the school hymn which Waugh set to music. Waugh talked about the various buildings that were part of campus in his early years here. He discussed Eastman Hall, as well as the wonderful Christmas parties that were held in Shoemaker Hall, by invitation. Other aspects of campus living are touched upon, including Mrs. Alice Whitney's presence, being head of a men's dorm, and Quonset huts. He mentioned Selke's great oratorical ability, especially in convincing young people from the Iron Range to come to St. Cloud State. Waugh discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his reputation at the university. Waugh described the various programs and plays he helped produce during his time at St. Cloud State, from ""South Pacific"" to ""West Side Story."" He mentioned taking one of his productions, ""The Pajama Game,"" on a European tour in the 1960s. Waugh proudly said that the plays always had a full orchestra and that his choir was called upon to give performances at various conferences and prestigious events. The status of buildings around as well as the construction of new ones, are a frequent topic in the interviews. The plans and building of the current Performing Arts Center as well as his tri-collegiate choral group are mentioned in detail. Information relating to Stewart Hall's construction, the Kiehle library, the Old Main Building and having to share space with other departments is also referenced.
Elaine Holst shares information about how her grandparents homesteaded in the Whitewater Valley, the many floods she experienced, and the legacy of conservation farming she and her husband established. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
In an oral history, Vernon Davis, a local historian, discusses various topics such as people he has known, artifacts he'd found at the site of an old Northwest Trade Post, and logging camps.
Volume 3, number 3 of Minnesota Crafts Council (MCC) Craft Connection was published in June 1977 and is centered around jurying. Contents include profile of weaver Jean Stamsta; profile of tapestry designer and weaver Muriel Nezhnie Helfman; the process jurors follow to select pieces for the American Crafts Council's Museum of Contemporary Crafts; a summary of the slide jurying process for the Minnesota Crafts Festival; National Endowment for the Arts advisory panels; public funds and the Affiliated State Agencies of the Upper Midwest; the eligibility of crafts in applications for grant money; profile and workshop review of potter Harry Davis; and news about the Minnesota Crafts Festival.
Volume 3, Number 46, Issue 150. Focus Point was published and edited by Craig Lindahl-Urben. It included articles of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) communities of Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Topics included news, events, politics, entertainment, and the arts. Many of these stories were not covered by the mainstream press in Minnesota.
