Biographical material, and Finding aid
File — Box: 1, Folder: 1
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Ole A. Olson Papers consist of his autobiography, several poems by himself and others, and his manuscript, "One Day on a Territorial Homestead."
The Autobiography Series contains a detailed account of Mr. Olson's life beginning with his parents in Norway and ending in 1968. It is the original typescript copy running about 230 pages (there are no pages 52-61). He began writing the autobiography in 1965 and gives a very detailed, chronological history of his life. He compiled a chronological index to subjects concerned in the work which is helpful to date events as well as finding various subjects. He also included numerous poems written by himself for which there is a separate index. The autobiography is a very good account of life in Norway, pioneer life, homesteading in Montana, his employment history, travelogues, and the illness and death of his wife.
The Subject Files Series contains two files of poems. The Miscellaneous File includes "Farmin' in Dakota," by Mortimer C. Brown, and "Old, Gone Forever Days," by William Mikkelson. The file of poems by Mr. Olson includes, "A Big Christmas- 1887," "Fifty Years in Dakota," "To Those who plowed with a walking plow," and "Four Score and Ten." "One Day on a Territorial Homestead" is a 27 page typed story by Mr. Olson. Although he fictionalized the names of the characters, it is a true story of his parents, himself and his brother and sister. It takes place during a blizzard in January 1888 on their homestead in South Dakota. It documents the hardships of the family during a blizzard but the main theme is the resentment of Mrs. Andreas Olson for their coming to America to a region which the Indians didn't even want. It concludes with her realizing the treasure she had in her husband and family.
Dates
- 1950-1968.
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: .2 Linear Feet (.2 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Olson, Ole A., 1878-1980? (Person)
- From the Collection: Brown, Mortimer C. (Person)
- From the Collection: Mikkelson, William. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu