1932, January-June
File — Box: 1, Folder: 5
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Steven G. Downing Papers consist of correspondence, several interviews and various Subject Files related mainly to financial matters.
The Correspondence Series is arranged chronologically covering the period 1917 to 1950 with the most complete section being the 1930s and into the 1940s. The correspondence, which is almost entirely incoming, is family related. It includes letters from various Downing relatives from back East, his two sons, Jerome and Wellington, and the greatest portion with his foster-sister, Mrs. Davenport (Winnifred) Galbraith. The correspondence of Mrs. Galbraith concerns almost exclusively her financial problems in relation to the Downing Farm, and is good for a study of the 1930s. Unfortunately, almost all of Mrs. Galbraith’s correspondence is undated. It is quite clear throughout all of the correspondence that Mr. Downing had personal financial problems. Also of note, are numerous letters from Mr. Downing’s son Wellington as a young boy and during World War II while serving in the United States Navy.
The Interview Series contains written transcripts of interviews, done by Leonard Sackett, of Mr. Downing, his foster-brother Fred, and his former wife Linda, (then Mrs. Perrington). The interview with Mr. S.G. Downing is quite extensive (39 pages) covering mainly his life in North Dakota with some mention of the Downing family in Erie, Pennsylvania. The interview with Mrs. Pennington is quite short concerning mainly the period she was married to Mr. Downing. This interview also includes some notes from a conversation with a Mrs. Robert Lowe of Fargo.
The Subject Files Series contains a variety of material, mainly financial. There are collection agency receipts for the period 1945 to 1948; various inventories for the Downing Farm including cattle, horses, machinery, buildings, and grain (two of which are dated 1931 and 1932); miscellaneous insurance receipts, and various expense lists; and various personal property receipts of Mr. Downing for Cass and La Moure counties. The notes on Mr. Downing by Leonard Sackett are a personal observation of the man, as recorded in 1953.
Dates
- 1888-1957.
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: .4 Linear Feet (.4 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Downing, Steven Gerard, 1874-1957. (Person)
- From the Collection: Downing, Fred. (Person)
- From the Collection: Sackett, Leonard, 1901-1971. (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