Joanna Randolph Kelley Hollister Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 4

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Joanna Hollister Papers is a very small collection of material documenting only the highlights of her life. The correspondence is only scattered letters including letters of introduction by Governor John Burke (1908), Governor R.A. Nestos (1921) and Senator Edwin F. Ladd (1921); and a letter from James J. Hill concerning the purebred bull she received from him. The Subject Files Series contain miscellaneous documents from Mrs. Hollister's life. The main documentary material on her accomplishments is contained in the two folders of scrapbook pages. They include numerous newspaper and magazine articles on her work as well as some photographs and letters.

Dates

1908-1955

Creator

Hollister, Joanna Randolph Kelley, 1870-1955. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

The NDSU Archives does not own the copyrights.

Biography

Joanna Randolph was born at Emporia, Kansas on December 5, 1870, the daughter of J.V. and Anna M. (Watson) Randolph. She grew up on a farm and attended the Emporia Teacher's College. Thereafter, she taught in the public schools of Emporia and the State School for the Deaf at Olathe, Kansas. In 1896 she moved to Devils Lake, N.D. where she taught at the State School for the Deaf. On April 29, 1897 she married widower Clark W. Kelley, the prominent Devils Lake merchant, farmer and mayor. Mr. Kelley was born July 6, 1853 at Theresa, New York, the son of James W. and Isabelle J. (Welch) Kelley.

Mrs. Kelley was very active in cultural and agricultural pursuits. She helped organize the first woman's club in Devils Lake, serving as its first president. In addition she held office in the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She and her husband were also active in all civic projects and social activities. Mrs. Kelley began to manage the farm shortly after their marriage which Mr. Kelley owned near Devils Lake. It became a showpiece for the state of North Dakota and received national publicity. The farm, called Beach Place, became known for its landscaping, ultra-modern home, experimenting with alfalfa, White Dent corn, Yorkshire swine, Shorthorn cattle, as well as poultry, geese and turkey.

In connection with agricultural interests, Mrs. Kelley involved herself with local, state and national agricultural organizations. She helped form and was the first president of the Lake Region Poultry Association; president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Tri-State Grain Growers Association; president of the Potato Growers Association of Ramsey County; and a member of the Improved Seed Growers Association, and the North Dakota Purebred Association. She also attended various national Dry Farming Congresses and was elected vice-president of the International Congress of Farm Women. Although chosen, she was unable to attend the International Congress of Farm Women in 1913 in Belgium. Later in 1913 she was elected president of the Farm Women's Congress of America and was re-elected vicepresident of the International Congress of Farm Women. Articles on her work as a farm and the "wealthiest woman farmer in North Dakota" appeared throughout the country.

Due to Mr. Kelley's failing health, they moved to Tampa, Florida where he died on November 2, 1921. Mrs. Kelley continued to live in Tampa being very active in local civic and social work. On February 22, 1924 she married George H. Hollister of Fargo, N.D. He was born at North Montpelier, Vermont on May 25, 1867, the son of J. E. and Lucy A. Hollister. Mr. Hollister, a widower, was vice-president of Northern Trust Company and long time friend and associate of the Kelley's. They continued to reside in Tampa where Mr. Hollister died on August 12, 1944 and Mrs. Hollister on September 1, 1955.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (0.1 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Mrs. Hollister was a Devils Lake, North Dakota farmer and activist. The collection contains some letters, wedding announcement, memorial pamphlet for husband Clark W. Kelley, passport, and pages from scrapbook documenting her farming career and organization involvement.

Provenance

Donated by Mrs. Hollister, 1954 (Accession 202).

Separation Record

The following non-manuscript material has been removed from the Joanna Hollister Papers and sent to the section indicated:

Photographs (Photo 435)

38 items—Scenes of Beach Place, farm activities, Mrs. Hollister, Mr. Hollister, and Northern Trust Company building in Fargo.