Charles Losk Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 76

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Charles Losk Papers consists entirely of a photocopy of Mr. Losk's handwritten reminiscence complied in 1947/48 and covering the period from 1905 to 1947. It was hand printed in a 1948 diary and is 375 pages in length. Mr. Losk wrote on the top of some pages a summary phrase describing the contents on that particular page. These headings have been transcribed into a ‘table of contents’ that is available in folder one with the finding aid.

The Reminiscence Series contains is a very good, detailed account of the experiences of a Jewish immigrant group coming to America and particularly North Dakota. He describes life in Russia, the reasons for leaving, the journey to Anamoose, North Dakota and then on to Williston and homesteading in McKenzie County. He documents not only his life but of all who were in the group and how they worked closely together. Mr. Losk either had a very good memory or had personal papers from which to compile the reminiscence. The first 203 pages cover up to their departure from Watford City, North Dakota. The remainder deals mainly with an extensive trip Mr. and Mrs. Losk made to the West Coast and the Southwest.

Dates

1905-1947

Creator

Losk, Charles. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

The Institute does not own the copyrights.

Biography

Charles Losk was born June 10, 1885 in the village of Baranow, Russia, located near Odessa, the son of Noha Tochilosky and Zupnick. In 1906, Mr. Losk along with his brothers and sisters immigrated to the United States coming to friends at Anamoose, N.D. Staying only a short time there, they all went to Williston and homesteaded south of the Missouri in McKenzie County. Mr. Losk also worked for the railroad in Williston during the winter. On March 26, 1913 he married Rose Kremenetsky of Wing, North Dakota. They lived in Williston for a year until moving to Watford City, North Dakota and opened a clothing store. Business expanded and there they raised their family of four children. Mr. Losk took an active part in community and city affairs serving as an alderman, mayor and president of the Association of Commerce. In 1946 they sold their business and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and later to Burlingame, California where they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1963. Mr. Losk died in Illinois in March 1971.