Frank H. Dickinson Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 969

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Dickinson collection contains mainly correspondence as well as various business, tax and legal material of both Frank H. Dickinson and his son, Dean. The Correspondence Series is arranged chronologically. It is mostly personal, the early letters mainly to Mrs. Dickinson, with some business correspondence. The series has numerous gaps. Of note are letters from L.B. Hanna, his brother Robert Dickinson and Edward G. Clapp. Also included, are a number of letters from Philadelphia during the 1876 Centennial Exposition and one from a soldier stationed in the Philippines (1901). The Subject File Series includes mainly business and financial records. Among the business records are a time book, book of accounts, farm diary, and the letterpress book. The financial records include contracts, mortgages, insurance, land receipts, bank records, and federal farm programs. Other items of interest are an El Zagal souvenir booklet of June 7, 1905, Mr. Dickinson’s dealings in the Great Northern Copper Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, various inventions of Dean Dickinson, the price catalog of taxidermist W. H. Williams of Grafton, N.D., and several pamphlets of the United Work Campaign of 1918.

Dates

1870-1947

Creator

Dickinson, Frank H., 1857-1923. (Person)

Access

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

Copyrights

The Institute does not hold the copyrights.

Biography

Frank H. Dickinson was born December 12, 1857 at Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of John W. and Cynthia Ann (Stiles) Dickinson who were originally from New York. Frank Dickinson received his education at district schools and the Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. He taught school for two winter terms in Michigan and in 1880 he came to North Dakota. During his first year he was a store clerk in Fargo. In 1881 he returned to Michigan and married Ida V. Chilson. Following their marriage, they returned to North Dakota and settled at Tower City where Mr. Dickinson operated a store. In 1883 he helped found the city of Ayr, which he named. He was the first station agent at Ayr, established the first grain elevator and engaged in merchandising for 21 years. In the 1890’s he started the Ayr Store, Co., but later sold it, devoting his time to his land sales. Mr. Dickinson also served as postmaster, township clerk, and was a member of the 1902 North Dakota Legislature. Mr. Dickinson was active in the Red Cross, Liberty Bond project, and the Masonic fraternity at Page, Casselton, and Fargo. Mr. & Mrs. Dickinson had three children; Maude (Mrs. A.L. Bayley), Vern and Dean. Mr. Dickinson died August 20, 1923 and Mrs. Dickinson on May 20, 1932. They are buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet (0.8 linear feet.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Store owner at Ayr, ND who devoted his time to land sales.

Provenance

Donated by Roy Fought, Absaraka, North Dakota, 1958 (Acc. 969).

Separation Record

The following non-manuscript items were removed from the Frank H. Dickinson Family Papers and have been sent to the sections indicated. Photographs (Institute photograph collection)

8 items. Frank H. Dickinson and family, and farm home, Willow Glen. Broadsides (Institute broadside collection)

2 United War Work Campaign of World War I