Walter Dunning Powell Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 244

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Walter D. Powell Papers contain three series: Correspondence, Manuscripts and Subject files. Arranged chronologically, the Correspondence Series deals mainly with Mr. Powell's interest in history, and is both incoming and outgoing. Included is correspondence with Charles Haas, John Davis, Hjalmar Holand, Martin Kavanaugh, Rev. D'Eschombault of St. Boniface College, Orlin Oium, Esther Burnett Horne, Harry Lynn, Roy Johnson, the St. Louis Library, and the Alexandria, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (1937-1958).

In the Manuscripts Series are numerous works on explorers including Alexander Henry, David Thompson, Lewis and Clark, and La Verendrye. There are also writings on Sakakawea, and a great deal on the Mandan Indians and their connections with La Verendrye (1738) and the Vikings (1362). There is his unpublished manuscript, The Master, which is a history of the Earth.

The Subject Files Series includes a quite a number of booklets, programs, and articles related to his historical research. There are articles on the rock, jasper, and copper artifacts among the Indians, a description of a trip east in 1947, and on a visit to Sioux City, South Dakota (1947). Also included is a story on Fort Yates, and a radio address on behalf of the Retail Merchant's Association. In the subject files is a 1901 copy of the Wisconsin Archaeologist concerning Indian artifacts, and also booklets, The Story of Mario's Pass and San Francisco. Some booklets on explorers include Hudson Bay to the Blackfoot Country about Anthony Hendry and Andrew Cocking, Wearing the Crown of Thorns in Trois-Rivieres, about Canadian explorers, The Verendrye Overland Quest of the Pacific, A Glance at the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Some Verendrye Enigmas by Orin G. Libby. There is also a copy of the Minnesota Archaelogist with articles on La Verendrye (1936), including one by Powell. There are some notebooks on explorations, items concerning North Dakota Retail Merchants, including a bill, pamphlets and articles concerning business, a patent on an automobile tag system (1923), and some hand drawn maps on La Verendrye's explorations. The political material includes a 1929 speech to the Legislature by Gov. Shafer and items on the 1952 presidential election. There are also newspaper clippings concerning La Verendrye, the Mandan Villages, Sakakawea, and Gen. Custer.

Dates

1901-1959.

Creator

Powell, Walter Dunning, 1869-1959. (Person)

Access

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

Copyrights

Copyrights to this collection are not held by the NDSU Archives.

Biographical sketch

Walter Dunning Powell was born at Vinton, Iowa, April 14, 1869. His family moved to Dakota Territory in 1883 and in 1900 Mr. Powell moved to Casselton, North Dakota. In 1905 he went to Fargo where he had an insurance business and then in 1915 to Jud, North Dakota where he established a store, later becoming a shoe salesman. In 1924 he was elected secretary of the North Dakota Retail Merchants Association, a post he held 15 years. He served as chairman of the legislative committee of United Commercial Travelers and in this role developed the Absentee Voter's Measure which was adopted by most states. For this achievement, the Fargo Council of United Commercial Travelers made him an honorary member. In 1923 he was given a patent on an automobile tag he invented. Mr. Powell was very interested in early history and archaeology and in May 1936, discovered a Mandan Village near Menoken, believed to be that visited by La Verendrye in 1738. This site is now a state park. He also discovered a fortified village 40 miles west of Fargo, at Maple Creek, believed to be of Mandan Indians.

Mr. Powell was married in Chicago in 1894 or 1895 to Maggie DeBus, born December 2, 1871 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. They had 3 children, Florence, Walter Jr., and Raymond. Mrs. Powell died October 9, 1942 and Mr. Powell died April 16, 1959. Both are buried in the Casselton Cemetery. Mr. Powell was a member of Shiloh Masonic Lodge, York Rite bodies and El Zagal Temple of the Shrine, of Fargo. He was also a member of the North Dakota State Historical Society since 1900.

Extent

.8 Linear Feet (.8 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Local businessman who moved to western North Dakota and was interested in archaeology and early history. He is credited with the discovery of a Mandan Indian Village near Menoken, N.D. that is believed to have been visited by La Verendrye in 1738.

Provenance

Donated by Mrs. Florence (Powell) Wellhausen, 1969 (Acc. 1730).

Separated Materials - Books (Library book collection, consult catalog for call number and location.)

Warroad and the Lake of the Woods Area

The Sibley House 1835-1935, The One Hundredth Anniversary of the Sibley Homestead, 1935

The Autobiography of an Engine (The Willian Crooks).

Pierre Gaultier Varennes, sieur de La Verendrye; the discovery of the Rocky Mountains, 1933