Government Records
The publicity and promotion department worked to give the public a complete and balanced picture of Minnesota: its way of life, traditions, history, people, outstanding tourist facilities, and cultural, educational, and scientific achievements and potential. Under Publicity and Promotion Director Don Padilla, the department operated on two levels--state/regional and national/international. It was aided by a New York public relations firm, the Vernon Pope organization, and the USIA (United States Information Agency). There was also an advisory committee chaired by Ray Mithun.
The staff wrote and distributed more than 400 separate news stories; hosted 225 American and foreign news representatives; produced three Centennial calendars listing more than 200 events; co-developed a tourism book, 100 Years of Vacationland Fun, with the Department of Business Development; created and oversaw distribution of promotional booths and displays for local and national sports and travel shows and conventions; coordinated nearly 100 official Centennial souvenirs, including key chains, bumper and emblem stickers, stationery, and table memento cards; produced and promoted the slide film, "Everybody Ready? Let's Go!;" and worked with the National Press Photographers Association on its national convention in Minneapolis.
Besides coverage by almost every newspaper, television and radio station in the state, the Centennial was featured in numerous national and international newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programs including the actual airing of the TODAY Show and Queen for a Day from Minnesota; and was integrated into three major comic strips and Ripley's Believe It or Not cartoons.
The files are mainly those of Director Padilla, but also include materials of other Commission staff, most notably Thomas H. Swain and Virginia Huck, and of Vernon Pope and his staff. Divided into correspondence (1956-1959) and alphabetical subject files (1956-1958), they include letters, telegrams, interoffice memos, meeting notes, project lists, reports, minutes, press releases and press kits, certificates and proclamations, invitations, drafts and finished copies of promotional publications, clippings, progress reports, photographs, itineraries, planning materials, sample souvenirs, scripts, and other publicity materials.
The contents touch on every aspect of the Commission's programs and activities, including each of the statewide committees, Commission awards, display booths, calendar, publications, Miss Centennial Minnesota, Centennial Showboat and Train, Festival of Nations and International Exposition, music festival, progress reports, radio and television coverage, slide film, State Fair and Centennial Exposition, Statehood Week, historical tours, weather, television script contest, and the official Centennial song, stamp, emblem, floats, dancers, and slogan. Other topics covered in some detail include the Governor's 1957 goodwill tour to California, Minnesota Editorial Association and National Press Photographers Association conventions, Midwest Business Opportunities Exhibit and Centennial Achievement Display, the Floyd B. Olson and Maria L. Sanford statues, commemorative Red River Trail oxcart trek, the Shah of Iran's visit, the TODAY Show visit, and the Northwest Airlines, TWA, and Minneapolis Star Tribune's round the world air ambassador William Bevan.
These records are organized into the following sections:
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the
Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics,
persons or places should
Accession number(s): None, 425, 988-156; 2011-57
Catalog ID No.: 1738147
Covering all aspects of the Centennial, the files include letters, telegrams, interoffice memos, meeting notes, and project lists. Mainly kept by Don Padilla, there are also materials from Virginia Huck, Vernon Pope, and Thomas H. Swain.
Mainly information about production of the film An Agricultural Portrait; also documentation of the University of Minnesota's Farm and Home Week, the 40th Annual Jr. Livestock Show in South St. Paul, and details of the committee's activities and programs for use in the Commission's final report (November 14, 1958).
Minutes, reports, and information sheets, and reports on committee activities and projects for use in the Commission's final report (May, June 4, 1958).
Includes Honored Guest of the State of Minnesota, Honored Citizen of the State of Minnesota, Order of the North Star (paper and plastic), and Centennial Pioneer certificates, signed by Commission Chair Peter S. Popovich and Governor Orville L. Freeman. Also invitations to visit the state during the Centennial and to the Centennial Banquet (May 10, 1958).
Contains a listing of instate Centennial booth bookings (January-September 1958); correspondence with HAAS Display, Incorporated, concerning the design, construction, shipping, and set-up of the booth; and confirmation sheets and correspondence concerning booth bookings. Also correspondence with Kerker Peterson Hixon Hayes Inc. about the design and construction of a booth for out-of-state travel shows.
Mostly materials documenting the creation and disbursement of a Call to Action brochure, aimed specifically at ways businesses and organizations could take part in the Centennial. Includes estimates and correspondence with Kerker Peterson Hixon Hayes, Inc., a copy of the brochure, correspondence with the state's Business Development Department, and a letter sent to all Twin Cities advertising and public relations firms. Also a copy of a booklet sent to businesses detailing how to showcase the Centennial in their work.
Various versions and drafts of the Centennial calendar of statewide celebrations and events, an estimate of production costs, and a copy of the final printed version "Calendar of Festivals, Fishing, and Fun."
Governor and Mrs. Freemen and two dozen Minnesotans made a promotional visit to California, sponsored by the state's Business Development Department. The Commission also used it to promote the Centennial. Includes preliminary notes on incorporating the Centennial into the tour, trip schedule, California radio and television coverage, Governor Freeman's press release inviting Californians to the Centennial, and Don Padilla's report on the trip.
Correspondence, clippings, and list of churches.
Includes lists of publications both available from and produced by the Commission. The latter includes title, author, publication data, description, and costs.
Contest rules, planning materials, candidate list, pageant schedule, press materials, photographs of Miss Centennial Minnesota Diane Albers, and information on her appearances.
A brief documentation of the boat's acquisition; mainly coverage publicizing its schedule and special events.
Sheet music for "They Named It Minnesota" and publicity materials.
Press releases and promotional materials, county chairmen list, editorial cartoons, train schedule, the Minnesota Centennial Train Planning, correspondence and documents detailing the train's publicity program, guest lists and invitations for special events, and photographs, interior and exterior. Also a publicity kit given to each County Train Publicity Chairman and a scrapbook containing photographs, lists of state and county committee members and railroad sponsors, and a variety of promotional materials, including a brochure and attendance figures.
Miscellaneous information on the state's centenarians.
Coverage of the Centennial in London [England], Oslo [Norway], and a number of states.
Copy of a story, "Minnesota 4-H Girl," about Joann Kokes of Wheatland, mentioning her 4-H work in celebration of the Centennial year.
Documents the Centennial Stamp competition, including a first day issue at the Minnesota Centennial Philatelic Exhibition, exhibition program (May 9-11, 1958), and drawings of the rejected and winning stamp designs.
Materials documenting a Farm Bureau/Commission project to have each county restore a rural schoolhouse during the Centennial year and the possibility of a national magazine covering the story.
Two photographs of the Minnesota Centennial display at the Library of Congress and quote sheets on production of the Centennial seal and bumper stickers.
Mainly documents the committee's joint efforts with the University of Minnesota, particularly the Conference on College Teaching.
Correspondence and press releases detailing the design, the artist Will Shaeffer, and its usage; various sized mattes in black and white and color; and Commission Chairman Popovich's report describing the selection process of the emblem.
Materials documenting this book, including a copy of the agreement between the author John Szarkowski, the Commission, and the University of Minnesota Regents; a photograph and biographical data on Szarkowski; press release for the opening; a copy of the book cover; and clippings showing its inclusion on the New York Times and Books Across the Sea bestseller lists.
Itineraries and photographs of the 1957 and 1958 floats.
Two reports on the historic fort's renovation (Fall 1957, October 1958) and notes for the final Commission report.
Special Centennial version of an annual Arrowhead Association Minnesota Game Dinner given for the Chicago press, radio and television in conjunction with the Chicago Sportsman Show. Includes correspondence, schedule, invitations, guest list, menu, and Commission Chairman Popovich's remarks.
Details the World Health Organization assembly (May 26-June 14, 1958), including a "fact sheet" booklet for the meeting, press releases, and related health/medical meetings held in the state in 1958.
List of certificates, both "honored guest" and "honored citizen," given out by the Commission, to whom, number of each, and date.
Proposal (August 1957), prepared by the Commission, Minnesota Historical Society, and Minnesota Conservation Department's State Parks Division, and presented to the state's Congressional delegation, to encourage a joint effort with the federal government to construct a permanent memorial at Itasca during the Centennial year. Includes proposal, park map, photograph of the Mississippi River headwaters, progress report and estimated budget, and statistics.
Materials passed out at the MEA annual convention in 1958, an outline of the contents of an MEA Press Kit, an MEA resolution supporting the Commission (1957), and a copy of The Minnesota Centennial Story, published by the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
NOTE: A copy of the MEA Press Kit is cataloged in this series of records under Press kits.
Correspondence, progress reports, press releases, and a final report covering the Commission's Achievement Display, part of the exhibit.
Includes background on the gun removed from the U.S.S. Ward and dedicated on the Capitol Grounds during the Centennial, photographs of the gun and unveiling ceremony, and text from the dedicatory plaque.
Schedules, lists of dancers, and budget materials documenting these non-Indian Minnesota junior high and high school age boys who traveled as Centennial ambassadors presenting "authentic. . .tribal dances." Includes a television script from the April 7, 1958 Hi, Mom program on WRCA-TV, New York City.
Information kit for newspapers, radio, and television, covering the October 6 - November 11, 1958 festival and press notes.
Materials documenting the NPPA's national convention held in Minnesota, June 17-21, 1958. Includes awards dinner program, press releases, NPPA Photojournalism Short Course brochure, and proof sheets of photographs, some featuring Miss Centennial Minnesota.
Sculptor's proposal, press releases, photograph of the unveiling, and program and invitation documenting this statue of former Governor Olson unveiled September 1, 1958 on the Minnesota State Capitol Approach.
Correspondence with Hagen and the Marshall County Centennial Committee, schedules, publicity material, a signed copy of Red River Carts Trek Historic Pembina Trail, and photographs of Delmar Hagen and the cart, including two with Governor Orville L. Freeman.
Planning guide, correspondence, and news release detailing a contest sponsored by Archer-Daniels-Midland to promote the painting of a community's main street buildings. Also a photograph of the winning main street in Atwater, Minnesota.
Photographs of Thomas H. Swain on WDSM-TV, Duluth, with Stu Lindeman on Guest Book, WTCN-TV, Minneapolis, and on KMOX Radio, St. Louis, Missouri.
Copy of The Minnesota Statehood Centennial Planning Manual (January 1957) and a running record of its distribution, with date, number, and sometimes recipient (March-October 1957).
Copies of this New York City advertising firm's tentative (August 9, 1957) and final (August 16, 1957) working programs for the Centennial, correspondence concerning the firm's hiring, and status reports.
Postmarks celebrating the Centennial; includes sample envelopes.
Three kits produced for the MEA convention, general distribution, and Statehood Week. Include publications, press releases, maps, photographs, tourism materials, and other Centennial related documents.
Chronological set of press releases covering all aspects of the Centennial. This does not appear to be a complete set of releases.
Drafts and signed copies of the Governor's "Statehood Centennial Year" proclamation, December 31, 1957.
Assorted reports documenting various committees, projects, and the Commission as a whole.
Report on this survey conducted to determine conclusions Americans held in relation to Minnesota and other states; sent to members of the Minnesota Automobile Association.
Includes membership chart, minutes, and progress report (May 1957).
Lists of magazines, newspapers, and radio and television programs where the Centennial was featured or mentioned and several undated public relations proposals.
Photographs of the "Miss Minn." stuffed toy, Miss Centennial Minnesota pageant, interior and exterior of the Centennial Train, Delmar Hagen and his oxcart, and activities in Duluth, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. The latter include Norway's Prince Bertil and Princess Astrid, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, Governonr Orville Freeman, State Treasurer Valdimir Bjornson, and Dave Garroway..
Correspondence covering local and national radio spots, interviews, and transcripts.
Mainly snapshot photographs and scripts of exhibits and pageants at Sacred Heart Elementary School, St. Bernard's Grade School, and Academy of Holy Angels, all in the Twin Cities. Also the Minnesota Centennial Lutheran Pageant program.
Several of the 71 research projects done by the publicity department.
Correspondence, budget documents, program drafts, invitations and guest list, and data on the sculptor of this statue dedicated to University of Minnesota professor and pioneer woman educator, Maria L. Sanford, unveiled in the U. S. Capitol rotunda on November 12, 1958.
Mainly Norwegian newspaper clippings relating to Harald Saeverud's commissioned "Minnesota Symphony."
Banquet program, publicity materials, and itinerary for his June visit to the Twin Cities.
Materials documenting this Faribault, Minnesota school's centennial, also in 1958.
Script, flyer, and memo regarding "Everybody Ready? Let's Go!" a promotional slide show narrated by Cedric Adams and Bob Dehaven. Filmstrip and phonograph record are found in the Statehood Centennial Commission audio-visual materials (cataloged separately).
Mainly concerning alternative slogans provided by the Minnesota Ad Club.
Correspondence with the various committees and companies concerning possible souvenirs and the Commission's request to souvenir manufacturing and distribution firms for information to be included on the official souvenirs list.
Two lists: one containing companies, addresses, and souvenirs offered; the other, listing items available directly from the Commission.
Correspondence, advertisements, and samples of such items as badges and buttons, books, brochures, pictures, calendars, matches, clothing, emblems, stickers, envelopes, pencils, food, key chains, place mats, menus, coasters, music, pottery, plaques, and plates.
Mainly dealing with publicity for the sports patch and the Banquet of Sports Champions.
Information packet detailing Bevan and his round the world trip on Northwest Airlines and TWA.
Includes the 1958 premium list and daily program, photographs of the Commission booth, press releases and flyers, and the Centennial Art Exhibit program.
Mainly correspondence with the various hotels and listings with guest, hotel, dates, and room number.
Includes itineraries, list of out-of-state newsmen, and publicity materials on various events.
Distributed at the Nicollet Hotel on April 25.
Flyer, correspondence, contestants' list, winning script, and an incomplete set of submitted scripts from this contest sponsored by the Commission, WCCO Television, and the Minnesota Historical Society. The winner's half hour script was produced and televised on WCCO Television.
NOTE: Contestants were given the option to have their scripts housed in the Historical Society's collections, however, copyright was not assigned to the Society. Each script is accompanied by a letter detailing the author's usage requirements; users must comply with those requirements.
Scripts, correspondence, and lists of television shows detailing televised coverage of the Centennial, including such national shows as HOME, Queen for a Day, and Art Linkletter's House Party, and local coverage on KTCA, WCCO, and KMGM television stations.
Daily schedules, listing each segment, minute by minute, for the shows originating in Minnesota on January 21-23, 1958, including the transcript of an interview with Governor Freeman, production notes, staff lists, and an invitation to cocktails in Dave Garroway's hotel room.
Details production of a tourist brochure, 100 Years of Vacationland Fun; includes a copy.
Press releases and advertisement for the Minnesota Historical Society's historical tour program.
Report of overseas coverage of the Centennial done through the USIA overseas posts.
Mainly documenting the Twin Cities Federal Savings and Loan sponsored "Minnesota Milestones" radio series, which ran on WCCO Radio from January through December. Includes a flyer, press releases, correspondence, and scripts for five of the twelve shows.
Information on weather conditions for May 11 from 1894 through 1956, supplied by the U. S. Weather Bureau.
Press materials detailing the committee's various activities.
Brochure and related materials by this University of Minnesota center and its Agricultural Extension Service and General Extension Division to promote Minnesota to the world.