Recent State Archives Acquisitions: August 2008
Particularly unique research topics are represented in records of a former state highway engineer, a prisoner record book of the Stillwater State Prison, and selected records of the Three Rivers Park District. Recently donated by a family member are photographs, dated ca. 1915-1925 and 1956, taken by Victor Benson depicting land surveying activity, including canoeing and camping, in the vicinity of the Gunflint Trail and Clearwater Lake. Mr. Benson had a long career as a state Highway Department engineer. The donated photographs join others by Mr. Benson, as well as maps he compiled of northern Minnesota, already preserved in the State Archives collection.
Purchased with private funds is a Prisoner Record Book, dated 1890-1891, of Deputy Warden Samuel A. Langum. Information includes prisoner’s name and cell number, occupation, date, from which county sentenced, crime, sentence term, and work assigned in the prison. The volume is unique because there are entries for Cole and Jim Younger, who participated in the attempted Northfield Bank Robbery in 1876; Bob Younger is not listed since he died in 1889. Mr. Langum of Fillmore County owned and operated the Preston Times for thirty-five years. While running his newspaper he served in several public offices, besides deputy warden, including county sheriff and Minnesota legislator.
Documenting the state’s protection of the its natural environment and resources is a collecting priority of the State Archives, and records transferred by the Three Rivers Park District help fulfill that priority. Selected records, dated 1912-2007, were recently transferred, including annual reports and budgets, published reports, and records regarding the Coon Rapids Dam, constructed ca. 1913, and the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Selected records about the early history of the Coon Rapids Dam include operational data, reports, and maps. The Three Rivers Park District is an independent, special park district charged with the acquisition, development and maintenance of regional park reserves, regional parks, special-recreation features and regional trails for the benefit and use of the citizens of suburban Hennepin County and the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Two sets of records were transferred which will be very useful for family history research. The naturalization records of the Carlton County District Court were microfilmed many years ago, but it is the last county to transfer its original naturalization records, dated 1871-1952, to the State Archives. The naturalization records for all 87 Minnesota counties are available on microfilm for use in the Library and for inter-library loan. Besides being invaluable for family history research, the original naturalization records have intrinsic artifactual value; also, the paper records are occasionally referenced when the microfilm copy is illegible.
Several years ago the Faribault School for the Blind transferred its non-current student files, and recently the Faribault School for the Deaf followed suit. These two unique schools were established in the 1860s and are operated by the State of Minnesota. The student files, along with our selected records, are invaluable for family history research concerning former students of the schools.
Every two years the Legislative Reference Library transfers to the State Archives tape recordings of House and Senate floor sessions, committee and subcommittee meetings, conference committee meetings, and joint committee meetings. Also transferred are the House and Senate committee books that include minutes and a record of bills acted upon by standing committees and their subcommittees. These records are for 1997/1998 legislative session, continuing existing records already in the collection. They will be heavily used for legislative intent purposes by attorneys, paralegals, lobbyists, and other persons interested in the drafting and adoption of the state’s laws.
1. Highway Department. Photographs of Victor Benson (ca. 1915-1925, 1956). 1 folder.
2. Stillwater State Prison. Prisoner Record Book of Deputy Warden Samuel A. Langum, (1890-1891). 1 bound volume.
3. Three Rivers Park District. Selected records (1912-2007). 1 box.
4. Carlton County. District Court. Naturalization records (1871-1952), and physician certificate record books (1883-1975). 7 boxes.
5. Faribault School for the Deaf. Student files (ca. 1916-2002), that include hearing and physical examination reports, interview notes, psychological reports, academic progress sheets, photographs, public school records, and correspondence with parents, school districts, and county and state welfare bodies. 77 boxes.
6. Legislature. House and Senate committee books, tape recordings, and logs to floor sessions recordings (1997-1998). 48 record boxes, 288 cassette tape boxes.
Back to Recent Acquisitions.
August 29, 2008
