Theodore C. Blegen Correspondence

NOV 23 1925

The Norwegian American Historical Association

Member Executive Board

Northfield, Minn., Nov. 20, 1925.

Dr. Theodore C. Blegen, Minneaota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minn.

My dear Mr. Blegen:

I spoke to Prof. Karen Larson about the translation and she is willing to prepare the same. I did not specify any time that it had to be ready but I think I said that some time during Christmas vacation she would have to be finished. You might drop her a line yourself telling her when you need it.

I would caution you not to hurry this Year Book, but rather make every effort to make it as fine a publication as possible. It will mean so much in our work, that our first appearance is not only becoming, but of genuine value. We would of course like to see the book as soon as possible but you should not take any cognizance of that. I also plead for a comprehensive book! By that I mean both as to size and as to variety of subject matter. By the way, do you want any historical sketch about the organization of our society? In that case I would suggest that you ask Dr. Gjerset to prepare the sketch. Dean Thompson and I may want to get in some notes; just short paragraphs showing how the work is going. Should we print the minutes of the organization meeting in this volume? Kindly let me know.

Sincerely yours,

O. E. Rølvaag Secretary.

OER:JC

Minnesota Historical Society

SAINT PAUL

SOLON J. BUCK Superintendent

THEODORE C. BLEGEN Assistant Superintendent

November 23, 1925

Professor O. E. Rölvaag St. Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota

My dear Mr. Rölvaag:

I am much obliged to you for your letter of November 20. I have already written to Professor Larson whose willingness in the matter of the translation I very greatly appreciate.

I had already invited Dr. Gjerset to prepare an article on the Norwegian-American Historical Society. In fact, I first broached the matter to Mr. Ristad as president, and at his suggestion I took the matter up with Dr. Gjerset. I am not sure about the desirability of printing the minutes in this volume. I suppose you mean the minutes of the organization meeting, not of the Executive Board. Possibly all that could be covered in the sketch that Dr. Gjerset will write. I am perfectly willing to have that matter left to Dr. Gjerset or the president, if it is desirable to include it. I should handle it in the same section devoted to the general report of the society. I suggest that you communicate your ideas to Dr. Gjerset.

With reference to your suggestion that the book be a comprehensive one, I may not have as much freedom as you suppose in my choice. I am, of course, limited to some extent by the materials available. I am willing to interpret history in a very broad way but of course I do not want to forget that the volume is that of an historical association. As it appears now, the book will be a very interesting one and I think a representative one. If you have any suggestions or recommendations as to articles of documents to include, will you not send me them as soon as you can? The more material I have to select from, the better the selection.

Which do you think would be the best form in which to issue the first volume--in paper covers or cloth?

Yours sincerely

Theodore C. Blegen

TCB:GH

December 16, 1925

Professor O. E. Rölvaag St. Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota

My dear Mr. Rölvaag:

I am dropping you this line to congratulate you on the appeal for support and for members that you have issued. I sincerely hope that it is already producing results.

Both Mr. Ristad and Dr. Gjerset have declined the job of writing the article about the association for the year book. Could you from the secretarial records draw up a report of what has been done up to the present time?

I want to repeat my invitation to you to give me the benefit of your advice and help in selecting material for publication. Before long, I shall have reached the stage when I can send you a preliminary statement indicating the character of the materials to be brought out in the first volume. It is going to be an interesting book and I feel certain that we will be able to use it to good advantage in forwarding the members campaign.

I am going to give an address at Carleton College on December 31 at the minister's convocation and I trust that I may have an opportunity to visit with you at that time.

Sincerely yours

TCB:GH

Minnesota Historical Society

SAINT PAUL

SOLON J. BUCK SUPERINTENDENT

THEODORE C. BLEGEN ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

December 29, 1925

Professor O. E. Rölvaag St. Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota

Dear Professor Rölvaag:

I shall plan to see you Thursday afternoon. I shall not get into Northfield until Thursday morning at about 9:20, and affairs at Carleton College will presumably keep me busy until the afternoon.

Cordially yours

Theodore C. Blegen

TCB:GH

JAN 4 1926

The Norwegian American Historical Association

Member Executive Board

Northfield, Minn. Jan. 2., 1926.

Dr. Theo. C. Blegen St. Paul Minn.

My dear Dr. Blegen:

This is in the first place to wish you a happy New Year! And in the second to ask what became of you last Thursday? I was home all day waiting for you; about 5 p.m. I called up, but then all were gone. Well, there is no harm done though it would have been a pleasure to talk over things with you.

As to the Year book I have only one idea: The best possible publication! Your committee must by some trick accomplish that.

I think it would be well to publish list of membership in this issue; such a list we will be glad to furnish you with.

Dr. Gjerset must of course write the sketch about the Association.