Theodore August Erickson papers
Scope and Content
The collection consists of articles, speeches, clippings, reports, biographical and autobiographical writings and routine correspondence concerning Theodore Erickson’s leadership of the 4-H club program in Minnesota between 1913 and 1940, and his involvement in promoting farm safety and rural youth development through education.
The collection is arranged in two series: 4-H and Subject Files. The 4-H series contains articles and speeches by Erickson about 4-H written between 1915 and 1955. Several of the folders contain topical materials relating to 4-H, such as religion, conservation, and home beautification. Also in this section are materials related to Erickson’s work with the 4-H Club of Japan, culminating in the “Morning Glory Project”.
The Subject Files series contain information about Erickson’s life and career, including his efforts to reduce farm accidents through 4-H activities and later through the National Safety Conference of Farm Safety. Erickson’s tenure at General Mills from 1940 to 1953 is covered in news releases and articles about him written during this period, as well as in the pamphlet series “General Mills: 10 Years of Service to Rural Youth of America” written between 1941 and 1951.
Dates
- 1900-1956
Creator
- Erickson, T.A. (Theodore A.) (Person)
Language of Materials
Collection materials in English
Access to Materials
This collection is stored at an off-site facility and requires 3-5 business days for retrieval. Email uar@umn.edu to request access. Do not make travel arrangements or plans to visit Andersen Library without making prior arrangements with University Archives staff.
Copyright
Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the University of Minnesota Archives.
Biographical Sketch of Theodore August Erickson (1871-1963)
Theodore A Erickson, B.A. (1904), University of Minnesota; rural school specialist (1912), Department of Agricultural Education, University of Minnesota; director (1912-1940), Minnesota State 4-H Club. Known as the “father of 4-H” in Minnesota.
Theodore August “Dad” Erickson was born in Alexandria, Minnesota, September 2, 1871. He briefly attended Gustavus Adolphus College (1888), and served as chair of the Scandinavian Department and professor of French Language at Nebraska Wesleyan College from 1899-1900. After earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Erickson taught high school and served as principal of the Ward School in Alexandria, Minnesota and superintendent of schools in Douglas County, Minnesota. In 1912 he joined the University faculty and was named head of 4-H. He served as head of Minnesota’s 4-H organization until 1940. During his tenure as director, Minnesota 4-H grew to a membership of over 47,000. After retiring, he consulted with General Mills on services to rural communities with an emphasis on rural youth development. He retired a second time in 1954. Theodore Erickson died January 30, 1963.
Extent
3.0 Cubic Feet (3)
Abstract
Collection contains articles, speeches, clippings, reports, biographical and autobiographical writings and routine correspondence concerning Theodore Erickson’s leadership of the 4-H club program in Minnesota between 1913 and 1940, and his involvement in promoting farm safety and rural youth development through education.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into two series:
- 4-H
- Subject Files
Physical Location
Off-site (WBOB)
Source of acquisition
Collection was transferred from the Minnesota Historical Society on February 19, 1963.
Processing Information
This collection was processed with funds provided by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Historical Society from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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- 4-H clubs -- Minnesota. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Agricultural education -- Minnesota. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Agricultural extension work Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Future Farmers of America.
- Rural youth -- Minnesota. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Theodore August Erickson Papers, 1900-1956
- Author
- Archives Staff; updated by Karen Spilman
- Date
- May 1963; February 2005
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Collecting Area Details
Contact The University Archives Collecting Area
