Severson, Elmer, Alvin Lewis, Elvina Lewis, Sonja Swanson, and Carlyn Severson. Oral History Interview, 1976

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 1210

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection consists of the transcript and audio CD of an oral history interview conducted with Elmer Severson, Alvin Lewis, Elvina Lewis, Sonja Swanson, and Carlyn Severson. All of those interviewed are part of the same family, and all live in Medo Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. They discuss their ancestors’ move to Blue Earth County, and life in the Medo Lutheran Church, including schools, festivals, pastors, and worship services. The discussion also covers life during the Great Depression, dances, the Ringling Brothers Circus, school consolidation, ditch digging, and farm practices. Alvin and Elvina Lewis also reminisce about their time at St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota.

Dates

1976

Biographical / Historical

The participants in this interview are all members of the same family. Elmer Severson was born in April 1887, the youngest of eleven children. In 1911, Elmer married Ruth Oftedahl. They had two children, Elvina (born August 9, 1912) and Carlyn (born June 28, 1917). Elvina married Alvin Lewis on November 15, 1936. They both graduated from St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, Alvin in 1932, Elvina in 1934. Elvina and Alvin Lewis had two daughters. Sonja was born March 2, 1938. She married Arlo Swanson of Granite Falls, Minnesota in 1962.

Extent

1.00 volume

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated in March 1976.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Severson, Elmer, Alvin Lewis, Elvina Lewis, Sonja Swanson, and Carlyn Severson. Oral History Interview, 1976
Status: Completed
Author: This collection was processed
Date: 1976-05
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin
Language of description note: English