Erickson, Christian Louis, 1897 - 1983. Papers, 1951 - 1964

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 1286

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of items that once belonged to Christian Louis Erickson, of Fairmont, Minnesota. The bulk of the collection pertains to Erickson's time in the Minnesota Senate. The papers include newspaper clippings by and about Erickson, campaign materials, and a scrapbook. The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, correspondence, printed programs, campaign material and memorabilia.

Also included in the collection is an audiocassette tape, a CD duplicate of the audiocassette, and a transcript of an interview conducted with Erickson in 1977. Dr. Bruce Larson served as moderator, and the discussion covered Erickson's family history, Minnesota pohtics, and issues that were important during his time in the Senate, including reapportionment, lobbying, and taxes.

Dates

1951-1964

Biographical / Historical

Christian Louis Erickson was bom on December 28, 1897 in Bamesville, Minnesota. Erickson attended school in Cormorant and Lake Park, Minnesota. He attended the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo, North Dakota, and the Austin Commercial College in Austin, Minnesota. Erickson moved to Minneapolis to attend the Minnesota College of Law, which he graduated from in 1928.

Erickson joined the C. F. Garrenstrom law firm in Fairmont, Minnesota, where he worked for about a year and a half. He was then elected justice of the peace. In 1934, Erickson was elected county attomey for Martin County, where he served from 1935 until 1947. In 1950 he was elected to the Minnesota State Senate, where he served from 1951 until 1962. Erickson continued to practice law in Fairmont after he left the Senate.

Erickson married Venus M. Walters, who had moved to Fairmont from Powell, Wyoming. They had one son together. Christian Erickson passed away in March of 1983.

Extent

1.00 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of items pertaining to Christian Louis Erickson, of Fairmont, Minnesota. Erickson was a lawyer, justice of the peace, county attorney for Martin County, and a Minnesota State Senator. Included in the collection are his correspondence, newspaper clippings, campaign material, and a scrapbook. Also included in the collection is an audiocassette tape, a CD duplicate of the audiocassette, and a transcript of an interview conducted vdth Erickson in 1987. In the interview, he discusses his family background, Minnesota politics, and issues that were important during his time in the Senate, including reapportionment, lobbying, and taxes.