Jane Sinner Papers, 1981-1992
Collection Overview
Title: Jane Sinner Papers, 1981-1992
Predominant Dates:1985-1992
ID: OGLMC1267
Primary Creator: Sinner, Jane (1931-)
Extent: 8.75 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 01/25/1993
Subjects: Politics and Government - North Dakota Governor, Women's History
Languages: English
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
When received, the Jane Sinner Papers consisted of nine boxes with documents and materials related to or created by Jane Sinner during her eight years as North Dakota's First Lady. Folders containing correspondence were, for the most part, arranged chronologically. The bulk of the collection consisted of folders that were organized by subject. Subject headings were primarily arranged in alphabetical order. One box was filled with appointment books and a guest book.
When processed, the Jane Sinner Papers were arranged into three series - Correspondence, Subjects, and Appointment and Guest Books. Audio/visual materials and photographs were separated.
Collection Historical Note
Elizabeth "Jane" (Baute) Sinner was born January 13, 1931 in Lebanon, Kentucky, where she lived until 1948. She attended St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1948 and then Webster University, also in St. Louis, from 1949 through 1951. While at Webster University she met George Sinner, future governor of North Dakota. The two were married in 1951 and moved to Casselton, ND, Sinner's home town. The Sinners raised ten children. Before becoming the state's First Lady, Jane Sinner involved herself with a variety of local social and arts groups as well as the North Dakota Mental Health Association.
As North Dakota's First Lady, 1985-1992, Sinner initiated several social and cultural projects. First among them was the "Celebration of Lights," which she began in conjunction with the North Dakota Mental Health Association. Held statewide during the Christmas season, "Celebration of Lights" is an annual awareness and fund raising campaign that benefits the ND Mental Health Association.
Jane Sinner also was concerned about problems associated with teen pregnancy and violence in children's television programming. She spoke often on both subjects, addressing parents' groups and school boards. She also participated in a September 1987 Western Governors' Association conference on television violence.
Her position as First Lady enabled her to promote local arts. Jane Sinner helped form the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Camp, a summer program for North Dakota youths interested in theatre. She also attended art shows across the state, presenting Governor's Awards to local artists and displaying their work at the Governor's Residence in Bismarck.
In addition to acquiring art for her state home, Jane Sinner established a private, non-profit foundation, "Friends of the Residence," to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the Governor's Residence. Of the Residence's 18 rooms, 16 were restored and redecorated under her direction.
To promote the beautification of state lands, especially roadsides, Jane Sinner founded "North Dakota Goes Wild!" The private/public partnership gathered information about North Dakota's wild flowers and distributed seed packets and related documentation to individuals and groups across the state.
After Governor Sinner's second term expired in December 1992, the family moved to Fargo.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections
Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.
Acquisition Source: Jane Sinner, Governor's Residence, Bismarck, North Dakota
Acquisition Method: Donation; 93-1862
Related Materials: George Sinner Papers, OGLMC 269
Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Jane Sinner Papers. OGLMC 1267, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota.
Finding Aid Revision History: Finding added to Archon in February 2014.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Correspondence],
[Series 2: Subject Files],
[Series 3: Appointment Books and Guest Books],
[Videotape :],
[Photographs :],
[Cassette Tape :],
[All]
- Photographs :
- Separated and placed in the Photograph File Cabinets.
- Photograph 1: Gift necklace for Barbara Bush
- Photograph 2: Governor Sinner and Rosie Greis on her 96th birthday
- Photograph 3: The Sinners with Rosie Greis on her 96th birthday
- Photograph 4: Jane Sinner with Taiwanese delegation
- Photograph 5: Jane Sinner with Taiwanese delegation
- Photograph 6: Jane Sinner with Taiwanese delegation
- Photograph 7: Residence Christmas tree 1985
- Photograph 8: Jane Sinner hosts lunch for Germans from Russia group who decorated residence for Christmas 1985
- Photograph 9: The Sinners and Dick Weber at Christmas tree lighting in the "Great Hall" 4 DEC 1986
- Photograph 10: Jane Sinner with group who decorated residence for Christmas 1990
- Photograph 11: Jane Sinner with Thelma Hyde Klingensmith, 1965 ND Mother of the Year, and Louise Shafer Petrick, 1986 ND Mother of the Year, 12 APR 1986
- Photograph 12: Governor Sinner with Merit Mothers Sadie Sargent, Eunice Kost, and Doris Hanson, 12 APR 1986
- Photograph 13: Jane Sinner with award winning painting and its young artist
- Photograph 14: Jane Sinner portrait
- Photograph 15: Jane Sinner portrait
- Photograph 16: Jane Sinner portrait
- Photograph 17: Quilters' reception
- Photograph 18: Quilters working on guest room quilt
- Photograph 19: Quilters working on guest room quilt
- Photograph 20: Governor with 1987 ND Presidential Scholars
- Photograph 21: Governor Sinner portrait
- Photograph 22: Sinner family portrait
- Photograph 23: Sinner family portrait
- Photograph 24: Residence guest room after quilt
- Photograph 25: Jane Sinner with Margaret Klinger, 1985 ND Mother of the Year
- Photograph 26: The Sinners with Margaret Klinger, 1985 ND Mother of the Year and her husband
- Photograph 27: Margaret Klinger (left), 1985 ND Mother of the Year, poses with past ND Mothers of the Year
- Photograph 28: Louise Petrick, 1986 ND Mother of the Year and her husband
- Photograph 29: Louise Petrick (center front), 1986 ND Mother of the Year, poses with past ND Mothers of the Year
- Photograph 30: Edith Lerfald, 1987 ND Mother of the Year and her husband
- Photograph 31: The Sinners with Edith Lerfald, 1986 ND Mother of the Year
- Photograph 32: Jane Sinner with Mary Sawchuk, 1988 ND Mother of the Year
- Photograph 33: Mary Sawchuk, 1988 ND Mother of the Year and her husband
- Photograph 34: Jane Sinner and Mary Sawchuk (seated center), 1988 ND Mother of the Year, pose with past ND Mothers of the Year
- Photograph 35: Jane Sinner and Mary Sawchuk (seated center), 1988 ND Mother of the Year, pose with past ND Mothers of the Year
- Photograph 36: Elizabeth "Betty" Baccus (center seated), 1989 ND Mother of the Year poses with past ND Mothers of the Year
- Photograph 37: Jane Sinner with group that decorated residence in a teddy bear theme for Christmas 1986
- Photograph 38: Residence Christmas tree decorated for Swedish Christmas 1988
- Photograph 39: Jane Sinner with group that decorated residence in a Swedish theme for Christmas 1988
- Photograph 40: Residence Christmas tree decorated for Norwegian Christmas 1989
- Photograph 41: Jane Sinner with group that decorated residence in a Norwegian theme for Christmas 1989
- Photograph 42: Governor with 1986 ND Volunteer Action Award recipients
- Photograph 43: Governor with Robert Edison, Edyth Rustad, Lila Kozel, Wayne Ratzak, and Ken McIntyre, 1988 ND Volunteer Action Award recipients
- Photograph 44: Jane Sinner receives wild flowers from girl scout member, Grand Forks 1990
- Photograph 45: Jane Sinner plants evergreen tree while girl scout member looks on, Grand Forks 1990
- Photograph 46: Jane Sinner at ribbon cutting ceremony, Radisson Inn Bismarck April 1990
- Photograph 47: Teddy bear decorations at residence, Christmas 1986
- Photograph 48: Teddy bear decorations at residence, Christmas 1986
- Photograph 49: Exterior of ND Governor's residence
- Photograph 50: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 51: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 52: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 53: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 54: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 55: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 56: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 57: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 58: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 59: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 60: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 61: Governor Sinner presenting Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, 18 APR 1986
- Photograph 62: Don Mund, Director of Building Management, speaking at ND Employee Christmas party
- Photograph 63: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 64: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 65: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 66: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 67: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 68: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 69: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 70: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 71: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 72: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 73: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 74: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 75: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 76: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 77: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 78: Jane Sinner presenting ND Employee Service Award at Christmas party
- Photograph 79: Russ Steiger, Bismarck Business Development; Governor Sinner; Bruce Whitley, from Bismarck; and Robert Whitney, Director of the Economic Development Commission at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 80: Walther Mareth (left) and former governor Arthur Link at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 81: Shirley Steiger, Debra Anderson, and Jane Sinner at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 82: Governor Sinner, Jane Sinner, and guest from West Berlin at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 83: Kathryn Satrom (far right), Head of Workman's Compensation Bureau at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 84: Governor Sinner, Jane Sinner, former governor Arthur Link, and Grace Link at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 85: Jane Sinner, Hannelore Mareth, and Walther Mareth at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 86: Governor Sinner and Jane Sinner greeting guests at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 87: Jane Sinner (rear right) and Kathryn Satrom (far right), Head of the Workman's Compensation Bureau, at a Friendship Force reception, 11 JUL 1986
- Photograph 88: Betty Jo Hay, President of the National Mental Health Association, and Jane Sinner at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 89: Jane Sinner is presented a photograph of the first ND Mental Health Christmas Tree (see Celebration of Lights) by Governor Sinner and Loretta Bierdeman, who co-chaired the original program, at the Governor's Residence reception for Betty Jo Hay, President of the National Mental Health Association, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 90: Governor Sinner and Betty Jo Hay, President of the National Mental Health Association, at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 91: Richard Rayl, Betty Jo Hay, and Governor Sinner at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 92: Jane Sinner, Betty Jo Hay, Governor Sinner, and Kathy Hogan, Director of the Cass County Social Services, at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 93: Jane Sinner, Betty Jo Hay, Governor Sinner, and Joan Macdonald at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 94: Betty Jo Hay and Jane Sinner at the Governor's Residence reception for Ms. Hay, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 95: Entertainer at the Governor's Residence reception for Betty Jo Hay, President of the National Mental Health Association, 11 APR 1986
- Photograph 96: Jane and Governor Sinner with ND Presidential Scholars and Betty Pyle, MAY 1985
- Photograph 97: Governor Sinner, Betty Pyle, State Superintendent Wayne Sanstead (far right), and ND Presidential Scholars, MAY 1986
- Photograph 98: Jane Sinner with Rosie Greis, Goodrich, North Dakota's "50-year Avon Lady," with her daughter (far left) and an unidentified woman (far right)
- Photograph 99: Farewell party for Bismarck Superintendent of Schools, Al Andrews after he was fired, given at the Governor's Residence, 21 MAY 1986. Pictured (l-r, standing) Jan Tomasko, Diane Albrecht, Duke Albrecht, Marv Erdmann, Lois Erdmann, unnamed woman, unnamed man, Jane Sinner, and Governor Sinner (l-r, seated) Mike Tomasko, Mary Andrews, and Al Andrews
- Photograph 100: Jane Sinner, Virgil Hill, professional boxer, and Governor Sinner at a reception for Sports Media, APR 1987
- Photograph 101: Eddie Futch, Virgil Hill's trainer, unnamed man, Virgil Hill, professional boxer, and Governor Sinner at a reception for Sports Media, APR 1987
- Photograph 102: Former ND "Mothers of the Year," APR 1986
- Photograph 103: Guests at ND "Mother of the Year" reception, 12 APR 1986. Honoree Louise Petrick stands beside Jane Sinner
- Photograph 104: Governor's Residence Teddy Bear Christmas, 1986
- Photograph 105: Jane Sinner and Pat Ness, Governor's Residence Manager, December 1986
- Photograph 106: Probably participants at the 2nd Inaugural Ball, JAN 1989
- Photograph 107: (l-r) Lieutenant Governor Lloyd Omdahl; Richard Weber, North Dakota Council on the Arts; and former governor Arthur Link, ca. 1986
- Photograph 108: Picnic to honor new Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 109: Picnic to honor new Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 110: Jane Sinner; Bruce Larson, Director of Motor Vehicle Department; Kathryn Satrom; and Senator Joe Satrom at picnic to honor Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 111: Lt. Governor Omdahl and Ruth Omdahl at picnic 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 112: Charlotte Larson, Bruce Larson, Director of Motor Vehicle Department (on left) and Senator Joe Satrom (far right) at picnic for Lt Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 113: Justice Meschke (with crutches), Governor Sinner, and Walt Hjelle, Highway Department Commissioner (in sport coat) at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 114: Brian and Barbara Berg (3rd and 4th from left) and Byron Knutson (center with glasses) at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 115: Chuck Flemming, Governor's Chief-of-Staff (far left), Rose Reinbold, and Leo Reinbold, ND Public Services Commissioner (4th and 5th from left) at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 116: Jane Sinner, Governor Sinner, and Blanche VandeWalle, mother of ND Supreme Court Justice VandeWalle at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 117: ND Supreme Court Justice VandeWalle, Governor Sinner, and VandeWalle's mother, Blanche, at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 118: Governor Sinner and Nick Spaeth (wearing shorts) at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 119: ND Supreme Court Justice Gierke, Judy Gierke, and Jane Sinner at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 120: Chuck Suchy, ND Troubadour performing at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 121: Eric Sinner and James Inman tending bar at the picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 122: Ben Meier, ND Secretary of State (far right, facing camera) at picnic for Lt. Governor Omdahl, 4 AUG 1987
- Photograph 123: Steve Sharkey, Governor's Residence manager; Governor Sinner, Kevin Covell (with beard), Congressman Dorgan's office; and Bernie Wagner at Justice Gierke luncheon with veterans' group representatives. ca. 1990
- Photograph 124: Governor Sinner signing bill while North Dakota veterans' group representatives watch. ca. 1990
- Photograph 125: Veterans' groups representatives at Justice Gierke luncheon. ca. 1990
- Photograph 126: Veterans' groups representatives at Justice Gierke luncheon. ca. 1990
- Photograph 127: Veterans' groups representatives at Justice Gierke luncheon. MG Alexander Macdonald, ND Adjutant General in uniform, third from left. ca. 1990
- Photograph 128: Governor Sinner with ND Chief Justice and Mrs. Ralph Erickstad at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 129: Governor Sinner; Vern Wagner (on Governor's left), ND Medical Association; and Ernie Fleck, Bismarck attorney, at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 130: Jane Sinner and Barbara Berg (on Jane's right), wife of Superintendent of ND Highway Patrol, at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 131: Justice Beryl Levine, Governor Sinner, and Richard Rayl, Director of ND Office of Management and Budget, at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 132: Governor Sinner and James S. Perry, ND Historical Society Superintendent, at 18th floor reception, for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 133: Mike Deisz, Executive Director of ND Job Service, and Governor Sinner at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 134: Elaine Little, ND Corrections, and Governor Sinner at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 135: Bismarck artist Kathleen Moynihan and Jane Sinner at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 136: Jane Sinner and Judith Ekberg-Johnson, President, Meyer Broadcasting, at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 137: Joan Macdonald, wife of ND Adjutant General, and Jane Sinner at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 138: Jane Sinner, Glenn Pomeroy, ND Securities Commissioner, and unnamed woman at 18th floor reception for Bismarck civic leaders, Capitol, spring 1989
- Photograph 139: Pat Ness, Governor's Residence manager, December 1987
- Photograph 140: Governor's Residence staff members, Christmas 1986
- Photograph 1: Gift necklace for Barbara Bush
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Correspondence],
[Series 2: Subject Files],
[Series 3: Appointment Books and Guest Books],
[Videotape :],
[Photographs :],
[Cassette Tape :],
[All]