Elizabeth Oakland Papers, 1962, 1977
Collection Overview
Title: Elizabeth Oakland Papers, 1962, 1977
ID: OGLMC544
Primary Creator: Oakland, Elizabeth (1911-1996)
Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 00/00/1978
Subjects: Exploration, Pioneer Life, Women's History
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
The Elizabeth Oakland Papers include the August 1977 edition of the Icelandic journal Samvinnan. This edition contains an article written by Elizabeth Oakland titled "Sagnir Af Sidhaerda Joa." The article concerns the exploits and adventures of Joe Stefansson, a pioneer settler near Nekoma, North Dakota, and brother of Vilhjalmur Stefansson, famed Arctic explorer. A five page, typewritten English translation accompanies the publication.
Also included is a photocopy of a letter by Vilhjalmur Stefansson to Oakland, dated January 3, 1962. The letter regards a newspaper clipping from the Minneapolis Journal which Oakland sent to Stefansson.
Collection Historical Note
Elizabeth Petturson was born November 28, 1911, in Reykjavik, Iceland. She was the daughter of Magnus and Sigridur (Einarsdottir) Petturson. Following the death of her father, she and her mother traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in March 1913 to live with relatives. In 1914, her mother took a job as housekeeper to Gudni Helgason in Highland Township, Ramsey County. Her mother married Helgason September 11, 1916. A daughter, Rosy, was born the following year.
Elizabeth Petturson graduated from Edmore High School in 1931. She married William Oakland October 1, 1933, in Fairdale, North Dakota. The couple began their married life on the same farm where Elizabeth Oakland had grown up. They had two children, Sylvia and Steven. After living in Highland Township for seven years, the couple moved to William Oakland's former home near Nekoma, North Dakota. They remained there until 1965, when they moved to Grand Forks. Elizabeth Oakland worked as a resident manager for Bosar Company in Grand Forks. She was also a poet. Her poetry appeared in several local newspaper and magazines, including the Grand Forks Herald, the Cavalier Republican, the Dakota Farmer, and North Dakota Outdoors. In 1969, she published Prairie Collage, a collection of her poetry. Elizabeth Oakland died June 29, 1996, in Grand Forks. She is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.
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: Elizabeth Oakland, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Acquisition Method: Donation; 79-616
Related Materials: Prairie Collage by Elizabeth Oakland. Grand Forks: Knutson Printing Company, 1969. Call number: PS6536.A75P7
Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Elizabeth Oakland Papers. OGLMC 544. Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections. Chester Fritz Library. University of North Dakota.
Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in November 2013.
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