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Thom Higgins Papers, 1967-1977
Collection Overview
Title: Thom Higgins Papers, 1967-1977
ID: OGLMC1292
Primary Creator: Higgins, Thom L. (1950-1994)
Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 08/25/1994
Subjects: Politics and Government, University of North Dakota, University of North Dakota - Alumni
Languages: English
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Collection Historical Note
Thomas Lawrence “Thom” Higgins was born June 17, 1950, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He was the son of Leo and Kay Higgins. He attended high school at Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota. After attending the University of North Dakota in 1967 on a special summer program for gifted high school juniors, he decided to enroll at the University.
At UND, he was the Arts and Entertainment editor of the Dakota Student, as well as a writer for In Which, a publication of the Honors Program. He was a member of the Young Democratic Club of North Dakota, the Interdorm Council.
He performed in UND music and theatre including Varsity Bards and the play MacBird! (see UA 138 Theatre Arts Department Records, Box 1 Folder 24).
He was also involved in the production of an underground newspaper entitled the Snow Job. This publication resulted in his suspension from UND in March 1968. Following this, Higgins did not return to UND.
He instead moved to Twin Cities, where he became a gay activist. He became one of the four Archons (ministers) in the Church of the Chosen People, which advocated homosexuality as a "healthy and fulfilling personal option." He was also known for throwing a pie in the face of anti-gay activist Anita Bryant on October 14, 1977, in Des Moines, Iowa. He worked in various professions during his life, including nursing and advertising. He was a voracious reader, who also enjoyed collecting art and listening to music.
Thom Higgins died November 10, 1994, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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: Thom Higgins, St. Paul, Minnesota
Acquisition Method: Donation; 94-1965
Related Materials: UA 142 Underground Newspaper Collection, Box 1 Folders 2 and 21
Preferred Citation: Thom Higgins Papers. OGLMC 1292, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in November 2013.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Box:
[Box 1],
[All]
- Box 1
- Folder 1: Student Relations Committee minutes regarding Higgins' role in the underground newspaper Snow Job, 1968
- Folder 2: Statement by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Society at UND in defense of Thom Higgins, ca. 1968
- Folder 3: "Snow Job: a new campus tradition on a traditionless campus," an underground newspaper at UND. Copy of Vol 1, No. 2, 1968
- Folder 4: "UND Secret Justice" (cartoon for Snow Job), ca. 1967-1968
- Folder 5: Programs for symphony, band, and vocal performances at UND, 1967 and undated
- Folder 6: Program for the play MacBird (photocopy), 1967
- Folder 7: In Which (publication of the UND Honors Program), 1967-1968
- Folder 8: UND Interdorm Council, 1967-1968
- Folder 9: Membership cards (photocopies), 1967-1968
- Folder 10: Newspaper clippings, 1967-1977
- Folder 11: The Clew (publication by T.C. Mits for the people of UND). Copy of no. 3, Feb. 19, 1968.
- Folder 12: Meeting Minutes from UND Student Senate and Student Activities Committee, 1968
- Folder 13: Photograph of Thom Higgins at typewriter
- 1292-0001: Thom Higgins, Arts & Entertainment Editor, Dakota Student, 1967