Title: Erick Johnson Papers, 1905-1990

ID: OGLMC1208

Primary Creator: Johnson, Erick (1905-1990)

Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 06/12/1990

Subjects: Immigration, Personal Papers

Languages: English

1905-1990; Immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1928

The Erick Johnson Papers consist of his autobiography/diary, 1905-1969, along with his obituary.

Erick Johnson was born October 16, 1905, to Anton and Jenny Jonsson in Ränneslöv Parish, Halland County, Sweden. He grew up on their farm where they raised mostly potatoes and rye. In 1918, he left the farm to search for work elsewhere in Sweden. In 1928, he immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he worked various jobs at local farms. In 1939, Johnson moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, to try his hand at construction work. That same year, Johnson married Dorothy Wright (July 3, 1939). They bought a farm south of Michigan, North Dakota. During World War II, he was stationed at naval ammunition depots in Hawthorne, Nevada, and Hanaford, Washington. After the war, Johnson continued in the construction trade, working at Air Force bases including some in foreign countries. One of his most memorable construction projects, 1952-1953, was at a large Air Force base in Morocco. Erick Johnson died May 28, 1990, at the age of 84.

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: Dorothy Johnson, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Acquisition Method: Donation; 90-1707

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item).  Erick Johnson Papers. OGLMC 1208. 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 2014.