Arrangement
The collection is arranged in two boxes, four oversize folders, and nine folders of photographs.
Abstract
The Henry Steinberger Papers consists of materials related to his business ventures, personal correspondence, and documents related to his work in conservation.
Administrative/Biographical History
Henry Steinberger was born August 7, 1896 in Rothsay, Minnesota. He moved with his parents to North Dakota in 1902. He farmed with his parents until 1915 and then bought land and continued farming. Mr. Steinberger was married to Edna Laura Tewell of Ray, North Dakota. Edna Tewell was educated at Valparaiso University in Indiana and at Valley City Teacher's College (now Valley City State University). She taught elementary education in rural Tagus and Donnybrook, North Dakota, when she and Mr. Steinberger were married in 1922. In 1930, the couple suffered the loss of their son when their home was destroyed by fire.
Mrs. Steinberger was much involved in the activities of their community and, according to her daughter, was the "motivating force" behind Mr. Steinberger's involvement in conservation. This involvement included the Renville County Soil Conservation District (from 1945), President of the State Association of Soil Conservation District Supervisors (1952), Chairman of the Upper West Souris Watershed Project, Vice Chairman of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, member and Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Soil Conservation Committee, Director of the North Dakota State Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Reclamation Association, Chairman of the Border Chapter of the Soil Conservation Society of America, and Director of the North Dakota Water User's Association.
Mr. Steinberger's political connections included writing relationships with Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson, as well as writing or personal relationships with state governors and legislators. In 1961, Mr. and Mrs. Steinberger were invited to and attended the Kennedy Inauguration and Inaugural Ball.
Mrs. Steinberger died December 16, 1961. Failing health forced Mr. Steinberger to resign from his various positions in 1970. He died July 1, 1983, at the Lutheran Nursing Home, Minot, North Dakota.
