Title: Max B. Kannowski Papers, 1915-1932

ID: OGLMC1476

Primary Creator: Kannowski, Max B. (1893-1933)

Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 09/05/2004

Subjects: Grand Forks - Park District, Parks

Languages: English

Max B. Kannowski was the Grand Forks Superintendent of Parks from 1921 until his death in 1933. He was known nationally for his pioneering work about a barberry bush being the cause of wheat rust. He was even honored by the Federal Department of Agriculture for this work.

Kannowski was born in Alpena, Michigan on October 17, 1893. He attended the Michigan Agricultural College and the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, he was the first student to combine forestry and landscape gardening. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1917.

Kannowski’s first job was in Mitchell, South Dakota, as the Park and Street Commissioner. He served in the army during the First World War. In Mitchell he met Frances Burdick, who would later become his wife. In 1921, he took the job as Grand Forks Superintendent of Parks, but continued his courtship of Frances and married her in Chicago, where she was living and working at the time, on February 10, 1923. She moved to Grand Forks and they eventually had two sons, David and Paul. As Superintendent in Grand Forks, Kannowski improved and beautified the city parks, modernized the tourist encampment and introduced city planned playground activities.

Max Kannowski was active in many other Grand Forks organizations, such as the Masons, the Elks, the Legion, the North Dakota Peony Club and the Rotary Club. Kannowski was also active nationally in such organizations as the American Institute of Park Executives.

Kannowski died July 22, 1933 of leukemia. He was succeeded as Superintendent of Parks by his wife, Frances.

Grand Forks - Park District
Parks

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: Paul Kannowski, Corpus Christi, Texas

Acquisition Method: Donation; 2004-2692

Related Materials:

Frances Kannowski Papers: OGLMC 1454

Paul B. Kannowski Papers: OGLMC 683

Grand Forks Park Board Records: OGLMC 566

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Max B. Kannowski Papers. OGLMC 1476, 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 2014.