Carl Ben Eielson Papers, 1927-1931
Collection Overview
Title: Carl Ben Eielson Papers, 1927-1931
ID: OGLMC258
Primary Creator: Eielson, Carl Ben (1897-1929)
Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet
Subjects: Exploration, Hatton, North Dakota, University of North Dakota - Alumni
Languages: English
Abstract
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Collection Historical Note
"Pioneer aviator, Carl Ben Eielson, was born and raised in Hatton, North Dakota. After studying at the University of North Dakota, he enlisted in the Army Air Service in 1917 and completed pilot training.
Following his father's advice, Eielson enrolled in law school at Georgetown University in 1921, abandoning his passion for flying. While in Washington, he became friends with an Alaskan representative in Congress, and was offered a job at a high school in Fairbanks, Alaska. He quickly realized the value aviation could have for the remote land, ordered a plane and began flying passengers and supplies throughout the northern territory.
Known as the 'Father of Aviation' in Alaska, Eielson piloted the first airmail route in 1924. He was later introduced to Captain George Hubert Wilkins and the two together earned international acclaim for their non-stop, 2,200 mile flight over the North Pole on April 15, 1928. In September of the same year, Wilkins and Eielson completed a 1,200 mile flight in the Antarctic, where they discovered six new islands.
In 1929, President Herbert Hoover granted Eielson the Harmon Trophy, presented annually to the outstanding aviator of the year.
Eielson was killed while attempting to rescue passengers and cargo from an ice-bound ship in the Bering Strait. He is the first individual to receive the Rough Rider Award posthumously."
Source: Rough Rider Award Citation - https://www.governor.nd.gov/media-center/theodore-roosevelt-rough-rider-award/carl-ben-eielson
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections
Accruals: Additional materials were transferred from the UND Administration Records Collection in April 1985 (85-1376).
Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.
Acquisition Source: Unknown
Acquisition Method: Donation
Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Carl Ben Eielson Papers. OGLMC 258, 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 September 2018.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Box:
[Box 1],
[Oversize Folder 1: Painting of Eielson, 1929],
[All]
- Box 1
- Folder 1: Personal Correspondence, 1927, 1929
- Folder 2: Correspondence, Carl Ben Eielson Memorial Association, Hatton, North Dakota, 1930-1931
- Folder 3: Photographs
- Folder 4: Miscellaneous
- Item 1: "Carl Ben Eielson: Speeches of Hon. O.B. Burtness of North Dakota and Hon. Dan A. Sutherland of Alaska in the House of Representatives, March 26, 1930"
- Item 2: "Naming of Prominent Mountain or Peak in Mount McKinley National Park, Alaska, in Honor of Carl Ben Eielson," U.S. House of Representatives, Report No. 1387, May 6, 1930
- Item 3: "Captain Carl Ben Eielson" (Pamphlet), Hatton High School
- Contains two essays by students at Hatton High School: "The Arctic Trail Blazer" by Ruth Olsen and "Ben Eielson, the Boy" by Leo Froke
- Item 4: Poem: "Rough-Rider" by UND Professor Gottfried Hult, Department of Classical Languages (typed)
- Item 5: "Carl Ben Eielson" (Outline of His Life)
- Item 1: "Carl Ben Eielson: Speeches of Hon. O.B. Burtness of North Dakota and Hon. Dan A. Sutherland of Alaska in the House of Representatives, March 26, 1930"
- Folder 5: Plaque: "Eielson Homecoming Celebration Hatton, N.D. July 21, 1928"
- Program for the event is within a "Perma Plaque" wall hanging
- Folder 1: Personal Correspondence, 1927, 1929
- Oversize Folder 1: Painting of Eielson, 1929
- Gift of the Class of 1929; Presented by the Blue Key Society
- Item 1: Painting of Eielson by Lee's Art Gallery, 1929
- Item 2: Poem: "Rough-Rider" by UND Professor Gottfried Hult, Department of Classical Languages (handwritten), February 22, 1930
- This poem was framed along with the painting
- Item 3: Plaque from the frame of the painting
Text on the plaque reads:
Carl Ben Eielson, B.A. 1921
1898-1929
Aviator
Arctic and Antarctic Explorer. Pilot Sir Hubert Wilkins' plane on eventful flight from Point Barrow to Spitzbergen. He lost his life off North Cape, Siberia, while attempting to rescue passengers from an ice locked boat.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
- Item 1: Painting of Eielson by Lee's Art Gallery, 1929