Title: Raymond G. Vendsel Papers, 1953-1975

ID: OGLMC562

Primary Creator: Vendsel, Raymond G. (1917-1989)

Extent: 0.75 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 03/07/1980

Subjects: Politics and Government - Democratic Party

Languages: English

The Raymond Vendsel Papers contain political correspondence, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks and memorabilia dating from 1953 to 1975. Also included is a research paper about Vendsel, written by a student at Minot State Teacher’s College. The scrapbooks consist primarily of undated, political newspaper clippings. The campaigns of Vendsel are included in the scrapbooks.

Three oversize photographs were placed in the OGLMC oversize photograph cabinet.

Raymond G. Vendsel was born November 25, 1917, to Walter and Julia Vendsel at the farm home of his mother's sister in Stafford Township, Renville County, North Dakota. He graduated from Lansford High School in the spring of 1934. On December 1, 1940 he married Ester Bryans at Bottineau, North Dakota. Together, they had two children, Bryan and Judith. In the spring of the following year they began ranching on her parents homestead. Vendsel enlisted in the U.S. Army July 17, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. After serving his country during World War II, he was given an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain, leaving from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, on January 13, 1946.

Politically inclined, Vendsel became a member of the North Dakota Young Democrats in 1948 and three years later he became president of that organization and was also North Dakota Committeeman for the Young Democrats. In 1954, the Democrats nominated Vendsel and P.W. Lanier as candidates for the United States House of Representatives. Although defeated in this election, Vendsel returned in 1956 to defeat Martin Stenehjem, Jr. for a seat in the North Dakota State Senate. In November 1958, Vendsel ran against William Langer for the United States Senate and was defeated. Two years later he was defeated again when he campaigned for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Shortly after the election of 1960, Vendsel was appointed to a post in the United States Department of the Interior by President John F. Kennedy, who Vendsel greatly admired.

Vendsel was also involved in other state and local organizations and committees. He was part of the advisory council of the North Dakota Stockman's Association, and chairman of the Souris River Telephone Board for many years. Vendsel was president of the Great Northern Investment Company, Renville-Bottineau Agriculture Improvement Association, Mouse River Cattleman's Association, and the Carpio Community Club. He was a member of many other organizations, such as Elks and 40 & 8. Raymond G. Vendsel died January 18, 1989, in Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mohall, North Dakota.

Politics and Government - Democratic Party

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: Raymond G. Vendsel, Minot, North Dakota

Acquisition Method: Donation; 80-635

Separated Materials: Photographs 1-3 are oversize and located in the oversize photograph cabinet (top drawer)

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Raymond G. Vendsel Papers. OGLMC 562, 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 February 2014.