Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Collection
Title
George and Evelyn Norby Collection
Date(s)
- 1840-2006 (Creation)
Extent
412 linear feet [31 record boxes, 175 newspaper boxes, 8 oversize boxes]
photographs
Name of creator
Biographical history
Joseph "George" Norby was born in Paulina, Iowa on February 24, 1924 to Joe and Amy (Shook) Norby. His first job was as a type - setter for ads at the Ireton Ledger in Iowa. George worked as well for the Hawarden Independent in Iowa and then later for the Wishek Star in North Dakota. Before moving to Brookings, SD in 1952 he worked for a time at a commercial printing shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While in Brookings; George worked at Harold's Printing and Advertiser and at Hauff Printing. George began working at the Brookings Register in September 1970. Here he worked as a pressman, camera man and news compositor until his retirement in February 1986. He continued to work part time at the Register for another five years. On May 29, 1953 George married Evelyn Marie Pederson in Sinai, South Dakota. They have two children; Diana Norby-Munger and David Norby. Evelyn Norby was born on August 6, 1932 in Sinai, South Dakota to John and Emma (Thompson) Pederson. Evelyn graduated from Sinai High School in 1950. She worked for many years at the Brookings Laundry and as a motel housekeeper from 1955 - 1982. Evelyn also worked from 1982 - 1986 at the Brookings Register as a custodian.
Beginning around 1965 when the old Register building was torn down George and Evelyn begin to collect photographs and newspapers, some dating back to 1890. Their collection began to grow over the years and soon many knew of the collection.
The Norby's were active members in many Brookings area organizations and clubs. George was a member of the Odd Fellows and on the County Museum Board of Directors. Evelyn was greatly involved with the First Lutheran Church in the First Lutheran Church Women, the Church Library Committee and the quilting group. She was also a member of the Brookings Genealogical Society. Evelyn also volunteered at the Agricultural Heritage Museum at South Dakota State University.
Both were involved with the Rebekah Lodge, Brookings Area CB Club, Brookings County Historical Society and members of the First Lutheran Church. Both were given the "South Dakota Preservationist of the Year" award for 1998. Evelyn Norby died in Sioux Falls, SD on May 8, 2002. George Norby died on September 11, 2003 at the age of 79.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The collection consists of several series. The Newspapers series includes newspapers primarily from the 1880s to 2003, such as the Brookings County Sentinel, the Brookings Daily Press, the Brookings County Press, and the Brookings Register, organized by date and issue. It also features various issues of the South Dakota State Collegian and anniversary papers from the region. The Photograph collection contains images of Brookings and surrounding towns, as well as South Dakota State University, mostly in the form of negatives and slides, arranged by identification number. The Compiled Data series consists of data compiled by George and Evelyn Norby about Brookings and its surroundings. The Subject Files include material on a range of topics related to Brookings city and county, South Dakota State University, and more, suggesting researchers check both city and county files. The Directories collection comprises various directories, mainly Brookings Telephone Directories and others covering different regions and institutions. The Artifacts and Ephemera series holds items such as business cards, signs, and other related items from Brookings City or County. The Databases sub-group contains material compiled by George Norby on Brookings-related topics, emphasizing the need for cross-referencing for accuracy. The General Material series includes information related to the Norby business, personal correspondence, and photographs. For research assistance, consulting the staff is recommended.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright note
Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.
General note
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