Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1926-2015 (Creation)
Extent
2.0 linear feet (2 records center boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The South Dakota State Poetry Society was founded by Dr. James C. Lindberg of Northern State College and formally organized in Huron on October 5, 1927 in the Marvin Hughitt Hotel. The first officers of the organization were: Dr. Lindberg, President; Gertrude B. Gunderson of Mitchell, Vice President; and Ethelyn Miller Hartwich of Huron, Secretary. The stated purpose of the society is to encourage and foster the writing and publication of poetry by South Dakota writers. The organization was registered as a Nonprofit Corporation with the South Dakota Secretary of State on September 22, 1970.
Dr. Lindberg developed the first South Dakota Poetry magazine, Pasque Petals, which was made the official publication of the poetry society at its organizing meeting. Publication began in May of 1926 and continues today. It is the oldest poetry journal in continuous publication in the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.
South Dakota State Poetry Society is directed by a board made up of nine South Dakota poets who select an editor for Pasque Petals, oversee the annual national competition of poetry, and recommend the South Dakota Poet Laureate to the Governor. The current Poet Laureate is Lee Ann Roripaugh of Vermillion. The Poet Laureate post was a lifetime appointment until a recent change in state law that sets a four-year term.
Past Poet Laureates are:
- Badger Clark, 1928-1957
- Adeline Jenny, 1958-1973
- Mabel Frederick, 1973
- Audrae Visser, 1974-2001
- David Allan Evans, 2002-2014
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection documents the activities and literary contributions of the South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS). Materials include foundational records such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, board meeting minutes, and correspondence, including letters from board member Deb Gangloff. Additional content consists of newsletters, flyers, photographs, and poetry writing tips by Audrae Visser and Susan Chambers.
The collection features publications by the SDSPS, including multiple editions of Four Quarters to a Section, Prairie Poets, Voices of South Dakota, and indexes such as the Sixty-Year Comprehensive Index of Pasque Petals. Numerous works by South Dakota poets are represented, including chapbooks, anthologies, and contest-winning pieces. A substantial portion comprises issues of Pasque Petals, the society’s official journal. Also included is the 2015 Poet Laureate nomination for Lee Ann Roripaugh.
The records reflect the evolution of poetry and literary engagement in South Dakota, highlighting the society’s role in fostering a statewide community of poets. Through its extensive publications and support of local voices, the SDSPS has served as a cornerstone of the region’s literary culture.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
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 and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- South Dakota State Poetry Society (Subject)
- Clark, Badger, 1883-1957 (Subject)
- Frederick, Mabel (Subject)
- Jenney, Adeline M. (Subject)
- Visser, Audrae 1919-2001 (Subject)
- Evans, David Allan (Subject)