Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1900-2024 (Creation)
- Some material is undated (Creation)
Extent
24.31 linear feet [20 record boxes, 3 oversize flat boxes]
Name of creator
Biographical history
Caryl Crozier was born on August 1, 1938 to Raymond Lyle Kinkner and Elvera Violet (Erickson) Kinkner and raised on the prairies of Southeastern South Dakota, where her grandparents and parents operated farms near Beresford, SD, surviving the Depression. She attended a one-room country school through 8th grade, graduated from Beresford High School, and earned a BS in Home Economics from South Dakota State University.
Caryl and her husband, Ed Crozier, have two daughters, Michelle Kegler and Cherise Barnes, and three grandchildren, Rachel, Claire, and Nathan Barnes. Her career has included roles as an Extension Home Economist, a Home Economics and adult education teacher, and a long-term care administrator for 13 years. She also owned and designed for her pattern business.
The couple has lived in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Illinois, and for over 40 years in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. Caryl enjoys gardening, boating, and fishing. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Central America, and much of Europe, often for genealogy research for the seven family history books she and Ed have written.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Crozier Family Papers documents family history, educational pursuits, crafting expertise, and community involvement spanning multiple generations. The collection records Caryl's life and career, encompassing educational materials from high school and college, extensive correspondence with family and friends, journals and writings detailing life stories and memories, numerous craft and sewing projects, 4-H achievements, recipes, and homemaking activities. It also includes records of her participation in book clubs and other social groups, teaching materials, family and personal photographs, scrapbooks, photo albums, and memorabilia.
Additionally, the collection features family heirlooms such as clothing, quilts, and other crafted items. Files related to Caryl and her husband Edward cover travel journals, correspondence with family and friends, various home and craft projects, wedding and honeymoon details, and their writings. The collection also contains extensive genealogical records, primarily focusing on the Croziers, Kinkners, Ericksons, Joneses, and other extended family members. Researchers will find biographical information, correspondences, genealogical records, and historical notes about Beresford, South Dakota, as well as collected recipes, patterns, and club activities related to Caryl's mother, Elvera Kinkner.
Many files include commercial patterns annotated by Caryl, indicating the recipients of the clothing and images of the finished garments. The collection also features samples of sewing projects Caryl completed during college. Some materials contain stick pins and needles; caution is advised when handling these items.
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
- English