Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1916-1988 (Creation)
Extent
0.84 linear feet [2 document cases]
Name of creator
Biographical history
George Biggar, born on January 11, 1899, near Aurora, South Dakota, attended South Dakota State University, earning a BS in agriculture in 1921 and an MS in Dairy Husbandry in 1922. Noteworthy for his involvement in campus publications, he served as editor of the Industrial Collegian newspaper and contributed to the Jackrabbit yearbook. Transitioning to journalism after graduation, Biggar began his radio career in 1924 at station WLS in Chicago, focusing on agricultural and farm programs. His notable contributions included producing the National Barn Dance, a launching pad for many country performers, and dispatching Herb Morrison to cover the Hindenburg landing. In 1938, he joined WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he managed rural and entertainment programs. Invited by the British Information Service, Biggar visited Great Britain during World War II, documenting agricultural practices during the conflict. After retiring from WLW in 1964, he acquired station WLBK in DeKalb, Illinois, where he concluded his career. Later relocating to Laguna Beach, California, and Fargo, North Dakota, Biggar passed away on March 19, 1989.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection encompasses materials related to George Biggar's career in radio, highlighting his contributions to agricultural and farm programs, as well as entertainment broadcasts. The collection is composed of a wide range of materials including audiocassettes, biographical sketches, clippings, scripts, a Master of Science thesis, miscellaneous items, photographs, publications, tours documentation, tributes, writings, and materials related to a World War II trip. These items offer insights into various aspects spanning from personal history to historical events, with a particular focus on the World War II trip and its related materials.
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
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
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
Ask Us!
If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please let us know.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
ID
ID
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Biggar, George C. (George Cecil) 1899-1989 (Subject)
- Morrison, Herb (Subject)
- WLS (Radio station : Chicago, Ill.) (Subject)
- WLW (Radio Station : Cincinnatti, Ohio) (Subject)