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 January 11, 1899, near Aurora, South Dakota, graduated from South Dakota State University with a BS in Agriculture in 1921 and an MS in Dairy Husbandry in 1922. Active in campus publications, he served as editor of the Industrial Collegian newspaper and contributed to the Jackrabbit yearbook. Transitioning to journalism, Biggar began his radio career in 1924 at WLS in Chicago, producing agricultural and farm programs. He was instrumental in launching the National Barn Dance, a platform for emerging country performers, and notably dispatched Herb Morrison to cover the Hindenburg disaster.
In 1938, Biggar joined WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, overseeing rural and entertainment programming. During World War II, he toured Great Britain at the invitation of the British Information Service, documenting wartime agricultural practices. After retiring from WLW in 1964, he purchased WLBK in DeKalb, Illinois, where he concluded his career. Biggar later lived in Laguna Beach, California, and Fargo, North Dakota, before passing away on March 19, 1989.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection contains a variety of materials documenting historical, personal, and professional narratives. It includes biographical sketches, photographs, clippings, collected scripts, writings spanning several decades, and an M.S. thesis. A significant portion is dedicated to a World War II trip, featuring correspondence, diaries, interviews, maps, speeches, research notes, and collected materials. Other highlights include tributes, miscellaneous items, and materials related to agriculture and economic studies. The collection offers a comprehensive view of various topics and periods, emphasizing key historical events and personal experiences.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at:
Information request form: Ask Us! Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
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.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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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
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
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)
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)