Loucks speaks to R.F. Pettigrew about the progress of linotyping the manuscript as well as his desire to simply funnel all his time into the current writing process. Loucks also mentions that with his manuscript, he has not been reading much of the magazines but notices that the farmers have and he wishes to perhaps secure a post writing for such a magazine to benefit their organization

R.F. Pettigrew writes to H.L. Loucks concerning the current state of the nation and state politically. Pettigrew discusses his dislike for President Wilson and the current administration. Pettigrew also mentions the money expenditure used to pay for tax pamphlets and being printed in newspapers. Finally, Pettigrew begins partnership with Loucks for the coming months.

R.F. Pettigrew writes to H.L. Loucks regarding to the Pettigrew's lack of funds to invest into the newspapers currently. Pettigrew also mentions that he is traveling to Washington State to visit his boys and will be unable to respond to Loucks completely.

R.F. Pettigrew discusses with H.L. Loucks his disagreement with Richard O. Richards and his most recent proposition of an income tax. Pettigrew mentions that he would join Richard O. Richards if he organized an independent movement that was not reliant on any of the current political parties. Pettigrew expresses his aspiration to build up either a progressive or people's party that supported the workers.

R.F. Pettigrew writes to H.L. Loucks concerning Pettigrew's desire to take leadership on a present matter as to which he has none. Pettigrew also mentions that his finances keep him from supporting Loucks in the manner in which he would prefer.

R.F. Pettigrew speaks with H.L. Loucks about the Loucks' current article and the arguments therein. Pettigrew mentions that Loucks should follow a particular strain of his own argument that would greatly benefit his article. Pettigrew also voices his dislike for the bankers and financiers of New York. Pettigrew briefly covers his thoughts in regards to 'intrinsic' and 'extrinsic value.'

R.F. Pettigrew writes H.L. Loucks stating his intent to read Loucks' manuscript. Pettigrew also states to Loucks that Pearson's Magazine would be a beneficial place to submit his articles. Pettigrew mentions that now would be an opportune time to begin working towards a constitutional convention in South Dakota with hopes of amending the current constitution.

R.F. Pettigrew writes H.L. Loucks concerning Loucks' manuscripts and articles, pointing out the pros and cons of both. Pettigrew mentions his decision to vote for the Socialists as well as the idea of building up a Socialist party. Pettigrew also states that he does not wish to help Loucks start a new party but will always be available to discuss questions of further importance.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the elections of 1914. Loucks speculates that he had lost the election for senator from South Dakota and thanks Pettigrew for his assistance. Loucks also makes comments about the national election results.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the 1914 election for United States Senator from South Dakota and Edwin S. Johnson's campaign corruption.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew regarding Richard O. Richards and his primary law and amendments.

H.L. Loucks thanks R.F Pettigrew for the package of leaflets sent to him and sadly cannot use them and he plans to send them back to Pettigrew. Loucks also talks in length of the new party which they are going to start and the system by which it should be adopted.

H.L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the status current politics in terms of calling a national convention. Loucks also mentions a Mrs. A. Burgess, the daughter of a Mr. Crane, who is interested in reviewing the manuscript which Loucks continues to write.

Loucks continues to speak to R.F. Pettigrew regarding the necessity of calling a state conference with emphasis placed on finding new representatives. Loucks comments on the support and help of Alli Reed in terms of the manuscript and the framework of their organization. Loucks also mentions that his book in moving along, albeit, at a slower pace than he would prefer.

R.F. Pettigrew sends a short letter to H.L. Loucks suggesting people Pettigrew ought to send 80 copies of Pearson's Magazine to so that they may be distributed.

R.F. Pettigrew discusses with H.L. Loucks the desire to get at least one newspaper in Sioux Falls for their needs as well having a stock of Pearson's Magazines featuring Charles Edward Russell's article on Grain Trust ready to be distributed. Pettigrew argues the necessity of changing the current society from 'egotistic to altruistic.'

R.F. Pettigrew sends a short message to H.L. Loucks detailing Pettigrew's return home and desire to see Loucks.

R.F. Pettigrew writes to H.L. Loucks concerning the Richards Law and current referendum in the State legislature. Pettigrew believes that Richards must go alone while still arguing for Primary Law. Pettigrew also mentions the continued desire to buy a newspaper though expresses his inability to do so with current funds.

R.F. Pettigrew responds to H.L. Loucks affirmation regarding Loucks money question. Pettigrew laments of his inability to financially help Loucks in his education endeavors and hopes that his financial condition will soon recover. Pettigrew also speaks boldly of his dislike for money and how it influences the people of Sioux Falls.

R.F. Pettigrew congratulates H.L. Loucks on his call to action in reference to a conference, one in which Pettigrew is most happy to attend. Pettigrew continues in speaking boldly of his dislike for the party system and their operations of disrepute.

R.F. Pettigrew articulates to H.L. Loucks his distaste for the book that Loucks recommended to him. Pettigrew also mentions that he would prefer to remain distanced from any conference with the author of the book. Pettigrew expresses great admiration and interest in Loucks' manuscript and desire to read it further.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the 1914 election for United States Senator from South Dakota and Edwin S. Johnson's campaign corruption.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about his hopes for the national Progressive Party. He suggests that Pettigrew, Richard O. Richards and he start a newspaper to advance their political agenda. He mentions that the Saturday News in Watertown, South Dakota is for sale.

H. L. Loucks writes about the troubled state of politics in South Dakota. He mentions that he would be a part of the Republican Party if they would nominate progressive candidates. Loucks discusses the recent movement for farmers to organize. He mentions that Richard O. Richards has decided to remain in the Republican Party. Loucks believes that not all ballots cast for him were counted in the 1914 election.

H. L. Loucks writes about assisting Richard O. Richards in bringing up a suit to repeal Richards' primary law amendment. He also mentions that Richards does not want to start a newspaper. Loucks is still interested in finding a medium to publish his agenda and discusses the reliability of the press in South Dakota.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the leaflets he is publishing to promote progressive ideals. He thinks he will use the Rural Credit issue to bring attention to financial issues of farmers. Loucks mentions the upcoming 1916 elections and the likelihood of independent candidates.

H. L. Loucks writes to R. F. Pettigrew about a court case as to which Loucks is the primary counsel. Loucks mentions that he will use the argument going against the idea of 'rural credit.'; Loucks insists on Pettigrew visit Gifford and Amos Pinchot, whom Loucks deems capable of becoming national leaders.

H.L. Loucks responds to the R.F. Pettigrew and expresses sorrow for the current condition of Mrs. Pettigrew. Loucks also returns to his manuscript in speaking about how he wishes to take his time to write his statements and that Pettigrew may read and revise at his leisure, as there is no imminent reason that Loucks manuscript must be ready.

H.L. Loucks talks of his manuscript to R.F. Pettigrew, which has become something of a burden for him. Loucks also continues to talk of starting a new party, which will give them both leverage in the political realm. For now, Loucks determines that they ought to remain quiet and simply wait.

Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew concerning the cost of having part of the pamphlet printed as well as the pieces of the manuscript in friendly newspapers. Loucks hopes to copyright certain features of the pamphlet and manuscript to provide solid arguments. Mrs. Burgess urges Loucks to arrange a national call, which Loucks wishes to avoid at the present time.

Loucks talks to R.F. Pettigrew about the current state of their group which has not yet 'practical' levels in South Dakota. State Auditor J.E. Handlin is mentioned by Loucks for his earnest in taking a stand and Loucks wishes to stand by him. A Supreme Court plea is mentioned as well as various other people regarding politics and present status of South Dakota.

Loucks articulates to R.F. Pettigrew that an urgent call went out for a conference in Sioux Falls for their organization through the encouragement of Alli Reed. The call for a conference is not only to take place in Sioux Falls but also Chicago. Loucks also mentions that he believes the time is right for action for the Farmers Nonpartisan Political League.

R.F. Pettigrew talks with H.L. Loucks concerning the upcoming nomination for presidential candidate for the Republicans, as Pettigrew is hoping for a Progressive candidate as opposed to a reactionary one. Pettigrew also expresses his desire and agreement with Loucks concerning the procurement of numerous newspapers. Pettigrew also mentions various senators and party members, including Charles Edward Russell.

R.F. Pettigrew writes to H.L. Loucks concerning Loucks' address which shall be put into pamphlet form. Pettigrew mentions his great dislike for financiers of New York and the hope that Loucks' address will wake the people up from the spell of the financiers. Pettigrew also comments on the optimism that the people of the country will vote in a republican President.

R.F. Pettigrew expresses to H.L. Loucks the corruption and fraud of the current presidential administration. Pettigrew mentions his sadness and anger over those who would do nothing to change what has always been. Pettigrew reassures Loucks that his work will bear reward someday.

R.F. Pettigrew pens a letter to H.L. Loucks expressing his desire that Loucks would come visit him to discuss the matters at hand. Pettigrew also mentions that he is going to attempt to sell Loucks' article to Pearson's Magazine.

Letter from H. L. Loucks to R.F. Pettigrew about a the creation of the Progressive Party in South Dakota. The back of the letter is a copy of an article written by Loucks called 'The Grange and the Farmers' Problems,'; which discusses the European system of farmer cooperation and advocates its adaptation in the United States.

H. L. Loucks writes about his desire to be involved in politics at the national level. He mentions Richard O. Richards will continue his work with the primary law amendments and Loucks believes he will be an ally in the elections. He suggests that Pettigrew should contact progressive leaders throughout the United States.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew to make plans for visiting him in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and to visit other friends in Canto, South Dakota.

H.L. Loucks asks R. F. Pettigrew to read a copy of an address he gave at a meeting in St. Paul. Loucks states that he will not take part in the primary elections and that he cannot be part of the Progressive Party with Roosevelt and Perkins leading it. He feels that the Socialist Party's views are too narrow for him to join them. Loucks suggests that there is a good prospect in South Dakota for the rise of an independent party.

H.L. Loucks speaks of his manuscript to R.F. Pettigrew, which he is saddened that he must cut down so as to sell the finished manuscript for a set price. Loucks also mentions that he and Pettigrew should begin to plan for a general conference after the national convention. A mention of Richard O. Richards is also made near the end of the letter speaking of the national convention.

H.L. Loucks congratulates R.F. Pettigrew on his recent political fight, saying that Pettigrew gathered a substantial victory. Loucks also mentions his manuscript, the leaflet of Pettigrew's, and the potential publisher of both manuscripts. State primaries are coming and Loucks hope to circumvent any voting too far away from their party lines.

H.L. Loucks continues his previous discussion with R.F. Pettigrew concerning his manuscript and the purpose of said manuscript for their party. Loucks does not intend to wait for the potential publisher and instead plans to move ahead. Loucks hopes that Pettigrew will finish his review of the manuscript soon and forward the manuscript to Thomas Watson.

Loucks mentions to R.F. Pettigrew that Hampton is eager for Loucks to prepare an outline of his plan for 'rural credits.' Loucks briefs Pettigrew on the happenings of the Sioux Falls Conference in which his outline has been successful. Loucks also speaks of the new leadership within their organization and who will be helping to lead their organization.

R.F. Pettigrew discusses with H.L. Loucks the plan for rural credits which has not yet arrived. Pettigrew strongly states his opposition to class legislation as well as the explanation for such opposition. Pettigrew briefly states his eagerness to write a letter for Pearson's Magazine on the topic of class legislation.

Letter from H. L. Loucks to R.F. Pettigrew about the development of the Progressive Party. Loucks believes that the name should be changed due to the bad public image of progressivism. He mentions the anti-Catholic sentiments during the elections of 1914 around the country. He also talks about President Woodrow Wilson's policies and his tendency to support special interest groups. Loucks proposes a strategy for the Progressive Party for the 1916 elections. He also comments that the Republican candidate (Coe I. Crawford) wants to contest the election of Edwin Stockton Johnson (Democratic candidate) as Senator of South Dakota. Loucks states that he would like to see an investigation into the primary and election for the Senate seat.

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about losing the election for United States Senator from South Dakota. Loucks discusses campaign contributions to the national Progressive Party. He also talks about an investment opportunity for a plant to process flax straw.

Representative Ben Reifel (seated, second from right) is among the delegation of the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group

Delores Racine-Blackfeet in American Indian costume with Ben Reifel and an unidentified woman, Ben Reifel is holding a plaque

Two men sitting in front of a display of two marlin fish attached to a sign which reads: City of Miami, Pier 5 - World's Finest Fishing Fleet

Representative Ben Reifel meets with Don Hunter of Centerville, South Dakota and Merle Flyger of Hurley, South Dakota to talk about the sugar beet industry in South Dakota, Representative Reifel holds a bowl of sugar cubes for Hunter and Flyger to put in their coffee

Dr. Ben Reifel presiding over an assembly discussing Indian boarding school issues, seated at the table are Olaf Nelson, reservation principal at Ft. Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, O.R. Sande, superintendent at Wahpeton Boarding School in North Dakota, and Herman Bogard, superintendent at Flandreau Boarding School in Flandreau, South Dakota

Representative E.Y. Berry, Senator Karl Mundt, and Ben Reifel, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from the First District of South Dakota, are on the campaign trail in Pierre, South Dakota

Florence Peale, wife of Ambassador Edward Peale of Liberia, is visiting the Mrs. Robert Orben, wife of the speech writer for President Nixon

Frank Good Lance, Ben Reifel, and Thor Spotted Bear standing by Wounded Knee Monument on Mother's Day

People supporting the Goldwater-Miller ticket during the 1964 United States Presidential campaign at a rally in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Bureau of Indian Affairs officials visit the Holy Rosary Mission in Pine Ridge, South Dakota; from the right: (second) Superintendent Towle; (third) Commissioner Emmons; (fourth) Rev. Lawrence Edwards, S.J., Superior of Holy Rosary Mission; From the Left (fourth) Rev. John Bryde, S.J. , principal of Holy Rosary Mission; (fifth) Ben Reifel, Aberdeen Area Director; (sixth) Representative Ely. Berry; (seventh) Assistant Commissioner Rex Lee

Ceremony honoring two American Indian code talkers

House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Sub-Committee on Interior and related agencies; Left to Right: George Evans, Joe McDade, Ben Reifel, Winfield Denton, Mila Kirwan, Julia Hansen

House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Sub-Committee on Interior and related agencies; Left to Right: George Evans, Joe McDade, Ben Reifel, Winfield Denton, Mila Kirwan, Julia Hansen

Dr. Ned A. Hatathli, President of Navajo Community College, received the 1971 Indian Council Fire achievement award from Ben Reifel; from left to right: Dr. Ned A. Hatathli; Louis R. Bruce, Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Ben Reifel, director, Office of Indian Programs, National Parks Service; Elmer Bennett, Arrow Inc.

Indian Council Fire Achievement award ceremony held at the National Aviation Club in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ned A Hatathli is the 1971 Indian Achievement award winner; from left to right: Ben Reifel, director, Office of Indian Programs, National Park Service; Leo W. Vocu, executive director, National Congress of American Indians; Louis R Bruce, Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Dr. Ned A. Hatathli, President of Navajo Community College; Forrest Gerard, director, Office of Indian Affairs, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Tom Colosino Director or Arrow Inc.; Hon. Virgil L. Kirk, Chief Justice, Navajo Tribal Courts; Elmer Bennett, Arrow Inc.

Dr. Ned A. Hatathli, President of Navajo Community College, received the 1971 Indian Council Fire achievement award; from left to right: George Lavatta, Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Ben Reifel, director, Office of Indian Programs, National Park Service; Louis R. Bruce, Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Dr. Ned A. Hatathli, President of Navajo Community College; Leo W. Vocu, executive director, National Congress of American Indians; Forest Gerard, director, Office of Indian Affairs, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

Indian pageant at Black Hills Ordnance Depot in Provo, South Dakota, showing Helen Morganti of Lead, South Dakota being adopted into the tribe as Princess Silver Cloud, and Chief Afraid of Horses, the show was held for the war workers at the depot; the photograph is signed in ink on the front: Sincerely, Helen Morganti

Former Representative Ben Reifel at a Indian Society seminar at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota

Distinguished Service and Valor awardees and the Secretariat - 25th Honor Awards Convocation - Interior auditorium; Left to Right - Top Row: Captain Matthew V. Carson, Jr., USN, Office of the Secretary; Joseph V.B. Wells, Geological Survey; Christopher J. San Fellipo, Geological Survey; Paul Zinner, Bureau of Mines; Ulric J Gendron, Bureau of Reclamation; William M. Deaton, Bureau of Mines; James Westfield, Bureau of Mines; Elmer P. Myers, Bureau of Indian Affairs; John S. Knowles, Bureau of Land Management; George L. Collins, National Park Service; Charles E. Peterson, National Park Service; A. Clark Stratton, National Park Service; Dick Sutton, National Park Service; Left to Right - Front Row: Floyd H. Phillips, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Alphonse Kemmerich, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries; Administrative Assistant Secretary Beasley; Andrew W. Anderson; Bureau of Commercial Fisheries; Monty Wilcox; Louise A. Wilcox; Orpha R. McPherson, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Secretary Udall; Clara B. Gonzales, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Assistant Secretary Carver; Assistant Secretary Holum; Fannibelle Jackson, Bureau of Land Management; Under Secretary Carr; Assistant Secretary Briggs; Benjamin Reifel, Bureau of Indian Affairs; Father John G. Kuhn, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

Members of Congress in session in the chambers of the United Stated capitol building

Representative Ben Reifel is part of the Mexico-U.S. Interparliamentary group

Representative E.Y. Berry, Senator Karl Mundt, and Representative Ben Reifel are the guests of Harold Levinger of Yankton, South Dakota at the National Retail Merchants Association dinner in Washington, D.C.

Burdette Solum, president of Norwest Bank in Watertown, South Dakota, Fritzie, Class of 1933, and Ben Reifel, Class of 1932 were all welcomed as members of the Campanile Society by South Dakota State University president Robert Wagner

Group of five people looking at maps

Large group of people in front of the building at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico

Policeman on the airstrip at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Eastern Airlines plane on which Republican vice presidential candidate William Miller arrived on for a campaign rally is in the background

Portrait of Ben Reifel during his 1960 campaign for Congress

United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a group of people

President Dwight Eisenhower is speaking at an event, there are men holding microphones in front of him

Representative Ben Reifel, Representative E.Y. Berry, and Web Hill looking at a beaded American Indian shirt in Reifel's Washington, D.C. office

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Representative Ben Reifel pointing with his right hand

Representative Ben Reifel talking with two men

Former Representative Ben Reifel talking with a man in a classroom

Representative Ben Reifel and an unknown man in Washington, D.C.; there is illegible writing in the bottom right hand corner of the image

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Portrait of Representative Ben Reifel, a Republican from the First District of South Dakota

Representative Ben Reifel is seated in an audience, the audience is applauding

Representative Ben Reifel is talking to a constituent

Representative Ben Reifel is with his wife, Alice Reifel, and Al Gustafson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Representative Ben Reifel is with his wife, Alice Reifel, and Al Gustafson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Representative Ben Reifel is shaking hands with Alma Larson, secretary state

Representative Ben Reifel is shaking hand with astronaut Gus Grissom, Betty Grissom stands to the right

Representative Ben Reifel is shaking hand with astronaut Gus Grissom, Betty Grissom, astronaut John W. Young and his wife, Barbara Young stand to the right

Representative Ben Reifel is shaking hand with astronaut Gus Grissom, Betty Grissom, astronaut John W. Young and his wife, Barbara Young stand to the right

Representative Ben Reifel (S.D.) and Don Clauson of Crescent City, California are wearing American Indian headdresses and holding a peace pipe

Representative Ben Reifel and his wife Alice Reifel are with a couple at an outdoor restaurant; there is a note typed on the back: With the Compliments of Congress G. Elliott Hagan First District of Georgia

Representative Ben Reifel and his wife Alice Reifel with Senator Karl Mundt and another man at an event

Representative Ben Reifel and his wife Alice Reifel with three woman on a boat en route to Hawaii

Representative Ben Reifel and his wife Alice Reifel with Joe and Nellie Bottum, who were are of Reifel's campaign in 1962