Ben and Alice Reifel standing with a man outside of the South Dakota Memorial Art Center in Brookings, South Dakota, they were honored with awards for their years of service on the board

Ben Reifel and another man with a heifer steer during the Steer for State fund raising auction at South Dakota State University during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Former Representative Ben Reifel (third from left in back row) served as a member of the South Dakota Memorial Art Center board of directors. South Dakota State University President Berg (first on left in back row) and President Briggs (fifth from left in back row) are also present

N.E. Hansen standing by a small table in a room with horticultural displays of flowers and fruits

Dr. N.E. Hansen and an unknown man are in a greenhouse full of flowers on the campus of South Dakota State College

Dr. N.E. Hansen and an unknown man are in a greenhouse full of flowers on the campus of South Dakota State College

Dr. N.E. Hansen and an another man are in a greenhouse full of flowers on the campus of South Dakota State College

Dr. N.E. Hansen and an another man are in a greenhouse full of flowers on the campus of South Dakota State College

Rare portrait of Dr. N.E. Hansen without a beard, he is wearing an overcoat and a hat and seated in a chair

Dr. N.E. Hansen in a suit and tie and wearing a hat while he looks at bushes

Edgar S. McFadden riding a horse in the 1917 Hobo Day parade at South Dakota State College

Esgar S. McFadden (far right) with five others in their World War I uniforms

Fruit tree on the campus of South Dakota State College was part of N.E. Hansen's research on fruit

Fruit tree on the campus of South Dakota State College was part of N.E. Hansen's research on fruit

The John E. Miller papers are composed of materials collected by Dr. Miller during his career. Included is course material, interviews, talks, writings, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and friends and colleagues. The bulk of the material is Laura Ingalls Wilder and research for his many other writings.

GENERAL MATERIAL
The general material consists of files related to Dr. Miller’s personal life outside of teaching and writing. He was involved with many organizations, such as the South Dakota Humanities Council, the South Dakota State Historical Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and history conferences, such as the Midwestern History Association and the Dakota History Conference. Included are correspondence, photographs, awards, articles about Miller, SDSU material, and family files.

COURSE MATERIALS.
Dr. Miller taught many courses during his tenure as a faculty member of the History Department at South Dakota State University. Courses include U.S. History, South Dakota history, American economic history, and methods and philosophy of history. After his retirement he taught Osher Lifetime Learning Institute [OLLI] courses on many topics such as the great depression, U.S. president and legislators, and democracy. Included are course notes, exams, and other material related to teaching history.

FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES
This material is composed of material gathered on friends and colleagues. Included is correspondence, articles, clippings, and photographs.

INTERVIEWS.
Dr. Miller conducted many oral history interviews during the course of his career. The recordings include many important historical figures, such as George McGovern and John Wooden, as well as prominent members of the South Dakota State University community, and SDSU faculty, staff, and administrators. His early interviews were recorded on audiocassettes, and eventually upgraded to digital recorders. There are some transcripts and permission forms for these recordings, but not all.
See the audiovisual and electronic media series for the recordings.

TALKS, PRESENTATIONS, ETC.
This series consists of many talks, presentations, and workshops given by Dr. Miller throughout his career. He also served on panels at conferences, including the Dakota History Conference and Laurapalooza. Included are notes used articles, journals, books, and research material.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER
Dr. Miller is one of America's leading authorities on Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane, having written many books and articles on the Wilder’s. Material consists of 16 boxes of research on books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, the Ingalls-Wilder family, places where Wilder lived, notebooks of handwritten notes, critiques of other authors works on Wilder, articles and clippings on related to Wilder, research gathered from manuscript collections related to Wilder, other authors works, and Dr. Miller’s writings.

WRITINGS
Dr. Miller wrote many articles, books, and reviews during his career. He also wrote book chapters, collaborated with other authors, and encyclopedia entries. He was a very prolific writer and it is difficult to know whether everything he ever wrote is included in the collection. Included are manuscripts, books, articles, book proposals, notes, and correspondence with other authors and publishers.

RESEARCH
The research material is composed of material collected by Dr. Miller for various projects. Researchers will find material on topics such as politics, elections, democracy, U.S. and South Dakota history, sports, small towns, and creativity; and historical figures such as Johnny Carson, Lawrence Welk, Sam Walton, John Wooden, Walt Disney, George McGovern, Karl Mundt, Alvin Hanson and many others too numerous to list. This material was used in his writings and in teaching his courses at SDSU.

Included are 40 boxes of articles and clippings from newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, books, and online research gathered during his many trips to archives, historical societies and libraries. The material consists of notebooks and handwritten notes, writings, publications, books, and photographs. The majority of the material is photocopies, but some books, magazines, and journals are also included.

The Brookings County research is composed of research gathered by John E. Miller from the Donald D. Parker Collection held at the Center for Western Studies, Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Donald D. Parker was Head of the History Department at South Dakota State University from 1943-1965. Folders consist mainly of research on early Brookings County, South Dakota and covers the years from circa 1870-1930.

The Hubert B. Mathews and Hubert Jean Mathieu Hubert B. Mathews attended Dakota Agricultural College in Brookings in 1888 and accepted a position on the college staff in 1893. He became head of the physics Department, and was the first acting dean of the Division of Engineering. He was Vice President at South Dakota State College. H.B. Mathews coordinated much of the building work on the campus during the first half of the 20th century. Mathews Hall, a dormitory on campus, is named in his honor. Professor Mathews served twice as the Mayor of Brookings from 1907-1910 and again from 1915-1917. Hubert Jean Mathieu, son of Hubert B. Mathews, graduated from South Dakota State College in 1919. He then studied painting under Harvey Dunn. He is known for his Our Democracy editorial cartoons that appeared in such magazines as the Saturday Evening Post, Colliers, Ladies Home Journal, McCall’s and Cosmopolitan in the 1940s. He changed the spelling of the family name back to the original French spelling of Mathieu, supposedly for art reasons. He used the name "Mat" as his signature on many of his works.

Because of their relationship as father and son and their similar names, researchers should look at each folder carefully to ensure the correct information is gathered as material for both men is interfiled. Included are drawing of the campus of South Dakota State University by Hubert J. Mathieu as well as several of the Our Democracy editorial cartoons. The notes file was compiled by Dr. Miller and includes a notebook and several homemade note cards. The photograph file consists only of one photocopied page of three photographs of both Hubert B. and Hubert J.

The Brookings County Democratic Party records are composed of material given to John E. Miller by Ruby Mershon. Her father, Paul, was county chairman of the Brookings Democratic Party during the 1950s. Folders contain clippings, campaign material, newsletters, financial material, programs, and sample ballots. Some items of note include an official program and souvenir banner commemorating the visit of President John F. Kennedy to St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1962.

The South Dakota State University: A pictorial history, 1881-2006 research consists mainly of photocopies of clippings, articles, and yearbooks etc. Researchers will find material related to all areas of the history of South Dakota State University, from activities, athletics and administration to buildings, Hobo Day, and alumni, students and faculty.

The Looking for History of Highway 14 series is composed of research gathered by John E. Miller for this book. The book highlights fifteen towns and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Folders consist of research gathered while compiling chapters for this book and include newspapers, county history books, photographs, and notes by Miller.

AUDIOVISUAL AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA
This series consists of 231 audiocassettes, 10 digital recorders, 17 CDs, 1 DVD, 18 USB flash drives, 24 SD Cards as well as some born digital material.

Lillian Gibson roses, developed by N.E. Hansen, were named for Mrs. Charles W. Pugsley at the request of her husband, Charles W. Pugsley, who was president of South Dakota State College from 1923-1940

Man showing the horse "Captain Dan" at the 1937 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Men stock fitting a horse at the 1937 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Doyle Barton, Huron, South Dakota, with the sheep fitting at the 1938 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Woman with a cow in the arena at the 1939 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Little International Queen in a buggy pulled by a pony in the arena at the 1939 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Musicians entertain the crowd at the 1940 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man showing a pig at the 1940 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Woman milking a cow in the arena at the 1940 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Display of farm machinery in the arena at the 1941 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Robert Dailey with the Fitting and Showmanship Champion in the Beef Cattle Division at the 1941 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Military cadets presenting arms to the judges at the table in the arena at the 1941 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cow judging in the arena at the 1942 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Swine judging in the arena at the 1942 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Men with brooms in their hands riding ponies in the arena at the 1942 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Military cadet posing for a photo at the 1943 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Woman and two men are announcers at the 1943 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man showing a horse in the arena at the 1943 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man showing a cow in the arena at the 1943 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Bum band at the 1943 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Kenneth Lounsbery won best freshman in the Horse Division at the 1946 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Women participants in the cow milking contest in the arena at the 1946 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man showing a pig in the arena at the 1946 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Women is milking a cow in the arena at the 1947 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cattle judging in the arena at the 1947 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Swine judging in the arena at the 1947 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Tumbling team provides entertainment for the crowd in the arena at the 1947 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Tumbling team provides entertainment for the crowd in the arena at the 1948 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Block and Bridle Club booth at the 1948 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. Sign reads: B. From Fleece to Fabric.

Man showing a cow in the arena at the 1948 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Men shearing sheep at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Trophy presentation at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man handing a plaque to another man during a banquet at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

People looking at house plants in the Horticulture booth at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Group of winners at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. Signs read: Wheat King Little International 1949. Most Outstanding Clothing Entry Little International 1949.

Barbershop quartet entertaining the crowd at the 1949 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Horse judging in the arena at the 1950 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Students judging wool at the 1950 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

People looking at a display of farm machinery at the 1950 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Swine judging in the arena at the 1951 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Men erecting the false barn wall for the 1951 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man brushing the tail of a cow getting it ready for the stock show at the 1951 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man holding a trophy and stands with his winning cow in the arena during the 1951 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cattle judging in the arena during the 1951 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Wool judging at the 1952 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Sheep judging in the arena at the 1952 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man holding a trophy is with his prize cow at the 1952 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Publicity shots for the 1952 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. Delan Wood, Dick Luther and Wilfred Wollase shearing sheep.

Cattle judging in the arena at the 1952 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Publicity shots for the 1953 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. Three men and a Hereford cow outside in the snow.

George B. German, WNAX radio, conducting an interview at the 1953 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Winners holding their trophies at the 1953 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man stands next to his prize horse at the 1953 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Style show at the 1954 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Publicity show for the 1954 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. A man with a cow stand in the arena. Two women stand by the fence petting the cow. The false barn is in the background. Lettering on the barn read 31st Little International.

Empty arena at the 1954 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cattle judging in the arena at the 1954 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cattle judging in the arena at the 1954 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Two people with a cow at the 1955 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Men riding ponies at the 1955 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man with his prize winning sheep at the 1955 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Two men and a woman talking at the 1956 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. One man is handing something to the woman.

Men stands in front of farm machinery with signs that read, "Accurate, durable economy," at the 1956 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. He has a stick pointing at a sign that reads, "Corn borer control granulat DDT."

Two men on horseback holding a U.S. flag and a State of South Dakota in the arena at the 1956 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. The false barn wall is behind them.

Man cutting meat during the meat judging competition at the 1956 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Three little girls wearing dresses stand on a stage for the Home Economics fashion show at the 1956 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Group of men pose for a photograph in front of the false barn wall at the 1957 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Three men entertain on the stage of the 1957 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. One man is singing, one is playing the guitar, and one is playing the drums.

Six women and a Hereford cow pose for a publicity shot for at the 1957 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Cattle judging in the arena the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. The stage and false barn wall is in the background.

Five women and a little girls model clothing during a fashion show at the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

People looking at a display of tractors at the machine show during the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Two men looks at ears of corn while other people look at seed samples during the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Man holding a trophy holds the reins of his prize winning cow during the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Sheep judging in the arena the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. The false barn wall is in the background.

Cattle judging in the arena the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Horse judging in the arena the 1958 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College. The stage and false barn wall is in the background.

Hereford bull judging in the area at the 1959 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Crew constructing the arena floor in the gymnasium at South Dakota State College in preparation for the 1959 Little International Exposition.

Crew erecting the false barn wall in the gymnasium at South Dakota State College in preparation for the 1959 Little International Exposition.

Roger Hunsley holds a trophy while kneeling by his prize winning hog at the 1959 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.

Arena is being constructed in the gymnasium at South Dakota State College in preparation for the 1959 Little International Exposition.

Three men hold a trophy while standing behind a table full of trophies at the 1959 Little International Exposition at South Dakota State College.