Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1951-1964 (Creation)
Extent
0.42 linear feet (1 document case)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Sigurd Anderson, the 19th governor of South Dakota, was born on January 22, 1904, on an island near Arendal, Norway. His parents, Karl and Bertha Anderson, immigrated to the United States in 1908, settling on a farm 10 miles southwest of Canton in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Anderson attended Pleasant Ridge School, District No. 11, and graduated from high school in 1925. That same year, his family relocated to a farm near Bancroft in Kingsbury County.
In the fall of 1925, Anderson enrolled at South Dakota State College, where he was active in public speaking, literary, and journalistic activities. However, after contracting scarlet fever, he was unable to return to college the following year. To finance his education, he worked as a farmhand and taught in rural schools in Kingsbury County. In 1928, he transferred to the University of South Dakota (USD), graduating cum laude in 1931.
After earning his degree, Anderson taught high school history in Rapid City and Webster, South Dakota. In 1935, he returned to USD to study law, graduating in 1937. Before completing his law degree, he married Vivian Walz of Vermillion, South Dakota. The couple had one daughter, Kristin, who later resided in Okemos, Michigan.
Anderson established a law practice in Webster, South Dakota, in 1937 and was twice elected Day County state’s attorney. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination for governor in a competitive five-way race and was elected to office. His re-election in 1952 set a historic record, as he became the only candidate for South Dakota governor to receive over 200,000 votes in a general election. During his administration, the Legislative Research Council was established, and for the first time in 40 years, the state achieved debt-free status.
After serving two terms, Anderson was appointed to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was reappointed in 1958 for a seven-year term but resigned in 1964 to return to Webster and resume his law practice. That same year, he ran again for governor but lost the Republican primary to Nils Boe, who later became governor. Boe later appointed Anderson as a circuit judge, a position he held until his retirement in 1975.
Throughout his career, Anderson received numerous professional and political honors and was actively involved in various organizations. He passed away on December 21, 1990.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection consists of addresses delivered by Sigurd Anderson during his tenure as Federal Trade Commissioner (1957–1964), along with speeches and documents of interest to him from his time as Governor of South Dakota (1951–1955). The FTC addresses, given to various national organizations, provide insight into Anderson’s role in federal regulatory affairs and economic policy. Also included is his inaugural address to the 33rd South Dakota Legislature (1953), reflecting his gubernatorial priorities.
The collection also contains speeches from the early to mid-1950s on topics relevant to Anderson’s administration, such as infrastructure, economic development, and public policy. Notable items include an address by Colonel Thomas J. Hayes III on the Corps of Engineers' contributions to South Dakota (1954) and discussions from the Missouri Basin Survey Commission (1952).
Additionally, appropriations records (1951–1955) document South Dakota’s budgetary decisions during Anderson’s governorship. A biographical account, Sigurd Anderson – From Immigrant Boy to Governor of South Dakota, provides context on his personal and political journey. This collection offers valuable historical insight into Anderson’s leadership at both the state and federal levels, highlighting his influence on economic policy and governance.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
The collection is open to all researchers, with materials accessible on-site only and not available for circulation.
For extensive research, scheduling an appointment in advance via phone or email is encouraged, including details about the research topic and intended use.
To access materials, researchers must complete and sign the Registration Form and provide proof of identity (e.g., University ID or driver’s license). By signing, researchers agree to adhere to the Reading Room Rules. The registration document also includes guidelines on making copies of materials, correct referencing, and copyright obligations.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to its collections, both published and unpublished. However, access to certain items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or copyright.
Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.
Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.
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
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General note
South Dakota State University supports access to its collections, both published and unpublished. However, access to certain items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or copyright.
Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.
Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.
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
- Anderson, Sigurd, 1904-1990 (Subject)
- South Dakota. Governor (Subject)
- United States. Federal Trade Commission (Subject)