W. Sigurd and Goldie Opdahl Family Papers

Identity elements

Reference code

MA 087

Level of description

Papers

Title

W. Sigurd and Goldie Opdahl Family Papers

Date(s)

  • 1943 (Accumulation)

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)

Name of creator

(1894-1975)

Biographical history

William Sigurd Opdahl was born to Hogen and Mathilda Opdahl April 19, 1894 in South Dakota. He married Goldie Burgeson February 28, 1920 in Watertown South Dakota. They farmed on the Opdahl homestead for a time, later moving to the Byron Sour farm four miles west of Hayti, South Dakota. In 1929, they moved into Hayti. Sigurd farmed in Hayti and Opdahl Townships, was a school bus driver, worked on the railroad for a short time, worked in a California factory during World War II, and was employed at the Hamiln County Coop Oil until retirement. Sigurd died on May 10, 1975.

Name of creator

(1901-1996)

Biographical history

Goldie Clare Burgeson was born on October 20, 1901. Goldie taught school in rural Bryant and Hayti areas, drove school bus, and was employed at the Hayti Post Office, and in local grocery stores. They had two daughters, Lou Ellen (Mrs. Floyd Johnson) and Nona (Mrs. James Amerson). Goldie died on May 6, 1996.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection is composed of one file folder of correspondence between W. Sigurd Opdahl and his wife, Goldie Opdahl while W. Sigurd worked at an airplane factory in California during World War II. It details his journey to Long Beach, California and his work in the airplane factory. She writes about the daily activities in Hayti, S.D. Also included is a letter from his daughter Lou Ellen Johnson. The letters are photocopies of the originals.

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South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections.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

    Scripts of the material

      Language and script notes

      Finding aids

      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

      Hamlin County, 1878-1979
      Hamlin Historical Committee. 1979
      Call number: SD Collection F657.H3 H32

      Mathiesen
      N. Proue and. L.E. Johnson. Hayti, S.D., 1988.
      Call number: SD Collection CS71.M37 M37 1988

      Related descriptions

      Notes element

      Specialized notes

      Alternative identifier(s)

      ID

      MA087

      ID

      MA 87

      Description control element

      Rules or conventions

      Sources used

      Access points

      Subject access points

      Place access points

      Genre access points

      Accession area