Title: The Papers of Sigurd Stryk Reque, 1825-1966

ID: LCA/RG15/Reque, S

Primary Creator: Reque, Sigurd S. (1883-1962)

Extent: 4.0 Linear Feet. More info below.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into 3 series: 1) Biographical, 2) Correspondence, and 3) Excerpts and Transcriptions.

Series 3 contains research notes from Reque's visit to the United States National Archives in 1940 to research the history of Fort Atkinson in preparation of its restoration. Some documents have been copied and included with his notes. Others have not. Those interested should consult with the National Archives.

Languages: English

Documentation consists of correspondence, 1900-1950; photocopy of letter from S.S. Reque, Fort Atkinson list of officers, statement of licenses, certificate of citizenship, program; membership card; photographs; book manuscripts; notes and research materials; compositions and speeches, 1866; materials on Fort Atkinson (notes, articles/writings, excerpts, photos, research), microfilm of his work; biographical information; maps; excerpts, 1830's and 1840's; statement of licenses and certificate; one program for a ceremony; historical articles by different authors.

Sigurd Styrk Reque was born on Feb. 26, 1883, in Decorah, Iowa, to Lars S. Reque (1868) and Edel Margrethe Brandt.  Reque studied at Esmeyer Institution in Rotterdam, Holland, in 1895 through 1897.  Upon returning to the United States, Reque attended Luther College.  He was the star and the captain of the Luther baseball team from 1900-1903.  While at Luther, Reque also participated in Track.  Luther College awarded Sigurd Reque an A. B. in 1903.

Reque’s first job took him to Traill Co., North Dakota, where he taught public school from 1903-1904.  In 1904, he moved on to Gale College where he was an instructor and a baseball coach.  After a year at Gale, Reque headed back to school at the Theological Student Luther Seminary.  By 1906, he was back at Luther as a temporarily appointed teacher in Civics, English, Gym, History, and Mathematics.  Once his appointment was finished, Sigurd Reque became an incidental assistance at Luther and moved on to serve as the County Superintendent of Schools in Winneshiek County from 1909 to 1913.  Reque, however, was still involved at Luther College as an assistant to the baseball team. 

In 1913, Reque began another chapter of his life when he married Caroline Bye Kalvestrand in Decorah.  Shortly afterward, Sigurd and Caroline moved to Albert Lea where Sigurd taught at the Luther Academy from until 1919.  He also served as President (Principal) of the Academy from 1914 to 1919.  Following his term in Albert Lea, Reque returned to Luther College as a temporary appointed teacher until his status became permanent as a professor in 1920.  During his tenure, Reque taught Citizenship, English, French, and Norwegian.  He also assisted with Luther College Through 60 Years 1861-1921 by writing the eleventh chapter on ‘Attendance’.

While the students of Reque’s classes benefited from his return, so also did the baseball team.  The Luther College baseball team had its greatest period under the former Luther star.  He left his most well-know legacy in baseball with a 244(W):139(L):9(T) record in 22 seasons.  In 1960, Sigurd Reque was honored by being one of the first four people named to the Hall of Fame baseball section of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.  His time as coach lasted until 1942 when he retired from baseball to do field work for the department of public services.

During his time at Luther College, Reque served as the Athletic Director, being appointed the position in 1924 by President Olson.  He also served as a member of the C.K. Preus Gym Building Committee.  From 1940-1947, Reque served as Curator (Director) of the Norwegian-American Historical Museum.  In 1948, he assisted with fundraising for the new women dorms.  After all of his assistance through the years, Luther College lost Reque to retirement in 1952.  Sigurd Styrk Reque died in 1962.

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Reque gikk ut fra Luther College i 1903. Han studerte også ved Luther Seminary. Han underviste i mange år på Luther College og ved Luther Academy i Albert Lea, Minnesota. Han giftet seg med Caroline Bye Kalvestrand i 1913.

Repository: Luther College Archives

Alternate Extent Statement: 14 boxes

Use Restrictions: Though we may hold the property rights, Luther College Archives does not hold the copyrights for all materials. Individuals may use materials for non-commercial, private use, but commercial users must secure permissions from the copyright holders and/or Luther College Archives to reproduce, publish, or quote protected materials and photographs. For more information about the Luther College copyright and fair use policy, please visit https://www.luther.edu/library/copyright

Preferred Citation: Cite unpublished materials: Sigurd Stryk Reque Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa

Finding Aid Revision History:

6/15/24: Abby Bates updated copyright policy link.

11/25/19: EC updated the preferred citation.

11/21/19:AH  updated the date.