By Hayley Jackson
Collection Overview
Title: The Papers of Rolf Brandt Preus, 1937-1997
ID: LCA/RG15/Preus, R
Creator: Preus, Rolf Brandt (1916-1959)
Extent: 3.9 Linear Feet. More info below.
Abstract
Papers and memorabilia of Rolf Brandt Preus (1916-1959), an assayer and pilot in the United States Army Air Transport Command. The collection documents Preus's work as an assayer for the Kimberley Gold Mines as well as his training and work as a pilot, first in the Army, later for the China National Aviation Corporation.
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Documentation consists of memorabilia including gold digging hat, porcelain doll.
Biographical Note
Rolf Brandt Preus was born April 5, 1916 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Johan Carl Keyser Preus and Dikka Brandt Preus. After attending Pacific Lutheran Academy and College, he worked as an assayer for Kimberely Gold Mines in Burgdorf, Idaho, 1935-1939. Preus was a pilot, and flew in the US Army Air Transport Command, beginning in 1942. As a pilot, Preus flew over a section of the eastern Himalayas known as "the Hump" 89 times. These flights, which began in Assam, India and landed in Kunming, China, was part of an organized airlift to bring supplies to U.S. Army Air Force units based in China and for supporters of Chiang Kai-Shek. After the war, Preus continued to fly for Kai Shek's China National Aviation Corporation until 1946, when he and two pilot friends crashed in Shanghai. Preus survived but had his left leg amputated in 1947. He then worked in the office of Olson Equipment Co. He passed away on March 27, 1959 from leukemia.
Administrative Information
Alternate Extent Statement:
4 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/copyright/
Acquisition Source:
Donated by his father, Dr. Johan Carl Keyser (J.C.K.) Preus
Preferred Citation:
Cite unpublished materials: Rolf Brandt Preus Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa
Finding Aid Revision History:
11/25/19: EC updated the preferred citation.
Box and Folder Listing
- Box 1: Realia & Notebooks, 1937-1997
- Folder 1: Rolf Preus Realia List, 1996-1997
- Folder 2: Processing Sheets, 1976
- Folder 3: Certificates, Diplomas, and Memorandum, 1940-1959
- Folder 4: Student Pilot Rating Books, M. A. C. Pilot's Log, and Student Pilot Log Book, July 1940-Sept. 1941
- Item 1: Kimberly and Gold Crest Groups of Claims Map, undated
- Folder 5: Office Procedure Manual from Engineering Division Air Transport Command, copy no. 42, 1943
- Folder 6: Reference Manual for Cross Country Flight, 1943
- Folder 7: Notebook for Civil Pilot Training, 1942
- Item 2: M. A. C. Improved Pilot's Log, 1941
- Item 3: Notebook, 1937
- Item 4: Royal Air Force Transport Command Information for Passengers, undated
- Box 2: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Doll), undated
- Item 1: Porcelain Doll, undated
- Box 3: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Hat), undated
- Item 1: Gold Digging Hat, undated
- Box 4: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Misc), undated
- Item 1: Gold Sifting Pan, undated
- Item 2: C. Brandes. Inc. Matched Tone Headphones, undated
- Item 3: National Small Frying Pan, undated
- Item 4: Tan Belt, undated
- Item 5: Brown Belt no. 0072, undated
- Item 6: Tin Container, undated
- Item 7: Pouch with Hand Mirror and Money Bag, undated
- Item 8: Cigar Box, undated
- Item 9: Cigar Box, undated
- Item 10: Tobacco Products, undated
- Item 11: 0085 Emergency Kit Flask, undated
- Item 12: 0087 Emergency Signaling Mirror, undated
- Item 13: 0088 Blister Gas Cover, undated
- Item 14: 0086 First Aid Kit for Parachute, undated
- Item 15: Minature Pegged Chessboard Game, undated
- Item 16: Knife, undated
- Item 17: R. B. Preus Nameplate, undated
- Item 18: Compass, undated
- Item 19: 0084 Dutch Masters Cigar Box holding Sewing Equipment, undated
- Item 20: Cloth Bag, undated
- Item 21: China National Aviation Button, undated
- Item 22: C.N.A.C. Buttons and American Buttons, undated
- C.N.A.C stands for the China National Aviation Corporation.
- Item 23: C.N.A.C. Patches, undated
- C.N.A.C stands for the China National Aviation Corporation.
- Item 24: 0093 China National Aviation Corp. Compass, undated
- Item 25: Carter's Household Indelible Ink Outfit and Stamp, undated
- Item 26: R. B. Preus Stap, undated
- Item 27: Box of Fountain Pen Tips, undated
- Item 28: 0079 Blasting Caps Tin with Rocks and a Pottery Shard, undated
- Item 29: 0078 Two Rocks with Mineral Threads, undated
- Item 30: 0100 Padlock with Two Keys, undated
- Item 31: Compass Sight, undated
- Item 32: Empty Waterproof Sport Clothing Container, undated
- Item 33: 0103 Bottle of Insect Repellant, undated
- Item 34: Glass Vial of Unknown Rock Shavings, undated
- Item 35: Volt Reader, undated
- Item 36: Tax Commission Coins, undated
- Item 37: 72 in. Extension Tape-rule, undated
- Item 38: Crucible with Reaction Mark Inside, undated
- Item 39: Crucible with Reaction Mark Inside, undated
- Item 40: 0102 Metal Match Container, undated