J. Wilhelm Ylvisaker Presidential Papers, 1832-1974 | Luther College Archives

By Alison Sancken

Collection Overview

Title: J. Wilhelm Ylvisaker Presidential Papers, 1832-1974Add to your cart.

ID: LCA/RG02/5th President

Primary Creator: Ylvisaker, J. Wilhelm (1900-1981)

Extent: 8.1 Linear Feet. More info below.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into four series;

1.) Correspondence and Personal Papers (1832 - 1974)

2.) Administrative Papers (1865 - 1966)

3.) Special Events (1925 - 1963)

4.) Lutheran Organizations (1928 - 1960).

Subjects: Evangelical Lutheran Church, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Administration, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - College Finances, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Faculty and Staff, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Students, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Students - Organizations, Women's Missionary Federation (Evangelical Lutheran Church)

Forms of Material: Correspondence, Minutes, Photographs

Languages: English, Norwegian

Abstract

A collection of correspondence, photographs from 1832 to 1974 from the office of J. Wilhelm Ylvisaker, fifth president of Luther College.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains correspondence and subject files from 1832 to 1974 from the office of J. Wilhelm Ylvisaker (1900 - 1981), fifth president of Luther College, during his administration.  These materials include personal and official correspondence with family members, students, and college and church associates; administrative papers, docments pertaining to special events, and correspondence and documents concerning Lutheran Organizations such as the Board of Christian Education. Much of the correspondence is in Norwegian.

Biographical Note

Johannes Wilhem Ylvisaker, Luther class of 1921, became president of his alma mater in 1948.  Before returning to Luther, he completed a CT at Luther Theological Seminary, an M.Th at Princeton Theological Seminary, married Lucille Torgerson, and worked as a teacher and a pastor.  Ylvisaker’s presidency from 1948 to 1962 was marked by growth and development in almost every aspect of the college.  Six major buildings were completed, attendance skyrocketed, the endowment grew, and a development plan was created and implemented for the first time.  While many changes took place over his fourteen years in office, Ylvisaker tried to work within the traditions of the school to maintain the stability established by his predecessor, O.J.H. Preus.  His patience, intelligence, and wit were assets to his office and college.  J.W. Ylvisaker resigned in 1962 after developing Parkinson’s Disease and passed away in 1981.

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Johannes Wilhem Ylvisaker, som gikk ut fra Luther College i 1921, ble president ved Luther i 1948. Før hans tid som president, tok han en CT ved Luther Theological Seminary, en M.Th. ved Princeton Theological Seminary, giftet seg med Lucille Torgerson, og jobbet som lærer og prest. Ylvisakers periode som president fra 1948 til 1962 var preget av vekst og utvikling i nesten alle områder av skolen. Seks viktige bygninger ble gjort ferdige, søknadsmassen økte kraftig, tondsmidlene vokste, og en utviklings plan ble laget og satt i verk for første gang. Selv om mye ble forandret i løpet av hans fjorten år som president, prøvde Ylvisaker å ta hensyn til skolens tradisjoner så han kunne opprettholde den stabiliteten som forgjengeren hans, O. J. H. Preus, hadde oppnådd. Ylvisakers tålmodighet, intelligens og klokskap var nyttige egenskaper for stillingen og for skolen. J. W. Ylvisaker gikk av stillingen i 1962. Han døde i 1981.

Subject/Index Terms

Evangelical Lutheran Church
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Administration
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - College Finances
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Faculty and Staff
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Students
Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) - Students - Organizations
Women's Missionary Federation (Evangelical Lutheran Church)

Administrative Information

Repository: Luther College Archives

Alternate Extent Statement: 19 Boxes

Access Restrictions: All materials are available for research.

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 Library and Information Services copyright and fair use policy, please visit http://lis.luther.edu/about/policies/copyright.

Original/Copies Note: Some materials in this collection are reproductions and the originals are held by the publishing company that created them.

Preferred Citation:

Cite unpublished materials: J. Wilhelm Ylvisaker Presidential Papers, RG02 Office of the President, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa

Cite published materials as required by your chosen citation style (Chicago, MLA, APA, etc.).


Box and Folder Listing


Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence and Personal Papers, 1832 - 1974],
[Series 2: Administrative Papers, 1865 - 1966],
[Series 3: Special Events, 1925 - 1963],
[Series 4: Lutheran Organizations, 1928 - 1962],
[All]

Series 4: Lutheran Organizations, 1928 - 1962Add to your cart.
Box 1: Lutheran Organizations, 1928 - 1960Add to your cart.
Folder 1: Board of Christian Education, 1946Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:411
Folder 2: Board of Christian Education, 1950 - 1956Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:412
Folder 3: Board of Christian Education, 1957Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:413
Folder 4: Board of Christian Education, 1958Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:414
Folder 5: Board of Christian Education, 1959Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:415
Folder 6: Board of Christian Education, 1959 - 1960Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:416
Folder 7: Christian Education Appeal, 1948 - 1950Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:434
Folder 8: Evangelical Lutheran Church Conference, 1928 - 1952Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:405
Folder 9: Women's Missionary Federation, 1957 - 1962Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:396
Folder 10: Evangelical Lutheran Church Centennial, 1952 - 1953Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:63
Folder 11: Christian Education Appeal, 1948 - 1950Add to your cart.
Acquisition Information: 188:431

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence and Personal Papers, 1832 - 1974],
[Series 2: Administrative Papers, 1865 - 1966],
[Series 3: Special Events, 1925 - 1963],
[Series 4: Lutheran Organizations, 1928 - 1962],
[All]