Ditlef G. Ristad papers, 1880-1938

Biography/History: 
Ditlef G. Ristad was born in Norway in 1863 and came to the United States in 1887. He was naturalized in 1917. He graduated from Luther Theological Seminary in 1892 and studied at the University of Chicago, and did further study and travel in Europe. He was a poet, educator, lecturer, and Lutheran clergyman. He was a minister at Edgerton and Manitowoc, Wisconsin; president of three church schools; editor of "Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter"; first president of NAHA; president of the Trønderlag; and president of the Eastern District of his church (1936-1937). 

Scope and Content:
Correspondence; manuscripts of articles, lectures, poems, and sermons by Ristad; clippings of articles by and about him and subjects in which he was interested; and records of organizations he supported. Papers deal with such subjects as church union; Grundtvigianism; church school problems; organization and finances of the church; the Norwegian Museum at Decorah, Iowa; the collecting, research, publication, and financial program of NAHA; the Norwegian-American exhibit at the Century of Progress, Chicago; restoration of the Trondheim Cathedral; and the preservation of Norwegian culture in America. Correspondents include J. A. Aasgaard, Waldemar Ager, T. C. Blegen, L. W. Boe, Arne Fjellbu, L. M. Gimmestad, Knut Gjerset, Carl G. O. Hansen, Einar Haugen, Jacob Hodnefield, Hjalmer R. Holand, M. A. Holvik, U. V. Koren, Laur. Larsen, R. Malmin, O. M. Norlie, Jon Norstog, Torkel Oftelie, Julius E. Olson, Birger Osland, E. J. Oyen, Kristian Prestgard, C. K. Preus, Ove J. H. Preus, Carlton C. Qualey, O. E. Rølvaag, A. N. Rygg, Peder Tangjerd, I. B. Torrison, and Johs. B. Wist.