Identifier
MA 13
Dates
1951-1964
Extent
0.42 linear feet [1 document case]
Abstract
Sigurd Anderson (1904–1990), served as Governor of South Dakota (1951–1955) and later as a Federal Trade Commissioner (1957–1964). Born in Norway, Anderson immigrated to the United States as a child, later earning his law degree from the University of South Dakota. He established a legal career in Webster, South Dakota, before rising to political prominence. As governor, he prioritized fiscal responsibility, economic development, and infrastructure improvements, leading South Dakota to its first debt-free status in 40 years. His later role as a Federal Trade Commissioner under President Dwight D. Eisenhower focused on national trade regulations and economic policy.
The collection consists primarily of FTC addresses (1957–1964), highlighting Anderson’s contributions to federal regulatory policy. Also included is his inaugural address to the 33rd South Dakota Legislature (1953) and speeches from the early to mid-1950s on governance, economic development, and infrastructure. Supplementary materials include state appropriations records (1951–1955) and a biographical account, Sigurd Anderson – From Immigrant Boy to Governor of South Dakota, which chronicles his journey from immigrant to influential political figure. This collection provides key insights into Anderson’s leadership, policymaking, and lasting impact on both state and federal governance.
Historical Note
Sigurd Anderson, the 19th governor of South Dakota, was born on January 22, 1904, on an island near Arendal, Norway. His parents, Karl and Bertha Anderson, immigrated to the United States in 1908, settling on a farm 10 miles southwest of Canton in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Anderson attended Pleasant Ridge School, District No. 11, and graduated from high school in 1925. That same year, his family relocated to a farm near Bancroft in Kingsbury County.
In the fall of 1925, Anderson enrolled at South Dakota State College, where he was active in public speaking, literary, and journalistic activities. However, after contracting scarlet fever, he was unable to return to college the following year. To finance his education, he worked as a farmhand and taught in rural schools in Kingsbury County. In 1928, he transferred to the University of South Dakota (USD), graduating cum laude in 1931.
After earning his degree, Anderson taught high school history in Rapid City and Webster, South Dakota. In 1935, he returned to USD to study law, graduating in 1937. Before completing his law degree, he married Vivian Walz of Vermillion, South Dakota. The couple had one daughter, Kristin, who later resided in Okemos, Michigan.
Anderson established a law practice in Webster, South Dakota, in 1937 and was twice elected Day County state’s attorney. In 1950, he won the Republican nomination for governor in a competitive five-way race and was elected to office. His re-election in 1952 set a historic record, as he became the only candidate for South Dakota governor to receive over 200,000 votes in a general election. During his administration, the Legislative Research Council was established, and for the first time in 40 years, the state achieved debt-free status.
After serving two terms, Anderson was appointed to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was reappointed in 1958 for a seven-year term but resigned in 1964 to return to Webster and resume his law practice. That same year, he ran again for governor but lost the Republican primary to Nils Boe, who later became governor. Boe later appointed Anderson as a circuit judge, a position he held until his retirement in 1975.
Throughout his career, Anderson received numerous professional and political honors and was actively involved in various organizations. He passed away on December 21, 1990.
Content Notes
This collection consists of addresses delivered by Sigurd Anderson during his tenure as Federal Trade Commissioner (1957–1964), along with speeches and documents of interest to him from his time as Governor of South Dakota (1951–1955). The FTC addresses, given to various national organizations, provide insight into Anderson’s role in federal regulatory affairs and economic policy. Also included is his inaugural address to the 33rd South Dakota Legislature (1953), reflecting his gubernatorial priorities.
The collection also contains speeches from the early to mid-1950s on topics relevant to Anderson’s administration, such as infrastructure, economic development, and public policy. Notable items include an address by Colonel Thomas J. Hayes III on the Corps of Engineers' contributions to South Dakota (1954) and discussions from the Missouri Basin Survey Commission (1952).
Additionally, appropriations records (1951–1955) document South Dakota’s budgetary decisions during Anderson’s governorship. A biographical account, Sigurd Anderson – From Immigrant Boy to Governor of South Dakota, provides context on his personal and political journey. This collection offers valuable historical insight into Anderson’s leadership at both the state and federal levels, highlighting his influence on economic policy and governance.
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Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Rights
In Copyright: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, publicity, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Recommended Citation
SDSU Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, "Anderson, Sigurd Papers" (2025). Archives Finding Aids. 18.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/archives_finding_aids/18
