Identifier

MA 24

Dates

1949, 1975, 1997

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 narrow document case)

Abstract

This collection centers on Im Schneesturm (In the Blizzard), an undated manuscript originally written in 1882 by Louis Grewing (1843–1908) and later copied by his son, Frederick Grewing (1867–1937), whose editorial role shaped the document’s preservation and later dissemination. Although the original manuscript is now lost, Frederick’s copy survived and became the basis for multiple published translations beginning in 1949. The materials document the manuscript’s transmission, translation, and publication history, including efforts by South Dakota State University faculty to translate the handwritten German text into English with institutional research support. Supplementary newspaper accounts, photographs, and background materials illuminate both the historical context of the narrative and the evolving understanding of its authorship, making the collection a valuable resource for studying immigrant narratives, translation practices, and textual transmission.

Historical Note

The manuscript In the Blizzard recounts events from a blizzard in South Dakota in March 1882 and was written by Louis Grewing (1843–1908). His son, Frederick Grewing (1867–1937), copied the document, though the original's whereabouts are unknown. Notes suggest Frederick intended to publish the story, with the earliest known publication appearing in 1949, twelve years after his death. Carlene Aro, a descendant of Louis Grewing, later provided a copy of the manuscript to Carl R. Sunde, a Professor of German at South Dakota State University, for translation from handwritten old German script into English. A small grant from SDSU’s research support fund aided the translation and related research.

Content Notes

The materials include an undated manuscript titled Im Schneesturm (In the Blizzard), along with newspaper accounts, photographs, and other background information. Various translations of the manuscript were published in 1949, 1975, and 1997. Among these are versions printed by the Evangelisches Gemeindeblatt, a German-language Lutheran church bulletin from Madison, Wisconsin, and by the Watertown Public Opinion, which includes a translation by Reverend Elwood Habermann. However, Habermann's translation omits Frederick's role as editor and copier of the original document, along with several other significant details that were unknown to him.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

This document is a descriptive inventory of the collection in the SDSU Archives and Special Collections. It contains:

  • An overview of the collection, including information about the person or organization and a brief description of the materials and subjects found within.
  • A detailed inventory listing, organized by boxes and folders.
  • Information on how to access the materials, including any restrictions or special conditions.

In most cases, the materials in the collections have not been digitized and are not available online. If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at:

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.

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