Identifier

MA 6

Dates

1898-1971

Extent

2.64 linear feet (3 document cases, 1 oversize box)

Abstract

This collection documents the personal, educational, and professional lives of Elmer Sexauer and Cecile Welch Sexauer from the late nineteenth through the mid twentieth century. Materials include essays, family papers, scrapbooks, agricultural reports, photographs, and certificates, along with handwritten travel diaries and more than four hundred postcards. Together, the materials reflect family life, education, professional involvement with the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association, and extensive travel within the United States and abroad, including Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Japan.

Historical Note

Elmer Sexauer

Elmer Harrison Sexauer was born on July 13, 1888, in Winona, Minnesota, to George P. and Elisa (Ulrich) Sexauer. The family moved to Volga, South Dakota in 1891 and later to Brookings, where Elmer attended public schools and South Dakota State College. In 1911, he joined his father in managing The Sexauer Company. Elmer served in the U.S. Army during World War I and held leadership roles in several organizations, including president of the SD Seed Dealers Association, the Western Seedsmen Association, the American Seed Trade Association, and the National Grain and Feed Association. He was also involved with the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, First Bank Systems, and Northwestern Bell Telephone. Elmer received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of South Dakota for his business achievements. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Phi at SDSU, the Brookings Masonic Lodge No. 24, and the El Riad Shrine. Elmer retired in 1977 as chairman of The Sexauer Company, which had offices in Brookings, Des Moines, West Fargo, and Norfolk. He passed away on November 15, 1986.

Cecile Sexauer

Cecile Irene Welch Sexauer was born on January 18, 1888, in Huron, South Dakota, to Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Welch. The family moved to Arlington, South Dakota, and later to Brookings in 1903. Cecile graduated from Brookings High School and South Dakota State College and attended the Boston Conservatory of Music for one year. She taught piano at South Dakota State College and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Brookings, where she played piano and organ for about 25 years. Cecile was actively involved in music organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including serving as president of the National Music Organization. She was also a member of the BA chapter of PEO and the Sorosis Club. Cecile passed away on October 7, 1973, at Brookings Hospital, after being hospitalized for four weeks.

Content Notes

The collection documents the personal, educational, and professional lives of Elmer Sexauer and Cecile Welch Sexauer from the late nineteenth century through the mid twentieth century. Materials include essays written by Cecile Welch Sexauer during her college years, grade school papers of Elmer Sexauer, a language paper by Laura Sexauer, and miscellaneous family papers. The collection contains scrapbooks, including one created to commemorate the Forty fourth Annual Convention of the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association in 1940 and another documenting the 1947 visit of Elizabeth Anne Baker to her grandparents’ home. Agricultural Department reports presented to Elmer Sexauer, certificates from the fiftieth anniversary of the Class of 1910, stationery samples, photographs, and a Christmas card list from 1971 are also included. Travel diaries handwritten by Cecile Sexauer and a souvenir book from the Queen Elizabeth ocean cruise record domestic and international travel to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Japan. More than four hundred postcards collected during these travels represent numerous states and countries.

The collection documents family life, education, travel, and professional affiliations in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It offers insight into college student writing in the early twentieth century, domestic and international travel experiences, and the social and professional networks associated with the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association. The materials contribute to the study of everyday life, travel culture, and professional associations during this period.

The collection offers valuable insight into the lives of Elmer and Cecile Sexauer, highlighting their family history, travels, and involvement in organizations like the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association. It serves as an important resource for understanding their personal experiences and social networks in the early 20th century.

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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