What's New

The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired a small collection related to local blues musician Lazy Bill Lucas. Born in Wynne, Arkansas in 1918 and raised in Missouri, Lucas received his first guitar at the age of 14, but yearned to play the piano, an instrument he finally received from his father in 1932. Lucas' first exposure to the blues didn't occur until he met musician Big Joe Williams in St. Louis in 1940 and started to play for black audiences. While Lucas played the guitar early on to earn a living, taking a gig as part of a trio in 1947 at The Second City in Chicago, he returned to the piano in the early 1960s. He continued to play in the Chicago area, though he struggled, partially due to a nervous condition he developed in childhood that had rendered him essentially blind. In 1964, at the urging of friend and fellow musician Mojo Buford, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In Minneapolis Lazy Bill played at coffeehouses, bars, festivals and other venues in the area and hosted the popular radio program called the Lazy Bill Lucas Show on KFAI. He started his own music label, Lazy, in 1970 and later recorded under the Philo label. Lucas remained active in the local music scene until his death on December 11, 1982.

The Lazy Bill Film and Photograph Collection contains the documentary film Lazy Bill, produced by Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) film students Pamala Belding, Tyri Schiek, Susan Tiberghien (Lasley) and Roger Langaard between 1973 and 1974. The documentary, filmed at Lucas' house during a single session, features Lazy Bill singing and playing the piano while talking about his life and music. The collection contains an original 16 mm print of the documentary as well as a digital access copy. The photographs in this collection are comprised of portraits of Lazy Bill that were taken during a pre-filming meeting and the filming session.

New and Updated Finding Aids - May 2015

Name/Abstract	File No.
Arts Board: An Inventory of Its Administrative Files	gr00569
Reports, correspondence and other records documenting the administration of the board and its predecessors, the state art commission and society.
Asa B. Hutchinson and Family: An Inventory of Their Papers	01208
Diaries, letters, financial records, scrapbooks, and memorabilia kept by the family of Asa B. and Abby Hutchinson in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Attorney General: An Inventory of Its Case Files Concerning Voyageurs National Park	gr00944
Case files relating to the acquisition of state lands for the park's creation, jurisdiction over policy enforcement inside the park, and other matters relating to the park. Included are legal documents (memoranda, orders, summons, notices, affidavits, motions, petitions, findings, exhibits, briefs, objections, and transcripts), reports, a timeline of events, land deeds, maps, land valuations, correspondence, notes, newspaper clippings, and press releases.
Faribault Regional Center: An Inventory of Its Day Program Department Records	gr00922
Records of this department, whose mission was to provide broad opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to develop valued work and related adult roles which would maximize individual growth and interdependence within community environments. It served clients both in community employment settings and in various work and day habilitation sites on campus and in community environments.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Administrator: An Inventory of Its Subject Files	gr00934
Includes American Association on Mental Deficiency [A.A.M.D.] correspondence; budget materials; minutes of cabinet meetings and unit directors' meetings; and files relating to various hospital units (Acute Hospital, Center, East Grove, Grandview, Greenacres, Northwood, Skinner, South Cliff, and Sunnyside), nursing service, personnel and training, programs (including education and training, psychology, and rehabilitation), volunteer services, and the chaplaincy.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Admission Records	gr00916
This series contains an index to applications and admissions (1879-1938), registers of applications and admissions (1879-1901, 1968-1994), a statistical record (1879-1938), applications for admission and etiological histories (1883-1916), auxiliary application records (1893-1920), record of admissions and examinations (1909-1915), and admission and discharge statistics (1882-1998).
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Annual and Biennial Reports	gr00917
Reports of the Faribault State School and Hospital, Minnesota School for the Feeble-Minded, and Colony for Epileptics (Cambridge, Minnesota).
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Annual Inventories	gr00918
Room by room and classified inventories of equipment, furnishings, and supplies of all kinds.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Architectural Drawings	gr00919
Elevation drawings, floor plans, plot plans, and architectural details of buildings no longer extant at the Faribault State School and Hospital site, including the girls' cottage, working boys' building, working girls' building, superintendent's residence, women employees' dormitory, Skinner Hall Annex, girls' custodial cottage, slaughter house, Grandview Farm, and the Ivy, Chippewa, Lind, Glen, Daisy, Iris, Grandview, Riverview, and Poppy cottages.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Audio-Visual Materials	gr00920
Audio-visual materials documenting the hospital's patients and staff.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Clothing Records	gr00921
Clothing list impression books (1888-1920) containing copies of forms on which were recorded inventories of clothing and other personal items received with (or issued to?) inmates at time of admission. Information recorded: admission (and sometimes application?) number, name, home address, height, weight, and list of clothing and personal items. Some pages of these books are barely legible due to water and mold damage.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Death and Burial Records	gr00923
Records relating to the death and burial of inmates who died while at the institution. The type of information found in these records includes name and admission number, vital data, date and cause of death, disposition of remains, attending physician, duration of illness, family history data, undertaker, and autopsy date, results, and physician.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Historical Data Files	gr00924
Essays and news articles documenting the institution's history (1917-1997), programs from various client activities and building dedications (1928-1991), a 1980s building layout drawing with index and an aerial view of the campus, and materials documenting the on-campus Engberg Museum (1989-1995) and the institution's employees (1963-1997). The latter include photocopied sheets containing a photograph and biographical information about individual employees (circa 1985), Annual Employee's Awards Ceremony programs (1963-1997, incomplete), and materials on the lives of two longtime employees, Arnold Madow and Peter K. Smith (1986, 1995).
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Individual School Records	gr00925
Teachers' records of activities in each class, including detailed progress reports on each individual pupil.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Miscellaneous Financial Records	gr00926
Miscellaneous financial records, including a cash receipts journal (1895-1904), payment ledger (1897-1898), and general ledger (1897-1901).
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Miscellaneous Medical Records	gr00927
Histories and evaluations of inmates (circa 1880-1900), clinical records (1891-1897), physician's diary (1894), hospital records (1895-1900), record of sterilization cases (1916-1937), physician's reports (1895-1901), and list of tuberculosis patients (1902-1949). The records generally contain the following information: name, application number; background data, such as age, date of admission, description of condition, and psychological evaluations; nature of illness; treatments given; and discharge and/or death date.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Publications	gr00929
Runs of five publications produced at the institution. The Coverall (1950-1971) was a monthly newsletter published by the institution's recreation department; The Round Table (1972-1997) was a newsletter containing information about activities at the institution; No Name News (1968-1970) was a staff newsletter; The Voice of the Men/The Voice of the Women and the Men (1969-1973) was a mimeographed magazine produced by the adult education class; and WOW (1986-1993) was a fitness newsletter for employees.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Published Records and Reports	gr00930
Programmatic reports, announcements of educational courses offered at the hospital (1913-1916), patient index (1887-1917?), an evaluation of the nursing department (1966), tour guides' manuals (1975, [1977]), a historical chronology from 1879 to 1979, a task force plan for the Faribault Regional Center (1988), research articles by hospital staff, and miscellaneous issuances.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Reports and Miscellaneous Records	gr00931
The files include regular reports made by the superintendent to the State Board of Corrections and Charities, Board of Control, Division of Public Institutions, Bureau for Feeble-Minded, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Department of Health; sample forms of various kinds; circular letters or informational material for parents, county officers, and the public; events programs for Faribault and sometimes other institutions; leases and deeds; specifications, bids, and contracts for purchasing and building; accident, death, and autopsy reports; physicians' reports; and materials relating to research on "mongolism," epilepsy, and heredity done at Faribault and elsewhere.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Scrapbooks	gr00932
Mainly newspaper clippings covering such topics as activities at the school and hospital, staff members' careers, and legislation pertaining to the school and hospital. Some correspondence and programs are included.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Store Records	gr00933
Ledger accounts for receipts and disbursements of food, clothing, and other supplies.
Faribault State School and Hospital: An Inventory of Its Vouchers, Receipts, and Reports	gr00928
Vouchers covering general expenses, inmate clothing, postage, traveling, and the building and clothing funds, and salary receipts. Includes records relating to the School for the Deaf, the School for the Blind, and the School for the Feeble-Minded.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Assistant Administrator: An Inventory of Its Madow (Arnold A.) Files	gr00935
Files of Arnold A. Madow, chief psychologist and assistant administrator.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Assistant Superintendent: An Inventory of Its Subject Files	gr00936
Includes correspondence with state departments, especially with staff of the Public Welfare Department and its several divisions; minutes of many institutional committee meetings and regular staff meetings; correspondence and/or other materials relating to organizations in the fields of medicine, mental health, mental retardation, and hospital administration; correspondence and/or other materials relating to nearly all Minnesota state institutions, and to institutions in other states (particularly Enid State School and Grafton State School); and files relating to institutional services, including chiropody, dietary, dental, laundry, nursing, pharmacy, medical, psychology, rehabilitation, research, training, farm and dairy, volunteer services, and chaplaincy.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Chief Executive Officer: An Inventory of Its Administrative Files	gr00937
Primarily the administrative files of Charles V. Turnbull, chief executive officer (1975-) and Harold Gillespie, administrator (1969-1974).
Faribault State School and Hospital: Office of the Chaplain: An Inventory of Its Records	gr00938
The records contain general information on the teaching of religion in the institution and the materials used, including lesson books and a songbook, and records of services performed including a register of baptisms (1951-1983), confirmation and first communion requests (1964-1971), and obituary reports and memorial/funeral service bulletins (1984-1990).
Faribault State School and Hospital: Physical Plant Director: An Inventory of Its Gieneart (Les) Files	gr00939
Correspondence, memos, reports, survey, budget and financial materials, and blueprints pertaining to the maintenance and remodeling of the institution's various buildings.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Superintendent: An Inventory of Its Correspondence	gr00794
Correspondence relating to all aspects of the institution's management, including administration of the buildings, programs, students, patients, and staff.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Superintendent: An Inventory of Its Letters Sent (Letterpress)	gr00940
Copies of letters sent in the following categories: general, personal, association (American Association on Mental Deficiency [A.A.M.D.] and Journal of Psycho-Asthenics), statements of accounts with counties, etiology, foreign (out-of-state) orders, and business.
Faribault State School and Hospital: Superintendent: An Inventory of Its Subject Files	gr00941
Includes correspondence with and directives from state departments, particularly the commissioner and director of medical services of the Public Welfare Department; correspondence and/or other materials relating to state and national organizations and associations in the fields of medicine, mental health, and mental retardation; minutes and other materials relating to staff meetings and institution advisory committees; minutes of superintendents' meetings; superintendent's monthly reports; interoffice memos (business office, staff physicians, general staff, and dental department); and correspondence and other materials relating to hospital programs and services, research projects, and legislation.
Governor's Residence Council: An Inventory of Its Records	gr00629
Records of the Governor's Residence Council, and its predecessors, the House Development Committee (1979-1980) and State Ceremonial House Council (1980-1981). In order to fully carry out all aspects of the renovation and preservation of the Residence, the files also document the years it served as the private home of the Horace Irvine family (1910-1965) and the years when renovation and maintenance were under the direct supervision of each gubernatorial administration (1965-1979).
Hastings State Hospital: An Inventory of Its Cemetery Records	gr00945
Documents detailing administration of the hospital's cemetery, including an alphabetical index to burials for 1901-1964, a 1967 survey and plat, correspondence, drawings, interagency agreements, and newspaper clippings. A few post-1978 records document the cemetery's administration under the Minnesota Veterans Home (Hastings), following transfer from the Public Welfare Department to the Veterans Affairs Department.
Hastings State Hospital: An Inventory of Its Maps	gr00946
Primarily drawings, legal land description, maps, and related materials documenting boundary and property lines of the hospital campus, including streets and roads, building locations, and major geographic features. A few post-1978 records document the cemetery's administration under the Minnesota Veterans Home (Hastings), following its transfer from the Public Welfare Department to the Veterans Affairs Department.
Henry H. Sibley: An Inventory of His Papers	00595
Correspondence, financial records, legal papers, speeches, and miscellany of this early Minnesota fur trader, entrepreneur, and governor. More than a third of the papers concern the fur trade with the Dakota Indians of the Upper Mississippi Valley from 1815 to 1855, documenting Sibley's business association with the American Fur Company and its successor, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., and Company, as well as his interest in the treaties, wars, and welfare of the Dakota. Includes digital content.
Human Services Department: Commissioner's Office: An Inventory of Its Logged Letters	gr00519
Commissioner's office correspondence with citizens, legislators, public officials, welfare organizations, county law enforcement agencies, and federal and other state agencies, regarding all aspects of administration and client services of the Department of Human Services and its predecessor, the Department of Public Welfare.
Joan Mondale: An Inventory of Her Personal Papers	00054
Speech and trip files, correspondence files, subject files, clippings, calendars, and sound and visual materials documenting Mondale's activities as the wife of elected official and diplomat Walter F. Mondale, and as an advocate for, and promoter of, the arts.
John F. Raynolds, III: An Inventory of His Family Papers	01207
Family papers of John F. Raynolds III, his father John F. Raynolds (1887-1941), and grandfather John F. Raynolds (1817-1911). Materials include photographs, correspondence, awards and certificates, a Massachusetts land grant (1797), materials relating to Raynolds' grandfather's service in the United States Army on the northern plains (1881), in memoriam booklets, and genealogical materials containing information about the related Blunt, Mullett, Bennett, Voss, and Adams families.
Nobles County: Lismore: An Inventory of Its Records	gr00943
Records documenting the activities of the city administration.
Robert Jacobson: An Inventory of His Photograph Collection	sv000175
Portfolio of architectual photographer Robert Jacobson. Collection consists of images of the Metropolitan Building in Minneapolis, including some demolition views; as well as miscellaneous views of Twin Cities area buildings, churches, and schools. Also included are photographs of the photographer with some of his work. Includes digital content.
Susan A. Christie: An Inventory of Her Papers	01206
Papers of a Minnesota-born, New Mexico-based artist who painted in the Sumi-e style of Japan. Includes biographical information; a chronological file containing catalogs, information about art exhibitions, and copies of the journal Sumi-e: brush painting in the oriental manner; files relating to galleries in Minneapolis and in New Mexico; correspondence with artist and arts advocate Joan P. Chalmers; and an electronic file documenting Christie's artistic techniques. Includes digital content.
WALTER F. MONDALE: An Inventory of His Papers	00697
Senatorial, vice presidential, ambassadorial, political papers and campaign files, and personal papers of a United States Senator from Minnesota (1964-1976), Vice President of the United States (1977-1981), Ambassador to Japan (1993-1996), and Special Envoy to Indonesia (1998), documenting most aspects of Mondale's six-decade career, including all of his public offices, campaigns, and Democratic Party and other non-official activities. Includes digital content.
WALTER F. MONDALE: An Inventory of His Personal Papers	00697_Personal
Mondale's personal papers document his family, education, military service, law practice, and political activities. Included are correspondence, telephone logs, photographs, memorabilia, and drafts of a Mondale biography written by Steven M. Gillon. Includes digital content.
WALTER F. MONDALE: An Inventory of His Political Papers and Campaign Files	00697_Political
Political papers and campaign files (1934-2004) include materials from Mondale's 1962 Attorney General campaign, 1962 and 1966 Senate campaigns, the 1976 and 1980 Presidential campaigns where Mondale ran as Jimmy Carter's Vice President, and extensive files from the 1984 Presidential campaign in which Mondale ran for President against Ronald Reagan. Includes digital content.

New and Updated Catalog Records