Search Results

The John Ericsson Republican League of Illinois (first named the Swedish-American Republican League of Illinois) was organized and incorporated in 1894 in order to exert a Scandinavian-American influence on American politics. The league held an annual convention and banquet on or around March 9 in celebration of John Ericsson Day. Leading Republicans have attended and addressed League conventions, including President William Howard Taft in 1912. These materials were likely accumulated by George C. Lofgren of Galesburg, IL during his involvement with the League.

When you step into the newly created Augustana English Department Commons, you’re greeted by cardboard cut-outs of three important literary figures.

D. Verner Swanson was a Lutheran pastor for over 40 years. He attended both Luther College (Wahoo, Nebraska) and Augustana College (Rock Island, Illinois), was ordained in 1916, and serving as a minister until his retirement in May 1957. The bulk of this collection includes sermons written over the course of his career. Also included are a few materials related to Verner and his wife Edith’s time at Luther College in Nebraska such as a valedictory speech, certificates, and portraits.