Ragna Pederson Toren Papers

The Ragna Pederson Toren Papers are divided into four series, including one oversized folder. The collection follows the life of the Pederson family, starting with Hans Pederson who emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1888, settling in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1891. His wife Tomine Momb Pederson emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1895. They were married in 1895 and raised their family in Grand Forks. The couple had three sons and one daughter, Ragna. The collection contains a variety of photographs and photo albums from the late 19th century through the 1980s. Included in the collection are newspaper articles in English and Norwegian, personal correspondence in English and Norwegian, personal mementos and family heirlooms, and scrapbook albums that contain memorabilia and material culture objects from the 1910s and 1930s. Of particular interest are two of Ragna's photograph scrapbooks. The first one dates from circa 1905 to 1928 and includes a variety of personal memorabilia, dance cards, various theater programs and newspaper clippings. The second one dates from circa 1916 to 1932 and pertains to activities at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The collection in particular offers a glimpse into the cultural history of Grand Forks during the 1910s and 1930s.