Summary Information
Donald K. Helgeson Papers circa 1956-1965, 1968-1976
- Helgeson, Donald K., 1932-1976
Green Bay Micro 20; Micro 722
1 reel of microfilm (35mm)
UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library / Green Bay Area Research Ctr. (Map)Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Papers of a Republican Assemblyman from Manitowoc, Wisconsin including newsclippings, brochures, and news releases from his campaigns, legislative service, and civic activities; campaign documents; and speeches. Includes a small amount of material related to Helgeson's non-political affiliation with Hamilton Industries. English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0722 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
Donald Helgeson, son of Gordon and Olivia (Thompson) Helgeson, was born 30 May 1932 in the town of Valders. He was educated at Valders High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, from which he received a BS degree in agricultural education in 1954. Helgeson married Della Hanson on 12 September 1953, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw active duty in the Korean conflict. From 1957 until his election in 1968, he served as area sales manager for Lake to Lake Dairy in Manitowoc. He was also active in local service clubs such as the Elks and Chamber of Commerce.
In 1968 Helgeson was elected to the State Assembly as the Republican representative from the first district, Manitowoc County. He quickly became a leader among the Republicans, serving as caucus leader in 1971. He served two terms prior to his defeat in the 1972 general election. Helgeson's committee assignments included: labor, municipalities, veterans and military affairs, and commerce and consumer affairs.
After leaving office Helgeson joined Hamilton Industries, Two Rivers, and resumed his work in local service clubs and Republican politics. In 1971 he had suffered a serious heart attack. He died unexpectedly, presumably from another such attack, on 26 February 1976.
Scope and Content Note
Helgeson's papers, which have been microfilmed, primarily consist of campaign documents, newspaper clippings, and miscellany. The collection contains almost no constituent correspondence, bill files or drafts, or reports on legislative or committee work. Helgeson's three campaigns are documented through newspaper articles, brochures, news releases, photographs, and form and congratulatory letters. His record as a legislator can be seen also through clippings; a file of speeches, most of which were delivered away from the Assembly floor; and printed voting records. Likewise, the files of his post-legislative career and miscellany are also composed primarily of newspaper articles. Included in the file of miscellany are records of Helgeson's activities prior to his election, and a short family history of Mrs. Helgeson.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Loaned for microfilming by Mrs. Donald Helgeson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 1978. Accession Number: M78-316.
Processed by M. Behrnd, March 5, 1979.
Contents List
Reel
1
Frame
1
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1968 Election Campaign
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Reel
1
Frame
154
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First Term in Office, 1969-1970
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Reel
1
Frame
207
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Voting Record, 1969 Session
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Reel
1
Frame
298
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1970 Reelection Campaign
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Reel
1
Frame
381
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Second Term in Office, 1971-1972
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Reel
1
Frame
534
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1972 Reelection Campaign
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Reel
1
Frame
743
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Speeches, c. 1969-1970
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Reel
1
Frame
781
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Campaign Brochures and Memorabilia
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Reel
1
Frame
794
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Post-Legislative Career, 1973-1976
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Reel
1
Frame
820
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Miscellany, c. 1956-1965
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