Title: Norval Ellefson Oral History Interview and Related Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1900-1976

Creators:

• Ellefson, Norval, 1906-1994, interviewee
• Treleven, Dale, interviewer

Call Number: Audio 551A; SC 1113; PH 4287

Quantity: 6 tape recordings, 0.1 cubic feet (1 folder), and 6 photographs

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:

Interview conducted by Dale Treleven of the Historical Society staff, in 19756, with Norval Clarence Ellefson, long-time Dunn County, Wisconsin, farmer and chairman of the board of the Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc. (CENEX). Oral history includes information on changes in farming over the previous six decades, farmers' difficulties during the 1930s depression, on community affairs and his experiences on the Dunn County Board of Supervisors, and on the growth of and directions taken by CENEX. Also includes photocopies of related papers, 1962-1976, including clippings, a statement by Ellefson, and two brief histories of CENEX; and photographs of the Louis Ellefson farm in Dallas, Barron County, Wisconsin, 1900-1920, including exterior views of the farm fields, buildings, horses, a tractor and thresher, and individuals.

Note:

Forms part of the Wisconsin Agriculturalists Oral History Project.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-audi00551a

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Norval Ellefson was born at Dallas, Wisconsin (Barron County) on January 20, 1906. From a very early age, because of the accidental death of his father in 1912, he helped his brothers do various tasks at the farmsite first homesteaded by their maternal grandfather in 1884. When he was 17 years old Ellefson, along with a younger brother, began to operate the farm, still owned by their mother. In 1931, Norval Ellefson became sole owner of the farm, located in the Town of Wilson, Dunn County, just south of the boundary line separating Dunn from Barron county.

Ellefson's story is that of a quiet, unassuming Wisconsin dairy farmer who gradually expanded and improved his operation while becoming more active in the affairs of church, community and organized farmers. Ultimately, Ellefson became and remained for many years chairman of the Dunn County board of supervisors and chairman of the board of directors, Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc., headquartered at South St. Paul, Minnesota. The researcher will find summaries about Ellefson's involvement in community and cooperative affairs in the xeroxed newspaper articles and other materials filed in the Archives and Manuscripts Division.

This collection consists of three components: 6 tape recordings of an oral history INTERVIEW, 1 folder of RELATED PAPERS, and 6 PHOTOGRAPHS. The interviews are described below in more detail.

Interviews

Mrs. Jean Long, Route 1, Boyceville, in the summer of 1974 first suggested that I [interviewer Dale Treleven] ask Norval Ellefson about tape recording his remembrances of farm life and about his participation in community affairs and farmers organizations. I first met with Ellefson at his farm home on July 17, 1974, explained the purpose of the newly-created Wisconsin Agriculturalists oral history project at the Society, and outlined the general subject areas we might wish to tape. Ellefson agreed to participate and we decided to begin the interviews sometime after the first of the year, 1975. Prior to the interviews on January 16 and 17, I mailed a long letter to Ellefson, outlining the subject areas we might discuss, in order that he might prepare for the January as well as later sessions.

There were four separate interview sessions, held on the mornings of January 16 and 17 and April 10 and 11, 1975. On each occasion, we were seated in the living room of the modestly furnished, modernized, white two-story frame farmhouse, Ellefson in his favorite rocking chair; me on a nearby couch. At each of the sessions Ellefson, a tall, lean man with clear blue eyes and thin, whitening hair, was dressed in either flannel or chambrey shirt and bib-type overalls. He responded to my questions with much deliberation, and with an amazing recall of detail about events that took place on the farm and in the community. Occasionally, Mrs. Ellefson sat down in a nearby chair to knit and listen to the goings-on.

The subject matter of the interviews divides itself logically into several major categories or themes. These include: (1) Change on the farm and in Ellefson's rural community for more than six decades; (2) Events and problems during the 1930's depression; (3) Decisions and actions by the Dunn County board of supervisors; (4) Growth of and directions taken by the Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc. (CENEX).

The researcher will welcome Ellefson's ability to recall and relate changes in crops planted, animals kept, farm technology, crop harvesting and storage, and milk marketing patterns, for well over fifty years. He recalls clearly the farmers' struggles during the drought-ridden 1930's, when prices fell so drastically that he and his neighbors were threatened by possible foreclosure actions. Ellefson details how he became involved in township and Dunn County politics, how he came to join the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Equity Union of America, Wisconsin Division (Farmers Union), and the manner in which he became increasingly involved with the Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc., first at the local (Ridgeland) cooperative and later at the regional level. Ellefson's very modest demeanor explains much about why he has been little recognized in southern Wisconsin as the powerful community leader and agricultural spokesman that he became.

Abstract to the Interviews

The interview abstract below lists, in order of discussion, the distinct topics covered on each tape, and indicates the time-marking on the user tape at which point the beginning of the particular discussion appears. These time-markings are keyed to a time announcement, heard at five-second intervals, on the second track of each tape.

Thus, the researcher may listen to distinct topics without listening to all of the material on the tapes. For instance, the user who wishes to listen to the topic on “First Tractor on Ellefson Farm” should locate the place on the second track of tape one, side one, where the voice announces the 11:30 time-marking (the voice says at this point, “eleven minutes, thirty seconds”), and at this point switch to the first track to hear the discussion. The discussion on “First Tractor on Ellefson Farm” continues until approximately 12:20 at which point discussion of the next topic (“Ellefsons Build Sandstone Silo, 1911”) listed in the abstract begins.

Notice that in most cases sentences beneath each headline explain more about the contents of the topic. For example, the sentences underneath “First Tractor on Ellefson Farm” give further details on what appears on the tape between 11:30 and 12:20.

The abstract is designed to provide only a brief outline of the content of the tapes and cannot serve as a substitute for listening to them. However the abstract will help the researcher easily locate distinct topics and discussions among the many minutes of commentary.

Digital reproductions of the audio available online in the Wisconsin Sound Archive.

• Interview with Norval Ellefson, January 16-17, 1975, New Auburn, Wisconsin
• Interview with Norval Ellefson, April 10-11, 1975, New Auburn, Wisconsin

The Historical Society Library holds all except a few of the annual reports of the Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc. since the regional purchasing cooperative was founded in 1931.

Processing Information

Abstract prepared by Dale E. Trevelen, September 24, 1976.

SC 1113	Series: Related Papers, 1962-1976 Scope and Content Note: Photocopies of papers related to the interview, including clippings, a statement by Ellefson, and two brief histories of CENEX.
PH 4287	Series: Photographs, 1900-1920 Scope and Content Note: 6 photographs relating primarily to the farm of Louis Ellefson in Dallas, Barron County, Wisconsin. Images include exterior views of the farm fields, buildings, horses, a tractor and thresher, and individuals.	⇧
Audio 551A	Series: Interview	⇧
	1975 January 16
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   00:50	Background of Ellefson Farm Scope and Content Note: Maternal grandfather, Peter Anderson, homesteaded Ellefson farm in 1874. In 1894, Ellefson's father homesteaded additional adjoining land, in the town of Wilson, Dunn County.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   03:20	Power on the Farm Before World War I Scope and Content Note: “Horse power was the thing that made things go,” and was used for pulling the walking plow, grain binder, hauling grain shocks and threshing machine.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   05:50	Ellefson and Brothers Responsible for Farm from an Early Age Scope and Content Note: Ellefson's father died in 1912 when Ellefson was six years old; farm then managed by eighteen year old brother. When Norval Ellefson was seventeen, his older brothers left, and he and younger brother began to operate the farm. Norval Ellefson purchased the farm outright in 1931.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   08:20	Early Cooperative Marketing on Ellefson Farm Scope and Content Note: Some products and livestock marketed cooperatively.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   08:55	Farm Evolves from Hogs to Dairying Scope and Content Note: Farm became mainly dairy operation about 1918; previously hogs and oats raised extensively.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   09:55	Raising Horses Important in Dallas, Barron County Scope and Content Note: Many horses raised in Barron County. Ellefson's father a member of the local horsemen's association, which owned stallions used for breeding.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   11:30	First Tractor on Ellefson Farm Scope and Content Note: Bought first tractor in 1923; used mainly for belt power. Tractor purchased for field work in 1943.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   12:20	Ellefsons Build Sandstone Silo, Scope and Content Note: In 1910, a dry year proved to Ellefson's father a need to store feed another way. In the winter of 1910-11, began construction of a sandstone silo, the stone for which was quarried about two miles from the farm and hauled back by sleigh. Farmers who built silos all members of horsemen's association.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   17:40	Windmill Provides Water Scope and Content Note: Windmill constructed before Ellefson's birth to provide water for livestock. When wind didn't blow, windmill was operated manually for as long as one hour. About 1915 Ellefsons purchased a gasoline engine to supplement wind power.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   19:55	Early Marketing of Cream and Milk Scope and Content Note: About 1915 more milking cows purchased. Skim milk fed to calves and hogs and cream marketed first in Dallas, then through Ridge-land Cooperative Creamery. Whole milk not marketed until 1926. Cream was stored in wooden cans lined with steel, tested and weighed at the farm, and hauled by wagon or sleigh to Ridgeland twice a week.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   23:35	Shift in Community Ellefsons Relate To Scope and Content Note: Before World War I, Dallas, only five miles away, was trading center for Ellefsons. Later most business done at Ridgeland.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   24:50	Ethnic and Religious Composition of Ellefson's Neighborhood Scope and Content Note: Norwegians predominant in Ellefson's neighborhood although German settlements near Ridgeland. Many of the Germans are Lutherans, members of Missouri and Wisconsin synods. Ellefson member of American Lutheran Church.
Tape/Side   1/1 Time   26:40	Ellefson's Father Instrumental in Building Pine Creek Lutheran Church Scope and Content Note: Before 1912, Sand Creek Church served Ellefson's neighborhood, but travel difficult. In 1912, Ellefson's father and others built Pine Creek Church, which since has shared minister with Sand Creek Church. In recent years, Zion Church in Sand Creek merged with American Lutheran Churches in Sand Creek and Pine Creek, and older structure in Sand Creek razed.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   00:40	Importance Of Church in Ellefson's Neighborhood Scope and Content Note: Church affairs very significant in offering an opportunity for families to get together. Luther Leagues held monthly ice cream socials; sold homemade ice cream to help finance childrens' church school.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   03:35	Ellefsons Travel to Dallas Three Times a Year at Most Scope and Content Note: Mother prepared shopping list for husband or sons.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   04:45	Shopping by Mail Order House
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   05:40	Condition of Roads About World War I Through the Twenties Scope and Content Note: Little more than dirt trails where wagons, buggies, and a few automobiles were used. Some grading and other improvements after World War I. Roads rutted in wet weather and sandy in dry.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   07:05	Ellefson's First Automobile Scope and Content Note: Ellefson's brother purchased Buick in 1915, used mainly for recreation and traveling to Dallas. Later bought a REO; thereafter Fords.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   08:20	Farmers Institutes Important for Learning About Farm Improvements Scope and Content Note: Farmers Institutes, sponsored by University of Wisconsin Extension, usually held at Dallas for one day in the winter. Although Ellefsons began to increase dairy herd in 1915, it wasn't until 1920 that Norval Ellefson attended Farmers Institute and learned of such improvements as pure-bred cattle and alfalfa. Recalls the two Schwartz brothers of Fond du Lac were particularly good instructors who told of their experiences with alfalfa.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   13:25	Ellefson First Plants Alfalfa In Scope and Content Note: Soil needed lime; no lime pits nearby; lime shipped to Dallas where farmers picked it up.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   15:15	Manure Scope and Content Note: Manure piled throughout winter and spread in spring.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   15:35	Relationship with County Agricultural Agent Scope and Content Note: Served by Barron County agricultural agent. Soil samples sent to agent for testing. Lime ordered through County Agent.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   18:40	Marketing Whole Milk in the Twenties Scope and Content Note: First marketed whole milk at Bloomer; about 1926-27 Ridgeland Cooperative Creamery began taking whole milk, and Ellefsons shipped there.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   20:35	Decision-Making About Where to Market Milk Scope and Content Note: Came to prefer cooperative to privately owned plant, and respected leaders of the Ridgeland cooperative: Fred Schultheiss, John Lentz and Otis Blighton.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   22:05	Other Cash Crops on Ellefson Farm Scope and Content Note: Eight to ten acres of potatoes; hauled and sold mainly to private dealers in Dallas.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   24:50	Why Farmers Resist Farm Innovations Scope and Content Note: Innovations often costly and resources limited. Some skepticism of “book-learned” farming. Cites hybrid corn as example of how some farmers were slow to change.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   28:50	Role of Agricultural Publications Scope and Content Note: Important source of information on farm improvements, especially to farmers unable to attend Farmers Institutes.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   30:55	Publications Ellefson Subscribed To Scope and Content Note: Always the Wisconsin Agriculturist. At times Prairie Farmer and Hoard's Dairyman.
Tape/Side   1/2 Time   32:10	Role of Dunn County Agricultural School (Aggie) Scope and Content Note: Many eighth grade graduates in Dunn County attended “Aggie.”
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   01:05	Continuation of Discussion of Dunn County Agricultural School Scope and Content Note: Students bussed to “Aggie” from Menomonie area. County Board education committee in 1952 recommended Aggie be closed. Eventually sold to University of Wisconsin-Stout (then Stout Institute).
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   05:45	Ellefson's Formal Education Scope and Content Note: Formal education through elementary grades at one-room schoolhouse.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   07:15	Resume of Ellefson's Public Service Career Scope and Content Note: Elected Chairman, Town of Wilson, in 1936, automatically became County Board representative. Went to Menomonie frequently during Depression to find out about such programs as WPA and Farm Security Administration (FSA), which would help town residents. County Board met twice a year; spring session lasted several days, while fall session could last as long as twelve days. Ellefson elected vice-chairman in 1946 and chairman in 1951, a position he held for 21 years. Elected to county highway committee, the “most cherished committee,” in 1940.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   24:15	Early Involvement with the Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Became patron of Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative and member of Town of Wilson local about 1931. In 1934 elected President of Farmers Union local and became board member of Dunn County Farmers Union in 1935. Elected to board of directors of Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative in 1942, a position he still holds.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   26:30	Early Involvement with Farmers Union Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: First attended Central Exchange stockholders meeting in 1936; greatly impressed by general manager Emil Syftestad. Served on resolutions committee for stockholders in 1950 and 1951. Elected in 1953 to replace William Sanderson of Dunn County on Central Exchange board of directors; board member to present.
Tape/Side   2/1 Time   31:40	Current Organization of Central Exchange Board Scope and Content Note: Most Exchange districts are states with two directors, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Montana and Wyoming share two directors and a far west district has one director.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   00:40	Start of Ellefson's Pure-Bred Herd Scope and Content Note: In early-1930's, traded grade cow for pure-bred Holstein-Fresian, the start of Ellefson's present herd. Chose Holsteins because they are good feeders, hearty, easy to raise, produce more milk. Joined cow testing association in 1936. Increased herd by not selling any heifer calves; selected sires from desirable herds in area; later used Tri-State Breeding Service with better results.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   08:20	Operating a Farm During the Depression Scope and Content Note: Very discouraging. Hoover administration set up ineffective Federal Farm Board. Roosevelt's New Deal agricultural programs, especially FSA and Rural Electrification Administration (REA) helped greatly. Expansion of National Farmers Union (NFU) in Midwest gave farmers confidence to continue. Ellefson disappointed that price support program wasn't retained in original form.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   14:30	Electricity Comes to Barron County Scope and Content Note: Ellefson installed electricity about 1938; no milking machine until 1941-42. Area residents couldn't interest Northern States Power Company in electrifying their farms at low cost.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   17:00	Ellefson Purchases Tractors from Farmers Union Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: Tractor purchased in 1920's for belt power only. First tractor for tilling land purchased in 1943 from Farmers Union Central Exchange, which assembled tractors at South St. Paul. Central Exchange later made arrangements with Oliver company to service Coop brand tractors.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   21:20	Ellefson Uses a Threshing Machine until Scope and Content Note: Nearly everyone used threshing machine in 1940's, but this changed as more farmers began to combine. Until 1960 Ellefson and two other farmers in area still used threshing machine.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   22:20	Ellefson Continues to Grow Oats Scope and Content Note: Liked oats in feed ration so continued to grow them.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   22:55	Silage Scope and Content Note: Used loader to fill silo until 1948; then a forage harvester to fill silo with corn and chopped hay. University of Wisconsin Extension encouraged farmers to grow alfalfa instead of corn for feed. Red clover produced silage that was too moist and odorous. Any hay not green harvested for silo was baled.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   27:00	Large Round Bales of Hay Scope and Content Note: Disapproves of harvesting hay that way.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   27:35	Relationship Between Forage Crops, Soil Conservation, and Dairying Scope and Content Note: Emphasizes relationship between better method of raising forage crops and soil conservation programs that began in 1930's and better milk production.
Tape/Side   2/2 Time   31:30	Use of Phosphate and Commercial Fertilizers Scope and Content Note: Began to use phosphate fertilizers in the 1930's; commercial fertilizers in 1950's.
	1975 January 17
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   00:40	Acreage and Crop Changes, Scope and Content Note: In 1931, 240 acres for raising potatoes, corn, hay and grain. Today, of 400 acres, 250 is open land mostly used for alfalfa and grass.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   02:55	Changes in Farm Buildings, Structures, and Livestock Scope and Content Note: In 1931, one sandstone silo for corn silage; five silos at present. More machinery sheds built. Barn enlarged as dairy herd expanded. Sixteen cows in 1931; barn now has stanchions for sixty-four milk cows, as well as maternity stalls. Kept team of horses until 1955; bull kept until 1960.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   13:55	Larger Individual Fields Scope and Content Note: Larger fields especially after cows begin to be green-fed in permanent pasture.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   16:00	Acquiring Additional Land Scope and Content Note: Growing involvement in Soil Conservation Service (SCS) programs in late-1930's led Ellefson to acquire 120 additional acres from neighboring farmer.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   18:50	Traveling Salesmen Scope and Content Note: Not inclined to spend time talking to traveling salesmen. Purchased lightning rods from local sellers.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   20:35	Milk Storage, Scope and Content Note: Cows milked by hand in 1930's and milk refrigerated in stock tank, and later in water-cooled milk house. Pipeline milker system, automatic washer, stainless steel milk tank, and automatic testing mechanism in 1970's.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   24:40	Changes in Milk Marketing Scope and Content Note: Since Ridgeland Cooperative Creamery closed, milk marketed to Barron Cooperative Creamery, since consolidated with Clear Lake cooperative. Milk shipped to Chicago market.
Tape/Side   3/1 Time   28:10	Farm Home Improvements Scope and Content Note: Electricity, running water and plumbing added to Ellefson farm home in 1938. Central heating added in 1943; wood burning furnace converted to oil in 1958. Good wood supply on farm; in times past, neighbors got together to cut wood.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   00:15	Introduction
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   00:35	Neighbors Get Together at Wood Cutting Time Scope and Content Note: Crew of six or seven neighbors got together to cut wood from early-November to January. Ellefsons cut and sawed about sixty cords a year. Neighbors cooperated to supply wood for country school. At wood cutting time, women usually prepared large meals and served hot liquor or wine.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   6:55	Winter Chores on a Dairy Farm Scope and Content Note: Important to keep up work in winter to be ready for spring planting. Catch up on such odd jobs as updating records on cattle, machinery maintenance, and so on. “No such a thing as a vacation on a dairy farm.”
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   11:40	Hired Labor Scope and Content Note: Never used on a regular basis.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   12:15	When Farmers Get Together in the Community Scope and Content Note: Got together at “farm schools,” which were night classes usually held at a local high school. Feed mill also a good meeting place. Neighborly visits to one another's farms.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   15:10	Ridgeland Cooperative Increases Milling Capacity Scope and Content Note: Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative expanded milling capacity around 1946. Now serves farmers with bulk pick-up and delivery.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   20:15	Ridgeland Cooperative Builds Mixing Plant for Fertilizer Scope and Content Note: Building fertilizer mixing plant in 1975.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   21:20	Continuation of Farm Home Improvements Scope and Content Note: Large, black cook stove in farm house until Ellefsons got electricity, then running water and plumbing in the late-thirties and early-forties. Running water in barn since mid-twenties.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   25:20	Recreation for Farmers and Farm Families Scope and Content Note: PTA meetings, rural schools the center of rural recreation. Other recreational activities included movies and sports in neighboring communities.
Tape/Side   3/2 Time   32:10	Differences in Various Regions of Dunn County
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   00:40	Continuation of Discussion of Differences in Various Regions of Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Menomonie only sizeable city in Dunn County. Open communication and good relationships between rural and urban area, although past conflicts, especially over allotment of services to areas of county.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   04:35	Effect of Growth of Menomonie and University of Wisconsin-Stout on Rural Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Growing concern over problems of property valuation, zoning and taxes.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   06:35	Ellefson's First Contact and Growing Involvement aith Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Ellefson's first contact with Farmers Union through Ridgeland Cooperative, set up first by Farmers Union Central Exchange in November 1931, although had first heard of general Farmers Union organization in 1930. Stockholder rights in cooperative earned through patronage. Cooperative supervised and managed by Farmers Union Central Exchange for first three years, until obligation to Central Exchange paid off. Business improved continually and expansion into feeds and machinery. Dual-membership between leaders of Ridgeland Cooperative Creamery and Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative, including board members Otis Blighton and John Lentz. Arnold Gilberts first manager of Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative, followed by Lyndon Ellefson (Norval Ellefson's cousin).
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   14:55	Comments on Fritz Schultheiss Scope and Content Note: Farmed between Ridgeland and Prairie Farm; very active in Ridgeland area cooperatives.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   16:20	Farm Conditions in the Thirties Scope and Content Note: Discusses prices for milk or cream, eggs, hogs, canner cows. Difficult to make mortgage payments; had to ask for extensions.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   18:55	Farm Foreclosure: Farmers Respond by Organizing Wisconsin Farmers Holiday Association Scope and Content Note: Foreclosures increase. Turning point for better comes with organization of the Farmers Holiday Association. Through strikes and similar actions, Holiday Association called the “attention of the nation to the dire condition of agriculture, and it helped to set the climate for the moratorium on foreclosures.”
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   20:50	Ellefson Obtains Extensions on Mortgage Payments Scope and Content Note: Although prodded on mortgage payments, Ellefson obtained extensions. Would have been foreclosed except for remedial legislation of mid-1930's.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   21:40	Ridgeland Cooperative Creamery Remains Open During Milk Strikes Scope and Content Note: “Neighbor against neighbor in places,” but no clear division between those farmers who withheld milk and those who did not. However, Ridgeland Cooperative Creamery never closed.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   23:25	Arnold Gilberts as President of Farmers Holiday Association and Manager of Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative Simultaneously Scope and Content Note: Some opposition to Arnold Gilberts as leader of the two organizations, but renamed manager since people were convinced he had a real concern for the farmer.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   24:40	Dual Membership in Wisconsin Farriers Union and Farmers Holiday Association Scope and Content Note: Dual membership; Ellefson, however, belonged to Farmers Union only.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   25:00	Dunn County Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union Scope and Content Note: Dunn County chapter, WFU, formed in early 1930's; Ellefson first attended county convention in 1934. Recalls names of early presidents of Dunn County Farmers Union.
Tape/Side   4/1 Time   28:00	Support of Progressive Candidates in Rural Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Those in rural Dunn County strongly supported Progressive candidates out of a tradition of support for Robert La Follette, Sr., who had “a voice for common people, especially farm folks and small business.” La Follette discussed extensively in farm circles. Progressive-minded people in Dunn County and northwest area in general.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   00:40	Importance of Franklin Roosevelt's Election in Scope and Content Note: “Gave rural America new hope.” Progressive legislation helped to avert strikes and other forms of social protest, brought together various farm organizations to agree on goals and help solve problems of farmers.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   06:00	Bank Closings, Dunn and Barron Counties Scope and Content Note: Many farmers lost savings which they never recovered.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   06:55	Effect of Federal Programs During Depression Era Scope and Content Note: Results of Depression era programs visible in northern Wisconsin where Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked on reforestation; in many areas such works programs as PWA led to housing and highway improvements.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   09:40	Ellefson Participated in WPA Lime Program Scope and Content Note: Lime quarry in nearby Boyceville; many Dunn and Barron county farmers participated in WPA lime program.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   11:15	Serious Drought in the Early Thirties Scope and Content Note: “In the thirties, the drought was what wrecked us.” Farmers in Ellefson's region especially hard hit because of reliance on red clover and grasses for feed. Farmers bought hay at inflated prices. Federal drought relief programs helped, but lack of moisture and low prices remained big obstacles for the farmer.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   14:50	Farmers Helped by Ridgeland Farmers Union Cooperative During Depression Scope and Content Note: Membership increased during Depression years.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   16:30	Farmers Union Livestock Commission House Competes with Traditional Cattle Shipping Patterns Scope and Content Note: Farmers Union Livestock Commission house, South St. Paul, in the 1930's could not compete effectively with the traditional cooperative shipping organization in Wisconsin (Equity). Now more livestock shipped to South St. Paul through the Farmers Union Livestock Marketing Association. Predicts much greater volume of livestock marketing at South St. Paul.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   20:20	Comments on Emil A. Syftestad, First General Manager of Farmers Union Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: “Tremendous respect” for Emil Syftestad. Strong concern for farmers; good orator who made each individual feel important to the success of the Central Exchange.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   23:55	Comments on Charlie Talbott (North Dakota) Scope and Content Note: First heard Talbott speak at 1936 stockholders meeting of Farmers Union Central Exchange. “He had a built-in amplifier, he needed no help.” Big man with a booming voice.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   25:45	Comments on A. W. Ricker, Pioneer Editor of the Farmers Union Herald Scope and Content Note: Softer spoken individual than Talbott; did not know Ricker as well as Syftestad or Talbott.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   27:00	Comments on M. W. Thatcher (Grain Terminal Association) Scope and Content Note: Forceful speaker and strong motivator who continued to exert strong influence over the Farmers Union Central Exchange through-out the forties.
Tape/Side   4/2 Time   30:55	Comments on Farmers Union Central Exchange Directors from Wisconsin Scope and Content Note: William Sanderson (Dunn County) the first Farmers Union Central Exchange Director from Wisconsin. Others besides Ellefson have included D. D. Kennedy (St. Croix County), Chris Lerum from southern Wisconsin, Vern Wing (Sauk County) came on board in 1950; succeeded by Kermit Veum (Vernon County). Wisconsin Directors selected according to established regions in state.
	1975 April 10
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   00:55	How Ellefson Became Involved in Town Politics Scope and Content Note: In 1932, prohibition repealed and rural taverns proliferate. In spring election of 1936, citizens, led by area churches, voted against rural taverns and elected Ellefson as Chairman of the town of Wilson.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   05:25	Welfare Programs Dominate Agenda at Ellefson's First Dunn County Board Meeting Scope and Content Note: Tax delinquency rate about 40% in 1936; county government used delinquent taxes as collateral to borrow funds. County took advantage of federal relief and work programs to employ people. When Farm Security Administration (FSA) established, county board members endorsed farmer applicants likely to succeed. Programs for aid to dependent children and old age assistance expanded in 1930's.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   12:35	Why Some Rural People Oppose Farm Security Administration Scope and Content Note: Opposed to spending tax dollars for this purpose.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   14:15	How Farm Security Program Helped Dunn County Farmers Scope and Content Note: Gave people a chance to start a farm who normally would have had to borrow at high interest rates. Farmers applied to county FSA office; applicants evaluated by community officials.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   16:25	Background of Relocation Project in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Expensive for Dunn County to maintain ferry service between main-land and 1800 acre island in Chippewa River, where eight farmers lived. In 1943 Dunn County bought land of the eight; relocated them on mainland. County reforested the land.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/1 Time   24:55	Active Forestry Program Continues in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Land owners can obtain tree seedlings from the county board. Tree planting ideal for absentee land owners who can sell trees for pulp or Christmas trees.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   00:00	Impact Of Snowmobile on Land Use in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: “Recreation must be dove-tailed with respect for ownership, respect for authority, and not for the idea that we can go anywhere and do as we please.” Snowmobile trails developed jointly by officers of snowmobile clubs and property owners.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   04:20	Land Use of Increasing Concern to County Board Scope and Content Note: Increasing concern over land use related partly to soil erosion in 1930's. Stricter zoning ordinances have evolved.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   10:15	Resistance to Relocation by Island Residents Scope and Content Note: Some resistance to relocation, diminished somewhat since it was possible to relocate families in Town of Peru, near families they knew.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   13:00	Occupation of Flood Plain Areas
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   14:45	Improvement of Dunn County Roads Scope and Content Note: Ellefson recalls that roads so bad on election day in 1936 that he drove horse and buggy one and one-half hours to Wilson town hall. At that time, township bore forty percent of road improvement cost, the county sixty percent. Roy Schlough, Town of Sheridan, the “greatest motivator” to improve county's farm-to-market roads. Cost-sharing ratio changed in 1938 or 1939, when rural residents convinced Menomonie residents that improved roads would mean more business. Eventually, rural residents insisted that county should pay entire cost for maintaining roads. Funding for road and bridge improvements from federal programs in 1930's.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   26:10	Comparison of County Roads in Dunn County with Barron County Scope and Content Note: Over the years Barron County highways of higher quality though less mileage than Dunn. Dunn County less affluent, greater proportion county board representation from rural areas than in Barron. Dunn County leadership more aggressive in getting as many rural residents as possible “out of the mud.”
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/2 Time   29:30	Residents in Northern Dunn County More Vocal in Demanding Improved Farm to Market Roads
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/3 Time   00:00	Residents in Northern Region of Dunn County More Vocal Than Those in Southern or Western Regions
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/3 Time   00:30	Comments on Earl W. Hansen, Dunn County Board Chairman Scope and Content Note: Stalwart Republican banker from Elk Mound, Hansen nevertheless receptive to new ideas. As Dunn County Board Chairman and State Assemblyman, an important liaison between county and state government. Especially important in development of state social services programs.
Tape/Side/Part   5/1/3 Time   04:55	Federal Aid for Road and Bridge Construction after World War II Scope and Content Note: Increased federal aid for road and bridge construction available to Dunn County after end of World War II. Construction subject to strict federal standards.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   00:55	Dunn County Highway Committee Scope and Content Note: Much pressure to publish proceedings; not done but led to new safeguards such as advance authorization of machinery purchases. Cost of highway construction difficult to estimate because of unpredictable weather.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   05:05	Relationship with Private Road Contractors Scope and Content Note: Prefers road contractors of good reputation; reservations about a bid system that encourages less reputable firms. Over the years, Dunn County did much of own road construction “for cost, not for profit.”
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   07:05	Highway Committee Favoritism Charged Scope and Content Note: Committee favoritism criticized by some county board members, but never was “out and out favoritism.” Today all Dunn County roads are paved.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   11:35	Better Roads Means Rural Dunn County Residents Travel More Frequently to Menomonie Scope and Content Note: Improved roads have meant closer contact between rural residents and city of Menomonie; have influenced enlargement of business center and social service facilities.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   13:45	Dunn County Demands Reforms in Return for Support of New Hospital at Menomonie Scope and Content Note: County helped support financially in exchange for certain reforms. Bob Pierce the chairman of the reconstituted board.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   17:50	Comments on Bob Pierce, First Chairman of Hospital Board Scope and Content Note: Hard to label; “A good man for Dunn County...a credit to the county, a terrific businessman, he was persuasive.”
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/1 Time   18:45	Controversy over Closing Dunn County Agricultural School (Aggie) Scope and Content Note: Many rural people opposed to closing “Aggie”, but local high schools, especially Colfax, had surpassed Aggie's programs in home economics and agriculture.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/2 Time   00:00	Money from Sale of Dunn County Agricultural School Helps Build New Courthouse Scope and Content Note: Aggie sold to Stout Institute (now University of Wisconsin-Stout); proceeds added to courthouse building fund.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/2 Time   06:40	Explanation of County Payments for Dog Damages Scope and Content Note: Roaming packs of dogs sometimes attacked sheep and poultry; county compensated farmers for damages.
Tape/Side/Part   5/2/2 Time   12:50	County Board Ordinances Regulating Dance Halls and Dancing on Sunday Afternoons Scope and Content Note: Operators must obtain permit from county to hold dances. One or two inspectors required to patrol large dances. Sunday afternoon dancing now permitted in Dunn County.
	1975 April 11
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   00:00	Introduction
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   01:25	School Consolidation in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Consolidation committee in Dunn County established in 1940's to establish school district boundaries. Jurisdictional disagreements and conflicts over district lines; some school officers frequently solicited citizens to join their districts.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   09:20	Greatest Changes in Local Government over the Years Scope and Content Note: Town and county government now very dependent on state government for revenue and support for social services; today, local governments hire or share full-time professionals; Dunn county now has full-time professional administrator. Both rural and urban residents accept that full-time administrator needed.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   18:00	Why Strong County Government Is Important Scope and Content Note: Strong county government important to keep in touch with local citizens. Federal ruling on “one man-one vote” weakened county government and home rule in Dunn County, as indicated by change in representation on Dunn County board. Student vote gives Menomonie more representation at expense of rural areas.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   24:05	Challenges to Ellefson's Leadership on County Board
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   26:45	Members of Wisconsin Farmers Union Prominent in Dunn County Government Scope and Content Note: Common; rural people appreciated that Farmers Union developed good leadership. Elected officials often Farmers Union members, although Farm Bureau members also have been strong county leaders.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/1 Time   29:15	Geographical Characteristics of Leadership in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: Composition of important committees tends to run in cycles between residents of northern and southern parts of county.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/2 Time   00:15	Improvement of Farm-To-Market Roads of Great Significance in Dunn County Scope and Content Note: In 1936 roads in town of Wilson mostly “wagon trails”; today almost all town roads are blacktopped. Town of Wilson has saved money by contracting with county to maintain its roads. Donald Cotts, highway clerk, especially significant in Dunn County highway affairs, and Ellefson's closest advisor on highway and other matters.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/2 Time   10:20	Improvement of County Buildings and Programs, Particularly Dunn County Health Center Scope and Content Note: New police facilities shared by Dunn County and City of Menomonie. Modern Dunn County Health Center constructed, and is self-supporting. Ellefson, chairman of Health Center Board of Trustees, notes improved therapy for mental patients, and patients with alcohol and other drug problems. Ellefson joined majority of divisive county board in supporting continuance of mental health institution and programs; State of Wisconsin assured county of cost of operation and cost of bonding for the rejuvenated program.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/2 Time   28:05	Why Dunn County Has Maintained a High Level of Social Services Scope and Content Note: Dunn County, although not “rich,” has dedicated citizens and civil servants who are able to work together.
Tape/Side/Part   6/1/3 Time   02:00	Why Ellefson Has Remained Active in Local Affairs over The Years Scope and Content Note: Enjoys working with and doing something for people; appreciates the sense of achievement one can get from participating in local government, where “the pressure for recognition isn't so great.” Has rejected overtures from both Republicans and Democrats to run for state assembly.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   00:05	Why Farmers Union Central Exchange Has Succeeded Scope and Content Note: Farmers who joined Central Exchange in 1931 imbued with ideas of cooperative effort and loyalty to the organization for purchasing of farm supplies.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   03:30	Central Exchange Purchases Oil Refineries Scope and Content Note: War-time petroleum shortage led to purchase of refinery near Laurel, Montana in 1942. Later, another refinery near McPherson, Kansas, purchased by several midwestern regional cooperatives, including Central Exchange, Midland, CCA (now Farmland), and Illinois Farm Services (F-S).
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   07:15	Central Exchange Joins with Other Regional Cooperatives to Provide Farmers with Feed and Fertilizer Scope and Content Note: To produce feed, Central Exchange joined with Midland and Central Cooperative Wholesale to form Northwest Mills. Central Farmers also formed in late 1940's to produce phosphate fertilizer.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   13:25	Regional Cooperatives Save a Fading Central Farmers Scope and Content Note: Central Farmers made up such regional cooperatives as Central Exchange, CCW, Midland, F-S, and Farm Bureaus in Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio. Failing financially when member cooperatives reinvested capital to save organization, but demanded changes in structure and management.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   22:25	Adoption of Name “CENEX.” Scope and Content Note: Farmers Union members considered the Farmers Union Central Exchange their organization, and wanted to. preserve identification; however, many others besides Farmers Union members--including urban residents--are members of the Central Exchange. Board, therefore, adopted the logo CENEX.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/1 Time   26:15	Relationship Between the Individual Farmer Member and Farmers Union Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: Explanation of relationship between individual member-patron and Exchange.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   00:10	Relationship Between the Individual Farmer Member and Farmers Union Central Exchange (Continued) Scope and Content Note: Directors selected on regional basis according to volume of business. Wisconsin, with $75 million in business for 1974, entitled to two directors.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   02:45	Relationship Between CENEX Patron, Farmers Union State Organization, and Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: CENEX patron not necessarily a member of a Farmers Union local. Five percent of net of Farmers Union Central Exchange paid to educational organizations “to teach and promote cooperative philosophy.” Educational funds paid to Granges in the Idaho-Washington-Oregon district of the Central Exchange.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   07:25	Relationship Between National Farmers Union and Farmers Union Central Exchange Scope and Content Note: “Close working relationship” since legislation beneficial to agriculture also benefits cooperatives.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   09:05	Speculation on Future Structure of CENEX Scope and Content Note: Possibly smaller regionals will want to merge. CENEX-Midland merger considered over the years.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   11:55	Difference Between CENEX and Private Business Scope and Content Note: Ownership. CENEX owned by the local cooperatives, which in turn are owned by its patrons. At least half of cooperative's business must be with producer members. Urban members not issued voting stock.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   16:05	Relationship Between Cooperatives and Private Business in Local Communities Scope and Content Note: Much past antagonism between cooperatives and privately owned businesses, but relations improved now as cooperatives take greater role in community affairs. Less criticism of cooperatives as “tax free” organizations; cooperatives are among the largest taxpayers in many communities.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   19:25	Dependence of Farmer Cooperatives on Strong Agricultural Economy Scope and Content Note: CENEX sets aside funds for education and legislation to help keep strong agricultural economy.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   22:05	Corporate and Family Farms Scope and Content Note: Family farms important to agricultural community; corporate farms incompatible with dairying.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/2 Time   24:10	Greatest Satisfaction of Long Association with CENEX Scope and Content Note: Gained most satisfaction in helping Central Exchange grow; having privilege of serving people.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/3 Time   00:25	Greatest Dissatisfaction of Association with CENEX Scope and Content Note: Experience with Central Farmers. Petroleum department of CENEX should have been more opportunistic.
Tape/Side/Part   6/2/3 Time   02:05	Petroleum Exploration in Foreign Countries Scope and Content Note: CENEX a member of International Energy Cooperative, which will soon be exploring for oil in Egypt. Foreign countries prefer relationship with cooperative because “cooperatives are people” and relationship will be on “people to people” basis. Optimistic about exchange programs that stress “food for crude.”