Title: Donald K. Helgeson Papers
Inclusive Dates: circa 1956-1965, 1968-1976

Creator:

• Helgeson, Donald K., 1932-1976

Call Number: Green Bay Micro 20; Micro 722

Quantity: 1 reel of microfilm (35mm)

Repository:

Housed at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Archives and Area Research Center; owned by the 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.

UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library / Green Bay Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:

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.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0722

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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.

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.

Acquisition Information

Loaned for microfilming by Mrs. Donald Helgeson, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 1978. Accession Number: M78-316.

Processing Information

Processed by M. Behrnd, March 5, 1979.

Reel   1 Frame   1	1968 Election Campaign
Reel   1 Frame   154	First Term in Office, 1969-1970
Reel   1 Frame   207	Voting Record, 1969 Session
Reel   1 Frame   298	1970 Reelection Campaign
Reel   1 Frame   381	Second Term in Office, 1971-1972
Reel   1 Frame   534	1972 Reelection Campaign
Reel   1 Frame   743	Speeches, c. 1969-1970
Reel   1 Frame   781	Campaign Brochures and Memorabilia
Reel   1 Frame   794	Post-Legislative Career, 1973-1976
Reel   1 Frame   820	Miscellany, c. 1956-1965