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Title: Governor Fred G. Aandahl
Dates: 1944-1950
Collection Number: 01090
Quantity: 143 items
Abstract: Images of Governor Aandahl at various groundbreaking ceremonies, at the National Governors Association annual conferences, at Missouri Basin Interagency Committee meetings, crowning Miss North Dakota, at his Inaugurations, and at other state events.
Provenance: The State Historical Society of North Dakota acquired this collection from Louise Aandahl Stockman, daughter of Governor Aandahl.
Property Rights: The State Historical Society of North Dakota owns the property rights to this collection.
Copyrights: Copyrights to materials in this collection remain with the donor, publisher, author, or author's heirs. Researchers should consult the 1976 Copyright Act, Public Law 94-553, Title 17, U.S. Code and an archivist at this repository if clarification of copyright requirements is needed.
Access: This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Citation: Researchers are requested to cite the collection title, collection number, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota in all footnote and bibliographic references.
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30177 Governor Fred G. Aandahl
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
From the Mandan Pioneer, Friday April 8, 1966
Fred G. Aandahl was a farmer who devoted a considerable amount of energy to battling the political establishment in North Dakota.
He didn’t always win. Once he lost a seat in the state legislature in a recall election. The last time he sought elective office, he was defeated in the primaries.
After each setback, however, he returned to the arena and took command of a bigger job.
Aandahl died Thursday morning in a Fargo hospital, two days before his 69th birthday. In state history his position is secure as North Dakota Governor, 1944-1950, and Assistant Secretary of the Interior under President Eisenhower.
Funeral services will be held at Oliver’s Chapel in Valley City. Gov. William Guy requested that flags be flown at half mast on the day of the funeral, “in recognition of his great service to North Dakota.”
Aandahl had lived on his 360 acre farm near Litchville after the Kennedy administration took office in 1961. Late last fall he was hospitalized here. On Dec. 2, he underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. A malignant brain tumor was removed and shortly after he was transferred to the Fargo hospital where he died.
It probably wasn’t too surprising that Aandahl got involved in politics. His father had been a state official for the Nonpartisan League, which long dominated North Dakota political activity.
He won a seat in the State Senate in 1930 from rural Barnes County – an area which had been controlled by the NPL for 15 years. Two years later, in a recall election, Aandahl was unseated.
That experience didn’t end his career. In 1938 he returned to the state Senate and aligned himself with a coalition that backed the late Gov. John Moses. Moses was a Democrat who opposed the NPL.
A newly organized faction, the Republican Organizing Committee, was challenging the NPL and Aandahl was the leader. In 1944, he ran for governor and pulled a shocking upset by defeating Alvin C. Strutz, NPL candidate who had served three terms as attorney general.
Aandahl was the first Republican governor to serve three full terms. During his administration, the state had to adjust from the war-time economy to the post World War II inflationary period.
The budgets were the highest in state history, and political foes centered their attacks at such a vulnerable spot. But Aandahl was credited with “sound and businesslike” administration of state affairs. He was re-elected in 1946 and again in 1948.
Aandahl was one of the ROC’s chief political assets. He was compactly built, good looking, small in stature, and an effective speaker who seldom used notes.
In 1950, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1952, he challenged for the late William Langer’s seat in the Senate, but lost in the primary.
Then Dwight Eisenhower was elected president. Aandahl served for eight years as his Assistant Secretary of the Interior before retiring to the Litchville farm where he was born April 9, 1897.
“Of the three jobs I have held in the past 16 years,” Aandahl said when he returned to North Dakota in 1961, “I would say the governor’s office carried the greatest pinpointed responsibility. In the other two positions, I was part of an organization, and a part way down the line.”
Aandahl was graduated from Litchville High School in 1916 and from the University of North Dakota in 1921. In 1962 he received an honorary law degree from his alma mater.
His marriage to Luella Brekka of Havana, N.D. took place June 18, 1926, at Forman, N.D.
Survivors include his widow, three daughters and 10 grandchildren. A brother, Sam, died about a year ago.
The daughters are Mrs. Jaque (Louise) Stockman of Fargo, wife of a state legislator; Mrs. Edward (Margaret) Moran of Schenectady, N.Y., and Mrs. Ralph (Marilyn) Johnson of Wilmington, Del.
One of the first to sound tribute was Sen. Milton R. Young, R-N.D., who called from Washington to express his sympathy to Aandahl’s family and to praise Aandahl as a gentleman, citizen and public servant.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my longtime friend and associate,” Young said. “He was one of North Dakota’s all-time greatest citizens and a most respected public servant. He won the respect and admiration of friend and foe alike.”
Young said Aandahl had probably made the greatest contribution by any one person toward equalizing educational opportunities. “As a member of the State Senate,” Young said, “he sponsored and secured enactment of the most important piece of legislation ever passed by the North Dakota Legislature: the school equalization fund.
If I were to select any one person who did the most for Garrison Diversion,” Young continued, “it would be Aandahl in his capacities as governor, congressman and assistant Secretary of Interior in charge of reclamation and power.”
Rep. Mark Andrews, R-N.D., from the East District said: “I am saddened by the death of Mr. Aandahl, who was one of North Dakota’s greatest men. In his quiet, competent way, he spoke easily and well for the people of our state and the development of a stronger North Dakota.
His loss is a very personal one for his family,” Andrews said, “but it is shared by the multitude of friends he made in his years of service.”
Sen. Quentin N. Burdick, D-N.D., said “North Dakota has lost one who made great contributions to the state. He was a dedicated public servant and an honorable man. I am saddened by his passing.”
Said Gov. Guy: “In recent years, his leadership on the legislative research constitutional revision committee was outstanding. I mourn his death as the passing of a good friend.
“Fred Aandahl was a kind and sincere person,” Guy continued. “He was always humble, even in the light of his many achievements. His life was one of serving his fellowmen.”
Former Gov. John E. Davis of Bismarck said Aandahl was a statesman. “The record of his life was that of unselfish service and the deeds he performed in his many public positions of responsibility will be remembered by the citizens of North Dakota.”
Rep. Rolland Redlin, D-N.D., said “North Dakota has lost one of its most distinguished citizens. Fred Aandahl set a standard of public service as governor, congressman and assistant Secretary of Interior that will continue as an inspiration to all North Dakotans.”
The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Monday, April 11 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City. Gov. William Guy requested flags to be flown at half mast on Monday, “in recognition of his great service to North Dakota.”
PHOTOGRAPHS INVENTORY
01090-001 Governor Fred G. Aandahl portrait
01090-002 Governor Fred G. Aandahl portrait
01090-003 Governor Fred G. Aandahl delivers Inaugural Address, Bismarck N.D.
01090-004 Governor Fred G. Aandahl in his office, Bismarck N.D.
01090-005 Governor Fred G. Aandahl portrait
01090-006 Speakers on flatbed trailer at Freedom Train, Minot N.D.
01090-007 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at his desk
01090-008 Governor Fred G. Aandahl in his office, Bismarck N.D.
01090-009 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at his desk, Bismarck N.D.
01090-010 Governor Fred G. Aandahl standing by his desk, Bismarck N.D.
01090-011 Governor Fred G. Aandahl recording a speech, Bismarck N.D.
01090-012 Governor Fred G. Aandahl being sworn in at his Inauguration, Bismarck N.D.
01090-013 Governor Fred G. Aandahl taking the oath of office at his Inauguration, Bismarck N.D.
01090-014 Governor Fred G. Aandahl delivering his Inaugural address, Bismarck N.D.
01090-015 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at the NDEA Convention, Bismarck N.D.
01090-016 Governor Fred G. Aandahl shaking hands, Bismarck N.D.
01090-017 Governor Fred G. Aandahl draws a slip of paper out of hat held by Spencer Boise, Bismarck N.D.
01090-018 – 019 Governor Fred G. Aandahl gets first chest X-ray in mobile lab, Bismarck N.D.
01090-020 – 021 UND President John C. West presents WWII relic to Governor Fred G. Aandahl, Bismarck N.D. The relic was from British House of Parliament damaged by bomb in war
01090-022 Harold Schafer and Governor Fred G. Aandahl present scholarship award
01090-023 – 025 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Johnny Holsen Fargo Forum Soap Box Derby
01090-026 – 030 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and boy in wheel chair launch North Dakota Easter Seal Drive, Bismarck N.D.
01090 031 – 032 Governor Fred G. Aandahl, Jerry Burtts, Mrs. Marjorie Norby, Mrs. Fred Layton launch North Dakota Easter Seal Drive, Bismarck N.D.
01090-033 Governor Fred G. Aandahl drawing winning number for "Dream House" at the North Dakota Conservation Show, Bismarck N.D.
01090-034 Governor Fred G. Aandahl signing document. A sign on Governor's desk reads: Friendship Food in Carload Lots for the Friendless Overseas
01090-035 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with group of military men and policemen
01090-036 – 038 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with group in Capitol Building signing a document, Bismarck N.D.
01090-039 – 040 Rodeo parade, Mandan N.D.
01090-042 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at Medina Fall Fest, Medina N.D.
01090-043 Governor Fred G. Aandahl crowning Maurine Ault, Miss North Dakota at the D.A.V. Beauty Contest
01090-044 Governor Fred G. Aandahl crowning Carol Ostby, North Dakota Dairy Queen
01090-045 Governor Fred G. Aandahl crowning Juanita Olson, North Dakota Dairy Queen at the State Dairy Show, Jamestown N.D.
01090-046 – 047 Governor Fred G. Aandahl crowning Kitty Page, Miss North Dakota
01090-048 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at National Governors Conference, Colorado Springs Colo. Governor stands by his car with license plate: "Fred G. Aandahl North Dakota"
01090-049 National Governors’ Conference: Youngdahl, Dewey, Aandahl, Kerr, Warren
01090-050 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at National Governors’ Conference, Charleston, W.Va. Governor stands by his car with license plate: "Governor Fred G. Aandahl North Dakota"
01090-051 Forty governors standing on their states in a large map on the lawn of the Greenbriar Hotel at the National Governors’ Conference, White Sulphur Springs W.Va.
01090-052 National Governors’ Association Conference group photo, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Mich. Governors standing below the front porch of the Grand Hotel: Thye, Kerr, Warren, Aahdahl, Ford, Dewey
01090-053 Governors Driscoll, N.J., Aandahl, N.D., and Caldwell, Fla. at the General Assembly of States, Chicago, Ill.
01090-055 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Rear Admiral Arthur S. ?
01090-056 – 057 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at dedication of Red River Valley Council Boy Scout Camp Wilderness, Park Rapids, Minn.
01090-058 Devils Lake Boy Concert Band group photo autographed by band members for Governor Aandahl
01090-059 – 060 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Manuel G. Sousa C Sp (A), V-6 USNR
01090-061 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and pheasant hunting party Beulah N.D.
01090-062 Governor Fred G. Aandahl receiving High School Safety Training Driving Award for the state at Insurance Men’s Convention, Bismarck N.D.
01090-063 Governor Fred G. Aandahl looks at letter opening machinery at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D.
01090-064 Governor Fred G. Aandahl in Indian Affairs Commission meeting Bismarck, N.D.
01090-065 Howard Lydecker of Republic Productions Inc. and Governor Fred G. Aandahl
01090-066 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at the Patterson Hotel, Bismarck N.D.
01090-067 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at Charter Night, Bismarck Exchange Club
01090-068 – 070 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with Lord and Lady Halifax
01090-071 William Lemke, Governor Fred G. Aandahl, and Senator Milton Young
01090-072 Mr. Haakenson, Fargo, Governor Fred G. Aandahl, and Dr. Leonard Larson launch North Dakota Cancer Drive
01090-073 Governor Fred G. Aandahl opening bids for Veterans Adjusted Compensation Bonds Issue
01090-074 – 076 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and group looking over Veterans Bonus Applications, Bismarck N.D.
01090-077 – 078 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at banquet with priests
01090-079 Catholic Mass
01090-080 Hughes, Governor Fred G. Aandahl, Agriculture Secretary Clinton Anderson, Max Moore at Rotary meeting, Valley City N.D.
01090-081 – 085 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at Kiwanis meeting, Bismarck N.D.
01090-087 Don Dugan Highway Safety Award dinner, Town Hall, Fargo N.D. Mr. Ahler, Don Dugan, Governor Fred G. Aandahl
01090-088 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with 4-H and FFA winners at North Dakota Winter Show, Valley City N.D. Lawrence Devitt, Lisbon; Donald Calderwood, Crary; Juanita Olson, Edgeley; Henry Wilberts, Jr., Oakes; Harry Shepard, Fullerton; George Knapp, Guelph; Harlan Ford, Park River; Howard Brown, Blanchard; Gene Combs, Velva; Arvin Hauck, Forbes
01090-089 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Lions Club group, Rugby N.D.
01090-090 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at UND Homecoming, Grand Forks N.D.
01090-091 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Moorhead "Spuds"
01090-093 – 094 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with two Cadet Nurses
01090-095 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at Game and Fish Conference, Bismarck N.D.
01090-096 – 098 Governor Fred G. Aandahl on front steps of Capitol Building, Bismarck N.D.
01090-099 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at Fall Festival, Hebron N.D.
01090-100 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Al Berens, District Governor of Rotary
01090-101 Governor Fred G. Aandahl reporting on the Governors Conference, Bismarck N.D.
01090-102 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with UND students at a press conference, Fargo N.D.
01090-103 – 106 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at the Freedom Train, Minot N.D.
01090-107 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at the cornerstone laying for YMCA Minot N.D.
01090-108 Governor Fred G. Aandahl
01090-109 Governor Fred G. Aandahl accepting the French Gratitude Car in the House Chambers, Bismarck N.D.
01090-111 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking at the Farm Institute, New England N.D.
01090-112 Organization meeting of the Legislative Research Committee in Governors Conference Room, Bismarck N.D.
01090-113 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with shovel full of dirt at groundbreaking for the Homme Dam, Park River N.D.
01090-114 – 117 Veterans Wyoming Farm Project, Public Land Drawing Shoshone Irrigation Project Heart Mountain Division Part III; Governor Fred G. Aandahl
01090-118 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at Kiwanis meeting, Bismarck N.D.
01090-119 Missouri Basin Interagency Committee meeting: Governor Ford, Mont.; Sloane, Dept. Interior; Young, Dept. Agriculture; Governor Donnelly, Mo.; Cocks, Committee Secretary; General Pick, War Dept.; Governor Aandahl; Davlin Dept. Commerce; Greene, Fed Power Commission; Jones representing Governor Peterson, Neb.
01090-120 Missouri Basin Interagency Committee Medicine Creek Dam, Neb.
01090-121 – 122 Mount Rushmore
01090-124 Governor Fred G. Aandahl viewing irrigation project, Riverton, Wyo.
01090-126 – 128 Governor Sam Ford, Mont.; Governor Val Peterson, Neb.; Governor Aandahl, N.D., Riverton, Wyo.
01090-129 Governor Fred G. Aandahl with a shovel full of dirt at groundbreaking for Baldhill Dam, Valley City N.D.
01090-130 Governor Fred G. Aandahl speaking to picnic crowd at Epping Dam, Williston N.D.
01090-131 – 132 Governor Fred G. Aandahl and Governor George Mickelson, S.D. with the Missouri Basin Interagency Commission at Garrison Dam construction site
01090-133 – 137 Governor Fred G. Aandahl at groundbreaking for Heart Butte Dam, Grant County, N.D.
01090-138 – 139 Groundbreaking for Bald Hill Dam, Valley City N.D.
01090-140 Val Peterson, Neb. and Governor Fred G. Aandahl at Missouri Basin Interagency Committee meeting, Courtland, Kan.
01090-141 Missouri Basin Interagency Committee meeting, Courtland, Kan. Governor Fred G. Aandahl; Governor Val Peterson, Neb.
01090-142 W. G. Sloan, Chairman of the Missouri Basin Interagency Committee, speaking Courtland, Kan. Governor Fred G. Aandahl; Governor Val Peterson, Neb.; C. C. Greene, Kansas Reclamation Association; B. H. Greene, Federal Power Commission; Gladwin Young, Dept. of Agriculture; John David representing Governor of Montana; Charles E. Brokaw, Dept. of Commerce
01090-143 Governor Fred G. Aandahl receives a welcome of Concordia Kan. from Mrs. Blosser at the Missouri Basin Interagency Committee
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