Skip to main content

Charles Saint Denis Papers

 Collection
Identifier: M/A 0057

Description of Contents

The collection includes a biographical article and other clippings; personal letters and notes; memos from the Alaska Project, which dealt with the transfer of 200 Minnesota farm families to Alaska during the Depression; and "The Research Approach to a Program of Rural Rehabilitation in Minnesota," a report on the effectiveness of relief for Minnesota farmers during the Depression.

Dates

  • Creation: 1921 - 1953

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is available for use in Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library during the department's open hours.

Biography

Charles Saint Denis was born in Minnesota in 1901. He spent his early years in Green Isle, a small community southwest of Minneapolis. After graduating from South High School in Minneapolis, he went to the University of Minnesota and eventually earned a law degree from the Minnesota College of Law. He spent many years at sea, circling the globe at least once and crossing the Atlantic over 90 times. He was even the radio broadcaster aboard USS America in 1931. While abroad, he operated a Catholic seaman's home in Singapore. During this time, he became acquainted with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the organization for which he would eventually be the historian. He also traveled to Alaska on several occasions, and even helped a large group of Minnesota farmers relocate to the Matanuska Valley during the Depression. He also served as general counsel for the state emergency relief administration in 1935. He collapsed due to overwork while at this position and spent two years at the Glen Lake sanatorium. He died in 1971 in Minneapolis.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Title
Charles Saint Denis Papers
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hennepin County Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis MN 55401 U.S.A.
612-543-8200