Olaf Olsen papers, 1857-1939

Olaf Olsen papers, 1857-1939

P0573

1857-1939

Correspondence, articles, reports, drawings, diaries, log-books, notebooks, clippings, and pamphlets of a Norwegian-born machinist and engineer. The correspondence deals with such topics as problems in engineering, sea disasters, strikes and labor problems, drought, farm crops, recreation, and religion. In a letter dated September 29, 1890, Olsen describes his journey from Oslo to Laredo, Texas, via ship and rail. Most of the letters by Olsen are to his wife. The articles include biographies of members of Olsen's family and also treat Yukon gold rush experiences. One diary concerns his immigration journey to America. Olsen was a shop machinist in Laredo, Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia; a machinist on English ships and in the American Revenue Cutter Services; and after 1900 an engineer with coastal trade steamship lines. He was a member of the Socialist Party.

4.4 cubic feet (11 archives boxes) and 2 volumes

Correspondence

Reports

Clippings

Pamphlets