Erling Rolfsrud

Erling Nicolai Rolfsrud was born September 3, 1912, near Keene, North Dakota on the farm of his parents Nils and Rebecca (Heide) Rolfsrud.  He attended Watford City High School and graduated from there in 1930.  He briefly attended Minot State College, then taught rural schools for three years in McKenzie County.  He attended Concordia College at Moorhead, Minnesota and received a Bachelor's degree in 1936.  Mr. Rolfsrud was a prolific writer who wrote articles and short stories, as well as newspaper columns for several North Dakota and Minnesota newspapers.  He is an author who published 31 books from 1949-1993, many of which are about North Dakota and have North Dakota settings.  He may best be remembered for his books on North Dakota.  Some of his better known books include: Lanterns Over the Prairies, Book I (1949), Lanterns Over the Prairies, Book II (1950), Gopher Tails for Papa (1951), White Angakok (1952), Brother to the Eagle (1952) Extraordinary North Dakotans (1954), Boy from Johnny Butte, (1954) Cobber Chronicle (1966), Story of Red River Land (1967), Flickertail Stories(1989), and Petticoat Pioneer (1993).

The papers consist primarily of his correspondence, manuscripts, and research material related to his published works.  In addition there are copies of his final publications, numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines, and some personal family papers.

Maunscript finding aid to earlier donation
Photograph Collection Finding Aid 
Literary, Music and Theater