GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE COUNCIL:

An Inventory of Its Records at the Minnesota Historical Society

Government Records

Expand/CollapseOVERVIEW

Creator: Governor's Residence Council (Minn.).
Title:Records.
Dates:1874-2014 (bulk 1979-1989).
Language:Materials in English.
Abstract:Records of the Governor's Residence Council, and its predecessors, the House Development Committee (1979-1980) and State Ceremonial House Council (1980-1981). In order to fully carry out all aspects of the renovation and preservation of the Residence, the files also document the years it served as the private home of the Horace Irvine family (1910-1965) and the years when renovation and maintenance were under the direct supervision of each gubernatorial administration (1965-1979).
Quantity:13.7 cubic feet (14 boxes and 1 partial box).
Location: See Detailed Description for shelf locations.

Expand/CollapseSCOPE AND CONTENTS

The records not only document all aspects of the administration and operation of the Council, they also cover the policy decisions made with regard to the legislature's unprecedented 1965 acceptance of the mansion to be used as the governor's official residence; the continuing plans and actions undertaken to renovate and preserve the Residence, including its 1974 placement on the National Register of Historic Places; the documentation of both its many furnishings and events held in the Residence; and historical documentation of the Residence and its occupants.

Included in the records are historical materials detailing the history of both the Irvine family and the Residence; minutes of the full council and its predecessors and files documenting its various committees; financial, operational and planning documents; subject files; renovation work files; furnishings' inventory and acquisition files; and photographs taken before, during, and after various phases of the renovation.

The subject files detail both the renovation and operation of the Residence and, in particular, document the acquisition of furnishings through gifts, loans and purchases; decorations and flowers; personnel; fund-raising; the Governor's Residence Preview Benefit; invitations and promotional materials; the Irvine family; mailing lists; Paul Granlund's Viet Nam commemoration sculpture, Man-Nam; "Minnesota's House," a multi-media pictorial essay; the Minnesota Historical Society's Women's Organization oral history project of Residence occupants; public relations; research; the tableware competition; 1006 Summit Avenue Society; tours; and William Channing Whitney, the original architect of the Residence.

Also included in the records are guest books; tour schedules and Residence daily/weekly schedules; clippings; the Minnesota Garden Memorial scrapbook; files of Maureen McKazy-Donlin, council member and chair; and photographs of the Rolvaag, LeVander, Anderson (Wendell), Perpich, Quie, and Carlson families that were displayed in the residence.


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Expand/CollapseARRANGEMENT

The collection is organized into the following sections:

Historical materials, 1965-1990
Minutes, 1979-2009
Committee files, 1979-1990
Financial and administrative materials, 1964-1994
Planning documents, 1979-1997
Subject files, 1874-2014
Renovation work files, 1930-1990
Furnishing inventory and acquisition files, 1965-1990
Miscellaneous records, 1930-1992
Photographs of the Residence, undated, circa 1912-1996
Gubernatorial family photographs, 1962-1998
Maureen McKasy-Donlin files, 1979-1984
Sommerdorf Notebook: Notes on Furnishings and Architectural Changes: The Governor’s Residence, 1976; Update, 1979-1983


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Expand/CollapseADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Governor's Residence Council (Minn.). Records. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession numbers: 979-40; 983-112; 985-20; 999-114; 2000-68; 2001-63; 2002-68; 2010-13; 2015-29; 2015-50

Processing Information:

Catalog ID number: 001736420


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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Expand/CollapseHISTORICAL MATERIALS, 1965-1990

Location
127.E.13.6FGovernor’s Residence Council history, 1967-1990.
Includes fact sheets, timelines, statutes and correspondence relating to the historical development of the council.
Governor’s Residence historical background information, 1965-1990. 2 folders.
Includes deed between Clotilde I. Moles and Edwin J. Moles, her husband, and Olivia I. Dodge and Arthur M. Dodge, her husband, and the State of Minnesota, August 31, 1965.
The Governor’s Residence, circa 1971.
Brochure on the history of the Governor’s Residence. Photographs show the room by room renovations done under the Harold LeVander and Wendell Anderson administrations.
The Governor’s Residence: A Twentieth Century House, May 1980.
Research paper written by Patricia Baker (curator-historian for the Governor’s Residence) detailing the history of the Residence. The paper traces both the history of the Irvine family and the building at 1006 Summit Avenue from its construction through its transfer to the state of Minnesota and the establishment of the permanent State Ceremonial Building Council in 1980. This paper was widely used under the Albert Quie and Rudy Perpich administrations to provide background information for the council, docents and all involved in the renovation program.

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Expand/CollapseMINUTES, 1979-2009

Location
127.E.13.6FHouse Development Committee, 1979-1980.
Minutes, proposals and objectives of the council during the Quie years.
State Ceremonial House Council, 1980-1981.
Minutes, project descriptions, timelines and work plans for the council during the Quie years.
State Ceremonial House Council, Executive Committee, 1980-1981.
Minutes, correspondence, and work plans for the executive committee as well as the mission statement for the council.
Governor’s Residence Council: 1981-1990, 1994, 1998-1999. 4 folders.
Minutes, agendas, policy proposals, work plans, reports to the council, and correspondence. The 1994 and 1998-1999 minutes are very incomplete.
1981-1990. 3 folders.
Location
105.D.1.10F 1991-1999, 2002-2009. 3 folders.
Location
127.E.13.6FGovernor’s Residence Council, Executive Committee, 1981-1986.
Minutes and meeting agendas of the committee.
Special Council Meeting, 1980-1983.

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Expand/CollapseCOMMITTEES FILES, 1979-1990

Location
127.E.13.6FArchitecture Committee, 1981-1989.
Minutes, project summaries, long range plans and correspondence.
Arts Advisory Committee, 1986-1989.
Minutes, correspondence, art descriptions and loan agreements with various art museums, and undated photographs and negatives of the dining room.
Development Committee, 1979-1986.
Minutes and agendas of the development, fund-raising and capital campaign meetings, as well as, member rosters, correspondence, and goal statements.
Interior Design Committee, 1979-1989.
Minutes, correspondence, and committee goal outlines.
Landscape Committee, 1979-1989. 2 folders.
Minutes, correspondence, timeline of the history of the garden and phasing plan for the garden, architectural designs, contract proposals and construction cost estimates.
Nominating Committee, 1982-1986.
Minutes of an April 21, 1982 meeting and officer nomination recommendations for 1986.
Preview Benefit Committee, 1986-1988.
Minutes, organizational charts, and correspondence.
Public Relations Committee, 1981-1983, 1987-1989. 2 folders.
Minutes, correspondence, and undated photographs of council members taken at the mansion.
Study Committee, 1990. 2 folders.
Minutes, mission statement, and correspondence; also the National Association of State Facilities Administrators [NASFA] state survey results regarding the existence and conditions of governor’s residences throughout the country.

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Expand/CollapseFINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATERIALS, 1964-1994

Location
127.E.13.6FCeremonial House budget materials, 1971-1976.
Annual Report, 1984-1985.
Finance and budget reports, 1973-1991.
Mainly monthly, biennial and historical budget analyses of the council’s financial management reports. The records also include operating fund reports and account balance summaries.
Financial and Compliance Audit, July 1, 1983-March 31, 1988.
Legislative Audit of the Council, 1988.
Includes correspondence pertaining to the audit.
Reports of Residence Accounting, 1989-1990. 2 folders.
Contains inventories of gift fund receipts, certified liquidation summaries, appropriation inquiries, yearly account summaries, and statewide accounting system managers financial fiscal year reports. The records also include some correspondence.
Statewide Accounting System Manager’s Financial Report, 1990.
Details all encumbrances for the Governor’s Residence Council from May 9, 1989 through May 22, 1990.
Location
127.E.13.7BMembership lists, undated, 1980-1990, 1994.
Policies and procedures, 1978-1990.
Includes council bylaws, mission statements, operating procedures, policy statements, job descriptions, and correspondence pertaining to the functions of the council.
Council letters of appointment, 1980-1986.
Includes notices of appointment for council members as well as relevant correspondence.
Correspondence, 1964-1996 (bulk 1964-1980). 6 folders.
Correspondence reflecting the work of individual council members, the full council, and its sub-committees.
Newsletters, 1981-1990.
Update issued on a monthly basis for committee members about the progress of the council. Newsletters are incomplete.
Press releases, 1968-1990.

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Expand/CollapsePLANNING DOCUMENTS, 1979-1997

Location
127.E.13.7BProgram for the Restoration of the Governor’s Residence Landscape, 1979.
The Minnesota Governor’s Residence: The Regency Report, Spring 1980.
Provides background information on the history of the home, work done on the house during the LeVander and Anderson administrations, and ends with the changes that began with the Quie family’s occupancy of the home.
Minnesota Governor’s Ceremonial Residence Phasing Plan, 1981.
Restoration plan for the Residence prepared by Wehrman Chapman Associates with color-coded floor plans, work plan summaries, and cost estimates.
Minnesotans: Help Preserve Your Home, September 1981.
Fund-raising brochure for the restoration project.
Status reports, 1982-1989.
Includes project summary and project priority statements from the council and relevant correspondence.
Space Needs Program and Master Plan for the Minnesota Governor’s Residence, 1983.
Booklet prepared by Winsor/Faricy Architects, Inc.; details the restoration plan for the Residence during the Perpich administration.
Governor’s Residence Case Statement Appendices, 1985.
Provides a detailed renovation plan with cost and phasing plans.
Location
112.H.17.8F-1Minnesota Governor’s Ceremonial Residence: Site Evaluation and Master Development Plan, August 18, 1990. 1 folder.
Location
127.E.13.7BMaster Plan Phase II bids, 1994.
Architectural bids for Governor’s Residence Master Plan Update.
Master Plan, July 8, 1997.

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Expand/CollapseSUBJECT FILES, 1874-2014

Records are arranged in alphabetical order by folder title.


Location
127.E.13.7BAccessory purchase orders, 1988.
Acquisitions (new), 1983-1986.
Includes photographs of furnishings purchased for the home under the Perpich administration.
Airtex chairs, 1989.
Anderson (Mary) biographical sketches, 1970s.
Antique dealers, June 1986.
Architectural/Engineering Survey of the Governor’s Residence, 1965-1971.
Architecture, capital requests, 1982-1985.
Architecture, Ice door, 1988.
Archives, appraisals, 1964-1979.
Includes appraisals of the Irvine home and its contents.
Asset insurance, 1989-1990.
Asset loans to Minnesota State Arts Board, 1982-1988.
Bachman’s, 1980-1987.
Contains photographs of floral arrangements used in the Residence.
Baker, Patty, 1980-1982.
Bench upholstery , undated.
Bids (accepted), 1983-1989.
Book donations, 1985-1987.
Documents the books given for the renovation of the library.
Brochures, undated, 1970s, 1985.
Cash gifts register, 1980-1985.
Cataloging guidelines, 1985.
Children’s Garden, 1993.
China, 1971-1979.
Christmas decorations, 1981-1990.
Coordinator position description, 1983-1988.
Contracts, 1983-1989.
Cost estimates, 1981-1988.
Council Coordinator applications, 1983.
Curator, 1979-1980.
Location
127.E.13.8FCurator’s Handbook (Patty Baker), 1979-1986.
Dayton’s, 1987-1988.
Development resources, 1982.
Equipment, 1982-1984.
Executives’ lunch, 1986.
Exterior masonry, stabilization, 1999.
Fabrics, 1983-1985.
Falls Junior High Clockworks Project, 1973-1976.
Includes photographs of students, from the International Falls School District No. 361, building grandfather clocks, one of which was donated to the Governor’s Residence.
Fiduciary counseling, 1982.
Fire information, 1980.
Food/beverage, 1988.
Foundation lists, 1983.
Fund-raising, 1980-1989. 3 folders.
Fund-raising ideas, 1981-1983.
Fund-raising plan, undated.
Fund-raising solicitation correspondence, 1988-1989.
Furnishing needs, 1980-1984.
Furniture repair, 1981-1983.
Furniture style guide, undated.
Gift acceptance, 1980-1988. 8 folders.
Contains signed gift forms from donors and related correspondence. Includes both cash and in-kind gifts to the council.
Organized by fiscal year.
Gift/loan correspondence, 1969-1989. 2 folders.
Gift and Loan Memory Book, 1979-1981.
Hand calligraphied book; documents each piece on loan in the house, its location and its donor for the period of time noted.
Gifts—Lists, 1966, 1986, 1989.
Governor’s Residence Preview Benefit:
Clippings, 1988.
Corporate lists, 1988.
Correspondence (Preview Benefit), 1987-1988.
Database, 1987-1988.
Location
127.E.13.9BFinances, 1989.
Financial reports, 1987-1989. 3 folders.
Invitation lists, 1987-1989. 2 folders.
Invoices for approval, 1988-1989.
Patron lists, 1986-1988.
Purchase orders, 1986-1989. 2 folders.
Program, 1987.
Thank you lists and sample letters, 1988.
Governor’s Residence, National Register of Historic Places, 1978.
Includes photocopy of the nomination form and other related documents.
Grant proposals, 1980-1983.
Guest book information, 1979-1986.
Halloween, 1985-1988.
Contains photographs and information about the Halloween decorations at the Residence.
Historic preservation, 1978-1979.
Concerns the preservation of the Residence as an historic site.
Historical Society, 1977-1982.
Imari Collection, 1990.
Inaugural Benefit, 1983.
Invitations and promotional materials, 1967-1999.
Invitations, Quie administration, 1978-1981.
Irvine Family biographical information, 1874-1980.
Irvine home,Amateur Golfermagazine article, November 1930.
Irvine portraits, 1985.
Larson rug, 1983-1989.
Letters to contributors, 1986-1990.
Letters to the Editor, 1982-1983.
Loan agreements, 1964-1992.
Includes Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minnesota Historical Society, and Tweed Gallery.
Loans/insurance for Minneapolis Institute of Arts pieces, 1983-1989.
Lower level purchases, 1989.
Mailing lists, 1982-1988.
Mailing lists, interior design, 1980-1981.
Mailing list for interior design brochure, 1981-1982.
Mailing list/reception, November 17, 1982.
Mailing list, State Fair, 1984.
Maintenance, 1983.
Major contributors, 1981-1990.
Man-Nam, Paul Granlund artist, 1969-1990.
Contains information on Paul Granlund and the Vietnam tribute sculpture (entitled Man-Nam) he created for the lawn of the Governor’s Residence. Also contains correspondence from First Lady Iantha LeVander regarding the project.
Master Bedroom Design Specifications, 1987.
Minneapolis Park Board loans, 1983.
Minnesota History information, undated.
Minnesota’s House:
A multi-media pictorial essay on the Residence designed by Russell-Manning Productions.
Final script draft, 1981.
General production materials, 1981-1983. 2 folders.
Contains correspondence, a photographic contact sheet, slide list and other related records.
Production proposal, 1981.
Idea proposal containing possible photographs of the Residence and its contents.
Name tags, 1982.
Napkins, 1982.
Newspapers/media on Residence, 1930-1990.
Oral History Project:
Project undertaken by the Minnesota Historical Society’s Women’s Organization to interview as many occupants of the Residence as possible. Some of the materials was used in the book,The Governor’s Table.
Correspondence, 1979-1984.
Waivers, 1976-1981.
Miscellaneous, undated.
Anderson, Mary and Norma Sommerdorf, 1981.
Includes notes from an interview with Mary Anderson and Norma Sommerdorf, a transcript from an interview with Mary Anderson conducted by Patty Baker, and recipes submitted by Governor and Mrs. Wendell R. Anderson.
Dodge, Olivia Irvine, 1976-1980.
Includes transcript of interview conducted with Olivia Dodge, recipes enjoyed by the Irvine family, and related correspondence.
Location
127.E.13.10FFlahaven, Maureen, 1981.
Transcript of a March 3, 1981 interview with Flahaven, former Residence manager.
LeDell, Hilma, 1979-1980.
Transcript of an interview (conducted by Patty Baker) with Hilma LeDell, employee of the Irvine family during the 1920s.
Holmgren, Anna Swenson, 1980. 1 sound cassette tape.
March 5, 1980 interview.
LeVander, Iantha, 1967-1981.
Includes transcripts of several interviews with Mrs. Harold LeVander and related records.
Quie, Albert, 1981.
Includes written descriptions of the Quie years at the Governor’s Residence.
Quie, Gretchen, 1981-1982. 1 folder, including 1 sound cassette tape.
Transcript of a December 9, 1982 interview and an 1981 interview.
Rolvaag, Florence, 1965-1978.
Includes transcript of interview conducted with Mrs. Karl Rolvaag, and related notes, correspondence and newspaper clippings.
Oriental carpets, 1983.
Paper, Janet (furniture), 1981-1982.
Includes photographs of donations being considered for the Residence.
Patrons letter, 1988.
Perpiches, communication with during transition, 1982.
Porcelain art teachers, 1983-1986.
Positions similar to the Council’s Administrative Assistant, 1976-1980.
Potential donations, 1980-1988.
Power line burial, 1983.
Publications, 1975-1982.
Public relations, 1989.
Public relations information requests, 1985.
Public relations events, 1982-1983.
Public Use of Governor’s Residence Task Force, 1984.
Purchase orders, 1983-1989. 2 folders.
Quie (Gretchen) biographical sketch, 1979.
Quie (Gretchen) correspondence, 1980-1982.
Radon testing, 1987-1988.
Realtors contribution list, 1985.
Reception, August 2, 1984.
Records retention schedule, 1980.
Regents, 1988.
Renovation Program, undated.
Renovation, letters requesting funding, 1985-1986.
Repair and replacement, 1986-1990.
Includes purchase orders for work done on the Residence and its contents. Purchase orders are alphabetized by company name.
Research, 1981.
Includes informational articles and outlines to aid in fund-raising efforts.
Rice Creek Gardens: Betty Ann Addison, 1989-1990.
Includes correspondence documenting a dispute with regard to landscape services rendered to the council by Rice Creek Gardens.
Robinson memos, 1981-1984.
Rodde Designs, 1983-1988.
St. Paul Foundation grant, 1982.
St. Paul Garden Club, 1982-1986.
Security, 1979-1989.
Silver, 1987.
Solar Energy Report, 1979-1981.
State governors’ residence councils, questionnaires and related records, 1977-1981.
Location
127.E.14.1BStatute/legal information, 1965-1990. 2 folders.
Sterling silverware index, 1983.
Stoneware information, 1981-1982.
Stoneware Tour, 1980-1982. 2 folders.
Documents the Governor’s Tableware Competition conducted by Gretchen Quie. Includes newspaper clippings describing Charles Halling’s winning design to be used at the Residence. Halling was a Northfield, Minnesota potter.
Stoneware Tour inventory, 1982.
Stoneware Tour artists’ replies, 1980-1982.
Swenson, Carol, Coordinator, 1984.
Tablecloths, 1979-1980.
Thiede, Alice (desk), 1982.
1006 Summit Avenue Society:
A fund-raising organization to help preserve, maintain and restore the Governor’s Residence in cooperation with the Council.
General, 1983-1990. 3 folders.
Annual meeting invitation, 2014.
Articles of incorporation, 1981-1985.
Brochure, 1986.
Correspondence, 1985-1986.
Gifts, 1982-1989.
Gifts in progress, 1983.
Membership program, 1986.
Membership form, undated.
Location
112.H.17.8F-1Proclamation (Official), 1006 Summit Avenue Society Day, April 13, 1989. 1 folder.
Signed by Governor Rudy Perpich on April 12.
Location
115.K.12.9BScrapbooks, 1981-1998:
The scrapbooks contain general news clippings and information about the house; thank-you notes from the First Lady for new items and other home improvements; invitations to annual preview benefits, meetings, and tours; and the Society’s minutes (with the exception of the 1988-1990 volume) and newsletters (scattered). Unique items are listed for each scrapbook.
The information in each scrapbook is divided by year, with the exception of the 1981-1982 Quie book, which is by subject.
Governor Quie, 1981-1982. 2 folders.
1006 Summit Avenue Society proposed bylaws, accounts, materials relating to Gretchen Quie’sThe Governor’s Tablecookbook and history of hospitality at the Governor’s mansion, historical information on the 1006 Summit Avenue Society, 1982 member list, and photos of gatherings at the Residence.
Governor Perpich, 1983-1988. 2 folders.
News clippings, pictures, and programs from the April 9, 1987 American Craft Expo, press releases and selected recipes from Lola Perpich’sWild Rice: Star of the Northcookbook, membership rosters (1984, 1985-1986), Society form letters, and information on renovations to the wrought iron gates for the windows and a chandelier.
Governor Perpich, 1988-1990. 2 folders.
1006 Summit Avenue Society Day (April 13, 1989) materials; volunteer packet from the 1988 16th International Home Economics Federation Congress; 1989 articles concerning the possible sale of the mansion, suspension of tours, and Governor Perpich’s choice to run for re-election; Governor’s mansion tins; a 1990 interview with Lola Perpich; correspondence, news clippings, and luncheon invitation relating to Lola Perpich’sWild Rice: Star of the North cookbook; membership rosters (1987-1990); and 1988 wish list.
Governor Carlson, 1991-1996. 2 folders.
Articles on the food poisoning of guests at the mansion; lists, with dates and prices, of gifts to the Governor’s residence; 1991 Society officers list; photographs of the May 1994 fashion luncheon and 1994, 1995 Christmas parties; 1994 proposed bylaws amendments; membership rosters (1992, 1993); and 1993 wish list.
Location
110.F.18.6FGovernor Carlson, 1996-1998. 2 folders.
Articles on Susan Carlson’s increasing role in politics (March 1997) and receipt of the St. Joseph’s Home for Children Community Award (December 1997); 1998-1999 board meeting/program schedule; 1996-1998 bylaws; 1996 donation brochure; 1998 financial guidelines for gift giving; 1997 and 1998 lists of gifts to Governor’s residence since 1982; invitations, photographs, and descriptions of each home visited (1997 only) for the 1997 and 1998 Historic House Tour of Fascinating Homes on Summit Hill; 1998 inventory of fund-raising items sold; 1996-1998 membership brochures; 1996, 1998-1999 officer’s list; photographs of 1996-1998 gatherings at the residence; proposed budget for 1997-1999; 1998 responsibilities; and membership rosters (1996, 1997).
Tour guides of the Governor’s Residence, 1968-1985. 2 folders.
Tours/docent correspondence and information, 1983-1986.
Tours/Docents Handbooks, 1989, 2012. 2 folders.
Uniforms, 1979-1980.
Warren Shade Company, 1985-1986.
Weavers tour replies, 1981-1982.
Location
127.E.14.1BWhitney (William Channing) biographical sketch, 1975.
Provides biographical information on Whitney, the architect of the Governor’s Residence.
Window replacement, 1989.
Window and trim painting, 1986.
Women’s Organization—Minnesota Historical Society, 1979-1988.

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Expand/CollapseRENOVATION WORK FILES, 1930-1990

Files include project books, blueprints, purchase orders, receipts, specifications, studies, and correspondence,


Arranged alphabetically.


Location
127.E.14.1BAccessibility features: Ceremonial Mansion, 1978.
Art, 1972-1990.
Asbestos Building Survey, 1989.
Bathrooms, 1979-1980.
Basement: Public space and toilets, 1987-1989. 3 folders.
Basement and terrace, 1988-1989. 2 folders.
Location
127.E.14.2FBathroom redecoration, 1990.
Bedrooms, 1979.
Carriage House, 1985-1986.
Carriage House, Specifications for Remodeling, undated, 1984. 2 folders.
Construction, 1989.
Dining room, 1979-1985.
Dining room chandelier, 1986.
Drawing room, 1982-1989.
Dutch door, 1987.
East porch, 1985.
Elevator plans, 1989.
Floor plans, undated.
Halls, 1965-1985.
Grounds, 1985-1990.
House repairs, 1980-1990.
Interior design, 1988-1989.
Interior Design Guidelines, 1980-1983.
Interior design information, 1982.
Interior design, Leif Melgaard, 1985.
Interior Design Master Plan, undated.
Interior design notes, 1986.
Interior design procedures, 1983-1985.
Interior design redecorating, 1979-1985.
Interior design, shade bid, 1988.
Inventory of artifacts, 1989.
Kitchen, 1976-1986. 6 folders.
Kitchen, index/vendor list, 1986.
Kitchen Remodeling Plan, 1965.
Landscape, 1972-1980.
Landscape Master Plan, 1985.
Landscape, spring planting, 1986.
Lattice, 1981.
Library, 1983-1986.
Living room, 1930-1983.
Living room floor plans, undated.
Lower level, 1987-1990.
Lower level buying, 1990.
Lower level fireplace, 1990.
Lower level, wall coverings, 1990.
Master bedroom, 1979-1988.
Master bedroom, wallpaper and paint, 1987-1988.
Master Plan, Architecture, 1981-1983.
Master Plan, Interior Design, 1983.
Master Room Layouts, 1983.
Plant management, 1990.
Location
115.K.12.6FRedecoration and remodeling purchase orders, 1989-1990. 2 folders.
Remodeling contracts, 1975-1978.
Renovations, 1985.
Re-roofing Project Plan for the Ceremonial House and Carriage House, 1979.
Residence file, 1990.
Roof repair, 1980-1990.
Rudy Junior’s room remodeling, 1983.
Sidenberg contract for interior design, 1988.
Solarium, 1971-1985.
Staff dining room, 1985.
Contains blueprints for the staff dining room.
Blueprints are severely water damaged.
Student Design Project, 1980.
Sun dial in garden, 1979.
Toilet room, 1984.
Woodwork, 1979.

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Expand/CollapseFURNISHING INVENTORY AND ACQUISITION FILES, 1965-1990

Various reports regarding the inventories of the furnishings of the Governor’s Residence and acquisition files documenting the provenance of each piece in the Residence.


Location
115.K.12.6FAssets in storage, 1989.
Assets in storage/disposition, 1982-1989.
Ceremonial House Preliminary Inventory, undated.
Class codes, undated.
Fixed asset inventories, 1984-1990. 3 folders.
Fixed asset inventory instructions and related correspondence, 1984.
Fixed asset inventory list, 1984.
Fixed asset monthly disposals, 1986.
Fixed asset physical inventory, 1979.
Furnishing inventories (by room), 1983.
Gift/contribution inventories, 1980-1984.
Governor’s Residence acquisition inventory, undated.
Governor’s Residence Council purchases, March 1990.
Governor’s Residence inventory, 1965-1987.
Governor’s Residence inventory sheets, 1989-1990.
Inventories by room, 1985.
Inventory additions, 1983-1986.
Inventory of furniture, 1981.
Inventory Nos. 515378-569991, undated.
Inventory Nos. 577006-577060, undated.
Inventory Nos. 590589-590704, undated.
Inventory Nos. 636734-649406, undated.
Inventory Nos. 640501-640580, undated.
Inventory Report: Property Donated, 1965-1967.
Inventory retirements, 1983-1986.
Inventory reports, 1965-1973.
Inventory of Residence furnishings, 1989.
Inventory transfers, 1985-1986.
Items without Governor’s Residence Council asset number, 1965-1985.
Lower Level Conference Room inventory, 1990.
Miscellaneous inventory reports and correspondence, 1965-1976.
Plant management inventory, undated, 1985.
Residence furnishings bid information, 1989-1990.
Residence surplus inventories, 1984-1989.
Retirements, 1986-1988.
Includes photographs and paperwork for furnishings retired from use in the Residence.
State Information Systems Project, 1988-1990.
Statewide Property Class Code description file, 1984. 2 folders.
Table filing listing reports, September 30, 1986.
Location
115.K.12.7BGovernor’s Residence Council acquisition files:
Includes all acquisition information for each furnishing in the house. Files may include an acquisition card, purchase orders, receipts of purchase, donor information, restoration reports, and photographs. Some files are empty but were retained for the informational value of the label on the folder.
Each folder is arranged by its Governor’s Residence Council number, but folder labels also give a brief description of the piece, and in some cases its former state inventory number. As evidenced by the numerical order of the folders, some folders are missing.
Nos. 0.1 - 86.19. 248 folders.
Location
115.K.12.8FNos. 86.20 - 990.45. 128 folders.

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Expand/CollapseMISCELLANEOUS RECORDS, 1930-1992

Location
115.K.12.9BGuest books, 1979-1989. 8 folders and 1 volume.
Portions of the guest books kept at the Residence. The overlap in dates between volumes may have been due to more than one guest book being used at major and/or large events.
January 1979-1982. 6 folders.
July 17-November 20, 1980.
October 1985-October 1989.
Middle North Bedroom, January 1979-1982. 1 volume.
Tour schedules and residence daily/weekly schedules, 1991-1992. 2 folders.
The tour schedules (May 1991-April 1992) are very incomplete; the majority cover Tuesdays that the Residence was open for appointment only public tours. The Residence daily/weekly schedules detail all events occurring at the Residence.
Clippings and scrapbooks, 1930-1991. 2 folders and 4 volumes.
Clippings, 1965-1991. 2 folders.
Clippings either not found in the clippings scrapbooks or that post-date the volumes. All concern the Residence; many of those from the Perpich administration deal with a proposed sale of the house and include editorial cartoons.
Location
112.H.17.8F-1Clippings, 1930-1976. 1 volume.
Newspaper clippings about the Residence from the 1930s, when the Irvine family was still in residence, through the Rolvaag, LeVander and Anderson administrations.
Location
112.H.17.8F-2Clippings, 1979-1982. 3 volumes.
Newspaper clippings about the Residence during the Quie years.
Minnesota Garden Memorial, 1962-1973. 1 folder.
Memorial project initiated by Iantha LeVander during her husband’s term in office to honor Minnesota’s servicemen and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam war. Contains the names of those Vietnam veterans by year, invitation, correspondence, and profile of sculptor Paul Granlund, whose Man-Nam sculpture was erected in the garden.

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Expand/CollapsePHOTOGRAPHS OF THE RESIDENCE, UNDATED, CIRCA 1912-1996

Images, including black and white and color photographs, depicting the Irvine home on Summit Avenue at the time it was built through the renovations of the house as the Governor’s Residence during the Perpich administration in the late 1980s.


Arranged alphabetically.


Location
110.F.18.6FAerial views, undated, 1970s.
Sun porch addition.
Anderson (Wendell) family, 1971-1976.
Mainly of the family playing in the yard (1972).
Before restoration, undated.
Taken for Art Dickey in preparation for planning the restoration of the house, as well as other interior photos and negatives taken before remodeling began.
Before restoration, December 1989.
Hose extending from a hole in the ceiling to a bucket on the floor depicting the condition of the Residence prior to renovations.
Carriage House (before renovation), undated.
Photographs are soiled and water damaged; negatives are in good condition.
Christmas, 1981, 1989.
Christmas decorations, 1984-1985, 1996.
Dining room, 1930, 1986.
Dining room before and after its renovation.
For photograph made from 1930 negative, see Interior, November 1930 file.
Exterior and grounds, circa 1912.
Photographs (and one negative) taken shortly after the home’s construction in 1910 while the Irvine family was in residence.
Exterior of house, 1970s, 1992.
Exterior of the house, some taken in winter. Three include the Wendell Anderson children.
Former governors, circa 1990s.
Includes photograph of governors Orville Freeman, Elmer L. Andersen, Harold Stassen, Al Quie, Wendell Anderson, and Arne Carlson.
Front exterior of house, undated, 1971-1972, 1985.
Highlighting the decorative wrought iron front gates, the Wendell Anderson family (July 1971), and the house decorated for Christmas (1975).
Front foyer and staircase/solarium, 1979.
Front porch (before restoration), Summer 1989.
Grand hall, December 1984.
Discoveries made during the refinishing of the grand hall.
Grounds, June 12, 1989.
Grounds and landscaping.
Interior, November 1930.
Copies of photographs of the Irvine home that appeared in the November 1920Amateur Golfermagazine.
The originals were supplied for copying by Olivia Irvine Dodge in 1976.
Interior, Rolvaag administration, circa 1963.
Rooms and major features and furnishings.
Interior, 1966.
Organized by room, taken during the Rolvaag administration.
Interior, undated, 1975, 1992, 1996, 1997.
Intern, May 25, 1989.
Irvine family visit, circa 1972.
Irvine grandchildren and great grandchildren visiting the residence.
Library, undated.
Library before and after restoration.
Lower level (before restoration), undated, February 1989.
Lower level restoration, undated, May-June 1989.
Remodeling process; some include Lola Perpich viewing the work in progress.
Lower level (restoration completed), September 1989.
Man-Nam, 1970s, 1982.
Vietnam Memorial sculpture done by artist Paul Granlund for the grounds.
Patio (prior to restoration), 1970s, 1972.
Patio area prior to renovation efforts.
Patio restoration, undated, May-June 1989.
Patio restoration process; includes photographs of Lola Perpich viewing the site.
Patio restoration, July 1989.
Patio project underway and John McCarthy and Gordon Erlandson laying bricks by the fountain.
Patio restoration, September 13, 1989.
Construction of the patio.
Patio (completed), undated, August-September 1989.
Presentation plaque, circa 1965, 1972.
Plaque acknowledging that the house was presented to the state by the Irvine daughters in memory of their parents.
Reception, undated, 1981.
Legislative breakfast, beauty queen reception, WAMSO reception, and other receptions held at the Residence.

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Expand/CollapseGUBERNATORIAL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS, 1962-1998

Photographs of the governor, his family and visitors to the Residence, including brief descriptions of each governor’s accomplishments, key events of his administration, and family events. The materials were formerly collages that hung in the Residence.


Location
110.F.18.6FRolvaag, Karl, 1962-1966.
LeVander, Harold, 1966-1970.
Anderson, Wendell, 1970-1976.
Perpich, Rudy, 1976-1978, 1982-1990.
Quie, Al, 1978-1982.
Carlson, Arne H., 1991-1998.

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Expand/CollapseMAUREEN MCKASY-DONLIN FILES, 1979-1984

Correspondence, memos, budgets, committee reports and plans documenting the role of Donlin, Council member (1979-1982) and chair (1982-1984), particularly detailing the administrative activities of the Council.


Location
115.K.12.8F 1979-1984. 8 folders.

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Expand/CollapseSOMMERDORF NOTEBOOK: NOTES ON FURNISHINGS AND ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES: THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE, 1976; UPDATE, 1979-1983

Compiled by Norma Sommerdorf, staff aide to First Lady Mary Anderson from 1971 through 1976, the notebook documents, in text and photographs, the rooms, furniture, architectural features, and accessories in the residence. 165 photocopied pages, many of which are accompanied by the original page or the original photograph on the page. Also, one folder of related notes and photographs.

An updated version, 129 photocopied pages, was left in the Governor’s Residence by Gretchen Quie in 1983. It also contains many original photographs. Included in the text is information on the state of the rooms and their contents when the Quie’s took office, changes and renovations made during the Quie administration, and donors of furnishings and accessories. The remainder of the notebook documents staff, the building council, social functions and hospitality, and printed materials.


Location
110.F.18.6FPages 1-165 and additional material, 1976. 6 folders.
Pages 1-129, 1979-1983. 2 folders.

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Expand/CollapseCATALOG HEADINGS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:
Historic buildings -- Minnesota -- Pictorial works.
Historic buildings -- Construction and restoration -- Minnesota.
House furnishings -- Minnesota -- Inventories.
Oral history.
Special events -- Minnesota.
Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Minnesota -- Saint Paul -- Monuments.
Persons:
Andersen, Elmer L., 1909-2004 -- Photographs.
Anderson family
Anderson, Wendell Richard, 1933-2016 -- Photographs.
Carlson family
Carlson, Arne H., 1934- -- Photographs.
Freeman, Orville L., -- Photographs.
Granlund, Paul T. (Paul Theodore), 1925-
Irvine, Horace Hills, 1878-1947.
LeVander family
LeVander, Harold, 1910- -- Photographs.
McKasy-Donlin, Maureen.
Perpich family
Perpich, Rudy, 1928- -- Photographs.
Quie family
Quie, Albert H., 1923- -- Photographs.
Rolvaag family
Rolvaag, Karl F., 1913-1990 -- Photographs.
Sommerdorf, Norma.
Stassen, Harold E. (Harold Edward), 1907-2001 -- Photographs.
Whitney, William Channing.
Organizations:
1006 Summit Avenue Society.
Horace Hills Irvine House (Saint Paul, Minn.) -- History.
Minnesota Governor's Residence (Saint Paul, Minn.) -- History.
Minnesota Historical Society. Women's Organization.
Minnesota. State Ceremonial Building Council.
National Register of Historic Places.
Places:
Minnesota -- Governors -- Dwellings.
Document Types:
Clippings.
Photographs.
Visitors' books.

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