A-Z Correspondence, undated

The Conrad Bergendoff papers, 1869-1998 and undated, are organized into thirteen series.

Official Presidential Correspondence, 1935-1962, of President Bergendoff, consists of letters received and replies sent during his presidency. There is an alphabetical arrangement (by the sender) for each academic year (September-August).

Subject File, 1912-1962 and undated, is the bulk of the collection. A complete file of the annual reports may be found in Box 33. A summary of the material for the president's reports are within Boxes 33 and 34.

Some of the items in the Personal Papers, 1903-1994 and undated, were withdrawn from the subject file where they had been filed under the word “Personal.” Several biographies and autobiographies, presumably written by Dr. Bergendoff at different times (undated), have been retained in this series. Of special note are the annual appointment calendars kept during the years of his presidency (Box 43).

Swedish Pioneer Centennial, 1945-1983, Lutheran Church, 1936-1970 and undated, National Council of Churches, 1950-1964 and undated, and Ecumenical, 1926-1963 and undated, largely, include papers, reports, and correspondence. During and following the years of his presidency, Dr. Bergendoff was recognized as a national and international leader of the Lutheran Church, and the same applies to his interests and activities in ecumenical affairs of the church.

Recorded Speeches and Film, 1957-1973 and undated, consists of speeches and chapel talks given mainly during Dr. Bergendoff's presidency. Included is a film recording of the marker dedication at Jefferson Prairie, Wisconsin, in 1930, and the inauguration service of Conrad Bergendoff as president of Augustana College.

Miscellaneous Papers, 1900-1991 and undated, largely contains the many Augustana and church-related writings, addresses, sermons, bibliographic notes, and articles appearing in newspapers and journals. Articles appearing in journals and newspapers have been filed by date when indicated by the author. The series also includes the sources, notebooks, edits, and correspondence regarding Bergendoff’s book, The Augustana Ministerium: A Study of the Careers of the 2,504 Pastors of the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Synod/ Church, 1850-1962.

Memorabilia and Artifacts, 1884-1995 and undated, largely contains academic and professional awards, certificates, and honors. The series also includes several personal belongings, artifacts, and photographs. Personal Correspondence series, 1923-1982, consists of family letters, some correspondence received after the term of his presidency, as well as materials pertaining to his interests outside the Augustana College community. There are numerous photographs included.

1993-1996 Addendum (unprocessed), 1869-1997 and undated, is partially processed and mostly contains writings by Bergendoff, personal and professional correspondence, diaries, appointment books, and family papers.

Other Audiovisual Materials, 1982-1998 and undated, consist of audiovisual materials originally separate from the collection and housed in the audiovisual collections. Materials mostly include audiocassette tapes, videotapes, reel-to-reel audiotapes, and films. Several interviews with Bergendoff may be of special interest.