A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 53: Voyageurs National Park

Charles A. Lindbergh and Elmer during the campaign to create Voyageurs National Park, 1969

"It is flattering to have been called the father of Voyageurs Park. I think that I made a difference. But so did many, many other people, more than I could possibly name, who kept the dream alive until it came to fruition. Some of the real heroes were people in the region who opposed their friends or employers to support the park. The park also had help from another real hero—Charles Lindbergh."

"Charles A. Lindbergh's name deserves a prominent place in the annals of Voyageurs National Park. The man who did so much for the development of aviation also did much for his home state, for the cause of wilderness preservation—and for me."

Courtesy H. B. Fuller Company

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 52: Lindbergh

Charles A. Lindbergh

"Lindbergh and I became close friends quickly. Our bond was grounded in our shared belief that there should be a balance between technology and nature. His ideas about that balance were appealing to me. That first night [of our meeting], we talked about how the advantages of technology always should co-exist with the wisdom that can be found in wildness. He was eloquent on that point, and I was impressed."

"Like most Americans of my generation, I knew some of the high points of Lindbergh's life. I was well aware of his historic 1927 solo flight from New York to Paris, his marriage to Anne Morrow two years later, the kidnapping and death of their first child in 1932, and his opposition to U. S. involvement in the war in Europe in the years leading up to World War II. After meeting him, I made it a point to learn more about Lindbergh."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 51: Native Americans

Girls from Nett Lake Indian Reservation pin Sah-Gi-Ba-Gah Days button on Governor Elmer L. Andersen

"I thought Minnesota's Native American population had been neglected. So, along with the new state director of the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, James Hawkins, I toured every Indian reservation in the state. My goal was to see what could be done to lift the standard of living on the reservations. I was surprised to learn that I was the first governor to visit every reservation in the state."

"I wanted the public at large to better appreciate our Indian citizens. I was inducted into the White Earth tribe. I still have the paper bearing my Indian name, given to me by the aged chairman of the band. I prize it because they were accepting me as one of their own, and I think those of us of European descent need to accept Indians as our own. I am convinced that the arm's-length relationship we have now between the native and non-native populations in Minnesota must change. Our societies must be integrated."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 50: Civil Rights

"Concern for civil rights was stirring throughout the nation in the early 1960s. It was a major theme of the first governor's conference I attended, soon after becoming governor. It was in Hawaii, a place chosen because a number of governors were interested in playing golf. I was interested in crafting policy."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 49: Staying Power and Success

"I learned early that success in any activity often depends on staying power—the ability to stay calm, avoid discouragement, and press on."

"You never lose. Every effort you make is a contribution to success. The work you start may be completed at some other time and by some other people. But when you make sincere effort toward a good end, you contribute to its ultimate attainment. When you understand that, you never fail."

"I love selling. I love the interchange with people. A good salesman gains influence on another person's mind. That makes selling quite a serious undertaking."

"A belief that success is inevitable has proven very powerful in my life."

Courtesy H. B. Fuller Company

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 48: Senator Hatfield

With Senator Mark Hatfield in Washington. (L to R): Elmer, Emily, Eleanor, Senator Hatfield

"Rockefeller, Hatfield, and I argued that it was high time that the governors took a stand on one of the most important issues facing the nation. The United States had to assure basic rights and decent treatment for everybody. We prevailed. In 1961, the nation's governors went on record in support of guaranteed equal rights for all Americans.

That meeting sealed a friendship among Rockefeller, Hatfield, and me. I was a loyal volunteer in Rockefeller's campaign for the presidency in 1964. Hatfield said to me after our 1961 meeting, 'Elmer, anytime you have any project, I'd be glad to join up with you.' We saw most issues the same way. We stayed in touch, and I cheered him on through his years in the U. S. Senate. In March 1996 [sic], a proposed amendment to the U. S. Constitution for a balanced budget was down to one vote in the Senate. The day before the vote was cast, Eleanor, Emily, and I were in Washington and had lunch with Hatfield. He told us he was going to vote against the amendment."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 47: Staying on good terms

Former Governor Harold LeVander presenting Elmer the Minnesotan of the Year award by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, 1968

"I learned right away: always stay on good terms with people whose ideas differ from yours so that you can work with them tomorrow even if you differ today. Hot topics are unavoidable in the legislature. Success often depends on learning to disagree with civility and keeping on good terms with the other members. Respect their differences. Differ vigorously. Oppose actively. Maintain your own position. But respect their right to their position, and let the procedures, rules, and customs of the senate decide who wins."

"Reporters always have looming deadlines. I thought, the least I can do when they call me is to get back to them as soon as I can. My other rule in dealing with reporters was to answer their questions forthrightly and not beat around the bush. If they ask an embarrassing question, so be it. Answer it, and tell the truth. With those practices, I got along fine with the media."

Courtesy H. B. Fuller Company

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

Apollo 11 Web Site

Just a short break in the midst of my posts from Governor Andersen's exhibit to alert you to a very interesting web site that is tracking, in "real time," the mission of Apollo 11. There's still time to listen to the final "stages" of the mission to the moon, as well as go back later and experience more. Just click here to go to the "We Choose the Moon" web site put together by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 46: Another Try for Governor?

Editorial Cartoon, Jerry Fearing, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1966

"I think if I had announced my candidacy early and worked hard to organize Republican convention delegates in 1965 and 1966, I could have been the party's nominee. Instead, I was a latecomer to the race and ran third in the convention's balloting, behind South St. Paul attorney Harold LeVander and insurance executive John Pillsbury. My old 1949 state senate rival William Randall was also a candidate."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 45: Recount

"After the Most Careful Consideration," March 23, 1963

139 days after the 1962 gubernatorial election, and through the canvassing and recounting of votes, it was determined that Governor Andersen lost the election by 91 votes to Karl Rolvaag. An appeal to the state Supreme Court was still possible. Instead, at a press conference on March 23, Andersen announced his intention to waive his right of appeal. His remarks were transcribed and printed in this pamphlet.

"After the most careful consideration I have decided not to appeal the ruling of the district judge panel. There is no justification for appeal simply because the Supreme Court has already made its position clear on certain categories of irregular ballots and there is no way to judge the remainder so as to reverse the result of the lower court….

To the very many people who have urged me in the most strenuous terms to appeal to the Supreme Court, I may say with equal emphasis, that were there the slightest basis for expecting a reversal of judgment, I would most certainly appeal.

On the other hand, when a competent and fair tribunal, which the district judge panel most certainly has been, renders a judgment that skilled representatives of mine feel cannot be successfully challenged in a higher court, then no one could expect me to appeal in order to gain time or keep possession of this office until the last possible moment...."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 44: Attention to the Party

Republican State Convention program, front cover, 1962

"I did not spend much time or effort working at building a stronger connection to the party or at bringing more people who supported me into party ranks. I consider that a failing on my part. I concentrated so much on getting things done as governor that I did not give enough attention to the party. I came to believe later that a governor must assume responsibility for his party, or both will suffer. In 1962, the Republican Party was divided. It was my job to encourage harmony, find areas of agreement, and attract people who agreed with me into party ranks. I did too little of those things."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 43: True to Convictions

Campaign brochure, front cover, 1962

"I announced on June 8, 1962, just days before the Republican state convention, that I would seek a second term. No one was surprised—least of all the state's active Republicans. But a few of them may have been disappointed. Two years in office had not endeared me to the Republican Party's conservative wing, nor to those who place party loyalty above all other considerations in governing. With them, I had a shaky relationship. I had a habit of appointing people to key positions based on their professional qualifications, not their party connections."

"I was in favor of civil rights legislation and higher spending on education and welfare—none of which appealed to the party's hard-line conservatives. They respected me for being honest and true to my convictions. But they wished my convictions would be a little bit more partisan and not so generous to opposing viewpoints."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 42: Real Living

Elmer in flight helment

"Life is not an entertainment vehicle. Life is an accomplishment vehicle. Real living is working, doing something and making a difference."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 41: Two Governors

Elmer L. Andersen and Nelson Rockefeller

"On October 25 [1962], my campaign [for governor] was interrupted by events far from Minnesota. I received an urgent call from the White House. President Kennedy had summoned the Civil Defense Committee of the National Governor's Association to a meeting that afternoon, to discuss the crisis that had erupted with the discovery that the Soviet Union had installed thirty missiles in Cuba, ninety miles away from the Florida coast….I was one of the ten members of the Civil Defense Committee, which was chaired by my good friend Nelson Rockefeller, Republican governor of New York. Nelson and I had become something of a team among the governors since my first governors' association meeting. If I was doing something, I wanted Nelson involved. If he was chair of something, he wanted me on the committee."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 40: On Governing

Elmer at the State Capitol, St. Paul

"I see government as the people's partner, a useful tool in getting the people's work done. I hate the impression that some politicians convey today that government dominates people and that we have to minimize government. Government is the way people have of getting together and cooperating to get things done. Of course, government is complicated. This is a big country. Of course, government reflects human weaknesses and frailties and difficulties. People run it. And they need it."

"I was a fighter as a legislator. As governor, I took a more evenhanded approach to some issues. I had my pet projects—the taconite amendment was one—on which I was more active. I also had strong concern about protection of natural resources. But on other matters, I believed legislators should own up to their responsibility to make decisions. I let them work out their differences."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 39: Inauguration

Inauguration Day, 1961. Elmer and Eleanor on their way to the Ball.

"The inauguration involved a swearing-in ceremony, an inaugural address, an informal reception, then dashing home to get dressed for a formal reception in the evening in the capitol rotunda, followed by the inaugural ball at the Prom Center. It was a long, festive day full of activities. The grand march at the inaugural ball was a special tradition. The governor and his lady would make a formal entrance and then lead a march, followed by other couples. In turn, one couple would go left and the other right, and walk around the ballroom until they met as a foursome. Then every foursome would split, one going left, the other right, until they met as a group of eight that would proceed as a unit. It produced a sequence of rotating and churning that was quite a spectacle to watch. We marched and danced until the wee hours of the morning, but I must confess my mind was elsewhere. Dancing was fun, but it was not what I was elected to do."

Courtesy H. B. Fuller Company

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 38: A Blur of Activity

Elmer L. Andersen and Family

"The next several days were an incredible blur of activity and emotion. One moment stands out for me. The morning after the election, after a short night, the family dressed and assembled in our living room. Tony had married his college sweetheart, Alice Wallien of Montevideo, Minnesota, in 1957; both Tony and Alice were present that day. Emily was so proud and excited. She was fourteen and loved to campaign with me. We were all so happy—happy that the campaign was over, that we had won, and that a great adventure was starting. A photographer came to take a portrait of Minnesota's new first family. I have always liked that photo."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 37: Governor-elect

The day after being elected governor. L-R, seated, Eleanor and Elmer; standing, Alice and Tony Andersen, Emily Andersen, Donna Petersen (Elmer's long-time assistant), November 1960

"The day after the election, I called my first press conference as governor-elect, at the Leamington Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. I had an announcement: I would not wait until inauguration day to begin to work on the economic problems on the Iron Range. I would go to northeastern Minnesota as soon as meetings could be arranged with local leaders. I wanted quick action to alleviate the distress I had witnessed in that region during the campaign.

In the fall of 1960, unemployment was at 12 percent in northeastern Minnesota, an unacceptable level. Dirt swirled in the doorways of empty storefronts along Duluth's Superior Street. Throughout Range cities, residents were leaving in droves, and housing values were plummeting. The supply of merchantable iron ore—ore that could be dug out of the earth and shipped directly to the steel mills in the East—was nearly exhausted on the Range."

Courtesy H. B. Fuller Company

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 36: Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Elmer L. Andersen

"Dwight Eisenhower spoke to the fifty thousand boys on the last night of the [Scouting] Jamboree. He was president of Columbia University and soon to become the Republican candidate for president of the United States. We thought of him not as a politician but as the great hero of the European victory in World War II. After he spoke, there were fireworks. It was a tremendously inspiring evening, and my first exposure to Eisenhower, whom I would come to know better in a few years."

Courtesy Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Family

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 35: Political Service

Elmer L. Andersen, Gubernatorial Candidate

"I was a strong believer, then and now, that political service should be an avocation, not a career. I think elected officials need connections outside of government to give them a more balanced perspective on the issues they confront. An elected official can easily get caught up in a political whirl that is unrealistic or unrepresentative of the lives of average people."

"I have advised many a would-be politician not to rely on politics for a livelihood. Not only is that an uncertain and weak position to be in, but it also is a position that can influence one's judgment, for the worse. You can do unnatural things if you believe that you simply have to win the next election."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 34: Simpler Campaigns

Campaign Buttons, 1960

"Relationships that I developed early in business and politics seemed to continue and multiply over time. I loved the people who rallied to my side early, and I had absolute confidence in them. We came to know, trust, and rely on each other. All of those in my campaign circle did well later in life. Watching them flourish through the years has been a source of much satisfaction."

"In those days, mounting a statewide campaign meant recruiting good people for the main tasks—finance, publicity, volunteer coordination—and then turning them loose to do what was needed. There were no high-priced consultants, no pollsters, and no political action committees or national party bosses telling us what to do. Campaigns were simpler then, and more fun."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 33: On the Stump

Republican State Convention Program, Back Cover, 1960

"Former Governor C. Elmer Anderson headed a group he called 'Andersons for Andersen.' No other serious Republican candidate surfaced in the primary. I had the good fortune to be able to concentrate on the fall campaign against Orville Freeman from June on. I spend much of the summer stumping the state. I was in every one of Minnesota's eighty-seven counties in 1960. I came to know all the Republican county officials and their families too. I stay in touch to this day with the Republican Seventh District chairman in 1960, Arnold Anderson of Montevideo. Anderson, a mortician, took a real interest in my campaign and even traveled with me."

"Don Padilla was our publicist. He was the founder of a large public relations firm in Minneapolis….He said, 'Elmer, the first thing we've got to get is a good picture of you.' He did not think the photos I had were suitable. He brought me to a photographer he trusted, who took a campaign picture of me. Before long, Don took charge of my schedule, making sure I did what was needed to get people's attention and win their votes. As the campaign developed, Don frequently traveled with me to help me get my message out."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 32: At the State Convention

Republican State Convention Program, Front Cover, 1960

"The Republican State Convention of 1960 was a spirited affair. It was at the Leamington Hotel in Minneapolis and ran on for three days, with business including endorsements for governor and U. S. senator, and the election of national convention delegates. The long agenda tried the patience of a couple of my supporters who were not used to the methodical ways of political conventions. Dave Lilly was one of them. He turned to me late one night while the proceedings were droning on, and said, 'Elmer, right now, I think I know more about politics than I want to know.' But when the moment came to endorse a candidate for governor, the suspense was already over….The convention endorsed me by acclamation, and the party came together nicely behind my candidacy."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 31: The Governor's Race, 1960

Campaign Letter and Stickers, 1960

"When I left the legislature in 1958, I truly thought I was done with elective office. Fuller needed me, and with the family, community activities, and the farm, I had enough to keep me occupied."

"Other people began to encourage me to run. I talked to some of my oldest political allies in St. Anthony Park. In fact, they may have been the ones to approach me. Ever since my election to the state senate, those friends had harbored high ambitions for me. I used to temper their eagerness by saying, 'I've got a family. I've got a business. Take it easy.'"

"At first gradually, then more speedily, influences built in favor of a run for governor. I must confess that I was receptive. Eleanor was involved in the exploration process, and she, too, looked positively on the idea. There was no great moment of decision for the two of us. That I would be a candidate just emerged in our thinking. One might say that natural forces took over. I announced my candidacy officially on January 5, 1960."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 30: The Andersen Letter

"The Andersen Letter," State Senate Newsletter, March 8, 1957

The construction of the interstate highway system, highlighted in this issue of Andersen's letter to constituents, became an issue in the 1962 gubernatorial campaign. "These were times of unprecedented activity for the [transportation] department, as the federal funding floodgates swung open to the states for construction of the interstate highway system. A great deal was happening, very quickly, so there was much for political opponents to second-guess….In the summer of 1962, Minnesota was ranked third among the states, behind only Maine and Colorado, in prompt use of available federal funds to purchase rights-of-way and materials."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life, 29: State Senator

Campaign Flyer, State Senate Election, 1950

"I had to win my senate seat all over again in November 1950. After my hard-fought victory in the special election in February 1949, the campaign twenty months later was an anticlimax. I faced only token opposition. Much to my gratification, St. Anthony Park turned out strongly for me again. My opposition was even weaker in 1954, the third and final time I ran for the senate."

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

"A Man's Reach -- A Transforming Life" is on display through August 15 in the Exhibit Gallery, Elmer L. Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.