Hilmer Borggren Collection (Rockford), 1905-1977 | Northern Illinois University

Collection Overview

Title: Hilmer Borggren Collection (Rockford), 1905-1977

ID: RHC/RC/012

Extent: 1.5 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 08/08/1981

Subjects: Borggren, Hilmer, Emigration and immigration--Societies, etc., National Lock Company, Rockford (Ill.), Swedish Americans, Swedish Americans- Illinios- Rockford, World War II

Languages: English, Swedish

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Hilmer Borggren Collection contains a variety of materials collected by Borggren between 1932 and 1977. Borggren's role in the Scandinavian Fraternity of America, the Vasa Order of America, along with his experiences during World War II are revealed through the scrapbooks, the correspondence, programs, convention materials, songbooks, and photographs. Since Rockford comprises a large Scandinavian population, these records partially reveal the important social function of American Scandinavian organizations in northern Illinois.

Collection Historical Note

Born on February 3, 1905, Hilmer Borggren worked as a machinist at the National Lock Company in Rockford, Illinois. Prior to that, Borggren had been an auto mechanic at a service station and a baker in the army during World War II. He remained with the National Lock Company until his retirement in 1967. During his adult life, Borggren was active in American Scandinavian organizations such as the Scandinavian Fraternity of America and the Vasa Order of America. He died in 1979 never having married.

Subject/Index Terms

Borggren, Hilmer
Emigration and immigration--Societies, etc.
National Lock Company
Rockford (Ill.)
Swedish Americans
Swedish Americans- Illinios- Rockford
World War II

Administrative Information

Repository: Northern Illinois University

Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection

Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Acquisition Source: Randy Sisson

Acquisition Method: Randy Sisson donated the Hilmer Borggren Collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on August 8, 1981

Related Materials: Researchers interested in the Swedish population of Rockford also may wish to consult several other collections held by the Regional History Center: Fred C. Soderboom Papers (RC 33); International Organization of Good Templars Records (RC 66); and Rockford First Lutheran Church Records (RC 83). Collections dealing with World War II include the Westclox, Inc. Records (RC 116); W.F. and John Barnes Company Records (RC 123); and the Rockford Council of Social Agencies Records (RC 125).

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[All]

Box 2

Folder 1-2: Vasa Order of American: Scrapbooks, 1943-1978
Folder 3: Kulturarvet, Newsletter, 1958-1969
Folder 4: Songbooks, 1932-1970
Folder 5: Scandinavian Publications, 1905-1951