Oral History Interviews with Elmer A. Benson

DATE: 1969, 1981, 1983

INTERVIEWERS: Martin McGowan, Russell W. Fridley, Lila Johnson Goff, James Pederson and Robert E. Goff

Elmer A. Benson was appointed state commissioner of securities by Governor Floyd B. Olson in 1933 and commissioner of banks later the same year. In 1935 he was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill an unexpired term and served until 1936. He was elected governor of Minnesota in 1936 but was defeated for reelection in 1938. He died in 1985.

In these interviews Benson discusses his political career and beliefs.

LENGTH OF INTERVIEWS: 5 hours 22 minutes

TRANSCRIPTS: 120 pages