Allert Olson papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RS 21/7/76

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains papers related to Allert Olson's work with rural electric cooperatives and his time as an Iowa state representative.

Dates

Creation: 1929-2011, undated

Creator

Olson, Allert (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Consult Special Collections and University Archives.

Biographical / Historical

Allert G. Olson was born March 13, 1896 in Rudd, Iowa. He attended Iowa State College (University), but left in 1918 to serve in World War I for the 88th Infantry Division.

Olson was a Republican state representative for Iowa. He was a member of the Fifty-first (1945-1947), Fifty-second (1947-1949), Fifty-third and Fifty-fourth General Assemblies (1949-1951), representing Mitchell County. He had a special interest in rural electrification.

In addition, Olson was a founder and leader in many rural electric cooperatives in the Midwest. He served as president of the Cooperative Electric Company, secretary of Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC), vice president of Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative, and director of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He also organized the Cedar Valley Electric Cooperative and served as its president for over 25 years.

Allert Olson died April 11, 1976 in Osage, Iowa. He was married to Rikka M. H. Haugen, with whom he had four children.