Gunnar Olsborg papers, 1936-1997

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Olsborg, Gunnar, 1909-2000
Title
Gunnar Olsborg papers
Dates
1936-1997 (inclusive)
Quantity
11.42 cubic feet (12 boxes)
Collection Number
1978 (Accession No. 1978-004)
Summary
Papers of a Seattle, Washington, ship pilot and Norwegian American community leader
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

The papers are open to all users.

Request at UW

Languages
English, Norwegian
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was partially provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Captain Gunnar Olsborg (1909-2000) was a Puget Sound Pilot and ocean master mariner. He was born in Seattle, Washington, of Norwegian ancestry.

Olsborg began his career in 1925 and served in all categories of the Merchant Marine Deck Department for the next twenty years. During World War II, Olsborg served as a shipmaster on American Mail Line vessels sailing the South Pacific. After the war, Olsborg became a Puget Sound Pilot. As a pilot, he was involved with pension debates within the group.

Olsborg retired from the Puget Sound Pilots in 1982 but continued to deliver ships to and from Alaska, Honolulu, and Seattle. He was a longtime member of many organizations including the Norwegian Commercial Club, the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, the Council of American Master Mariners, and the Leif Erickson League of the Seattle Area. As secretary of the Leif Erikson League, Olsborg played an important role in the installation of the Leif Erickson statue overlooking Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle, Washington. During World War II, Olsborg became sympathetic to the plight of Japanese-Americans. He later became an active member of the Japanese-American Citizens' League and campaigned aggressively for the presidential pardon of Tokyo Rose Iva Toguri. He served as the president of the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Seattle. Olsborg also served on the Scandinavian Studies Advisory Board at the University of Washington from 1984 to 1988.

Aside from his career at sea, Olsborg had numerous public speaking engagements during his lifetime. He spoke on a variety of maritime topics, as well as Tokyo Rose Iva Toguri, Norwegian history, and the sinking of the Titanic. In 1965 he published biographies of the Puget Sound Pilots in the Western Viking.

Olsborg married Evelyn Torwick in 1929 and they had two daughters. He died in Seattle in 2000.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The papers include extensive speeches and subject files on Gunner Olsborg's maritime interests and Nordic heritage. Also included are materials from organizations with which he was affiliated, such as the Puget Sound Pilots Association, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Norwegian Commercial Club, and the Seattle Seamens Center.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

The creator's literary rights have been transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Arranged into 6 series:

  • Personal papers, 1936-1997
  • Puget Sound Pilots Association (Seattle, Washington), 1954-1991
  • Immanuel Luthern Church (Seattle, Washington), 1959-1976
  • Norwegian Commercial Club, 1957-1991
  • Seattle Seamen's Center, 1963-1978
  • Other associations, 1961-1995

Acquisition Information

Gift of Gunnar Olsborg, August 1972, and Olsborg's daughters, 2001.

Processing Note

Accession No. 1978-004 is a merger of Accessions 1978-001, 1978-002, and 1978-003. Processing was completed in 2002.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Personal Papers, 1936-1997Return to Top

Olsborg’s personal papers include extensive general correspondence, speech files, and subject files. During the 1970s and 1980s he spoke regularly on topics of interest to the maritime and Scandinavian communities. His research and notes for speeches on Norway’s Independence Day, Leif Erikson Day, and his career at sea are contained here. Also included in this series are notes for speeches made on Pacific Northwest history and copies of numerous addresses made to commemorate wedding anniversaries. A large part of this series consists of subject files on topics of interest to Olsborg.

Container(s) Description Dates
Biographical Information
Box/Folder
1/1
Miscellaneous
1945-1989, undated
1/2
"A Summary of a Twenty Year Career at Sea through World War II"
1981
Box/Folder
1/3-3/26
General Correspondence
1936-1997, undated
Speech Files
Box/Folder
3/27
Announcements
1980-1991, undated
3/28-31
Notes
1956-1984, undated
3/32
"Career at Sea"
undated
3/33
Leif Erikson Statue Unveiling
1962
3/34
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1967
3/35
"Leif Erikson Day Address"
1970
3/36
"Leif Erikson Day Address"
1971
3/37
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1971
3/38
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1972
3/39
"Leif Erickson Day Address"
1973
3/40
Gyda Christoferson Tribute
1974
3/41
Leif Erikson
1975
3/42
Nordlandslaget
1974
4/1
"Career at Sea"
1974-1975
4/2
"Northwest History"
1976
4/3
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1976
4/4
Leif Erikson
1978
4/5
"Leif Erikson Day Address"
1978
4/6-7
"Northwest History"
1978
4/8
Gene and John Sundsten - 50th Anniversary
1979
4/9-10
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1979
4/11
Anton and Ambjorg Stamnes - 60th Anniversary
1981
4/12
Japanese American Citizens' League (JACL) - Redress
1981
4/13
"Supertankers in Puget Sound?"
1981
4/14
"Career at Sea"
1982
4/15
Kildall Party
1982
4/16
Puget Sound Ship Operators
1982
4/17
Washington State Ferry Retirees
1982
4/18
Washington State Pilotage Commission
1982
4/19-20
"Alaska Earthquake on Good Friday, March 27, 1964"
1983
4/21
"Career at Sea"
1983
4/22
Norwegian Hospital Association
1983
4/23
Foss Awards
1984
4/24
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1984
4/25
"Career at Sea"
1988
4/26
Norwegian Hospital Association - 15th Anniversary
1988
4/27
Prelude to Titanic Program
1989
4/28
"Norway's Independence Day Address"
1990
4/29
Knut and Haldis Einarsen - 50th Anniversary
1991
4/30
Honolulu Propeller Club / Hawaii Maritime Museum
1991
4/31
Mary Schwehm - 100th Birthday
1991
4/32
Leif Erickson Statue Re-Dedication
1992
4/33
"Northwest History"
1994
4/34
Jim and Beverly Ramstead - 50th Anniversary
1997
Eulogies
Box/Folder
4/35
Erickson, Cordella
undated
4/36
Nakkerud, Ted
undated
4/37
Selig, Captain Percy Roy "Blackie"
1983
4/38
Selig, Leona E.
1984
4/39
Pederson, Edgar
1985
4/40
Peterson, Thelma
1985
4/41
Kildall, Captain Joseph
1987
4/42
Dennison, Bishop Eddie
1990
4/43
Smith, Captain Floyd
1991
4/44
Griffiths, Captain Graham "Gray"
1994
Box/Folder
4/45
Writings
1990-1996, undated
Speeches and Writings of Others
Box/Folder
4/46
Berwick, Arnold
1991
4/47
Carrothers, John C.
undated
4/48
Dunn, Bob
1991
4/49
Luther, Philip H.
1984, undated
4/50
Nakkerud, Trygve (Ted)
undated
4/51
Qvigstad, Wilhelm
undated
4/52
Concerning Retirement of Four Senior Pilots
1983
4/53
Miscellaneous
1969, undated
Subject Files
Box/Folder
4/54-55
17th of May
1963-1977, undated
4/56
American Christian College
1971
4/57
American Mail Line
1945
4/58
American Scandinavian
1962-1964
4/59
American Scandinavian Foundation, Seattle Chapter
1966-1974
4/60
American Tract Society
1969-1978
4/61
America's Concentration Camps
1967-1978
4/62
Anti-Ballistic Missile Program
1969
4/63
Baseball
1970
4/64
Bicentennial World Marine Festival
1976
4/65
Broadview School
1973
4/66-67
Caddies - Golf
1974-1979, undated
4/68
"Challenge of the Sea"
1958
4/69
Christian Radich
1980
4/70
Coast Guard Museum / Northwest
1979-1983
4/71- 5/2
Columbus, Christopher
1974-199
5/3
Danish Bicentennial Committee
1976
5/4
Death Penalty
1990
5/5
Concerning John Demjanjuk Case
1984
5/6
Finlandia Club
1966-1980
5/7
Fishermen - Crab
1972-1973
5/8
Foss, Andrew and Thea
1988, undated
5/9
Foss Tugs & Barges
1967-1976
5/10
Fred Olsen Line
1958, undated
5/11
Fretheim Chartering
1977
5/12
Gay Rights
1978
5/13
Golden Alaska
1982-1984
5/14
Greig Festival
1970-1973
5/15
Harry Bridges Chair
1991-1996
5/16
Hood Canal Bridge
1979-1990
5/17
Iceland
1966-1967, 1982
5/18
Janus System
1964
5/19-25
Japanese American Citizens' League (JACL)
1979-1988
5/26-29
Japanese American Citizens' League (JACL) National Committee for Iva Tuguri (Tokyo Rose)
1977
5/30
Concerning Leine, Torbjorn
1988, undated
5/31
Liberian License of Competence
1970-1979
5/32
Lost Cargo
1957-1967
5/33
Lucia Ball
1972
5/34
Lutheran Standard
1972
5/35
M.V. Pribilof
1982-1984
5/36-37
Marine History of the Pacific Northwest
1963-1979
5/38
Mileage and Speed
1973
5/39
Mile High Waves
1978-1979
5/40
National Liberty Ship Memorial
1979-1980
5/41-42
National Maritime Hall of Fame
1982-1984
6/1
National Maritime Historical Society
1967-1974
6/2
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1978-1979
6/3
Nordic Heritage Museum
1982-1992
6/4
Nordisk Tidende
1973-1974
6/5-6
Norway Trip
1957-1959
6/7
Norwegian American Anniversary Commission
1975
6/8
Norwegian-American Historical Association
1961-1982
6/9
Norwegian-American Museum
1966-1988
6/10
Norwegian Language Class
1964-1969
6/11
Norwegian Male Chorus
1973-1976
6/12-13
Norwegian Seamen and War Veterans Association
1979-1991
6/14-15
Ocean Storms and Weather
1980-1988
6/16
Pacific Luthern University
1968, 1995-1996
6/17
Pan Am Airlines
1978
6/18
Panamanian Certificate of Competency
1972-1985
6/19
Pearl Harbor
1970-1971
6/20
Pipe Line / Oil Slicks
1972-1973
6/21
The Poulsbo Book
1986
6/22
Protestants and Other Americans United (POAU), Greater Seattle Chapter
1964-1970, undated
6/23
Public Health Service Hospital
1973
6/24
Reader's Digest
1969-1978
6/25
Republican Party
1977
6/26
Right to Work
1971-1974
6/27
Royal Nordic Club
1970-1978
6/28
Rune Stones
1968-1990
6/29-31
S.S. Leviathan
1972
6/32
S.S. United States
1978-1984
6/33
Save Our Ships
1993-1994
6/34-35
Scandinavian Music Festival
1962-1974
6/36
Sea Alaska Products
1983, 1986
6/37
Seattle Genealogical Society
1971, undated
6/38-39
Seattle's Nordic Heritage
1980
6/40
Steam Schooners
1980
6/41-42
Concerning Sterling, Lillian C.
1970-1981
6/43
Swedish Bicentennial Committee
1976
6/44-45
Swedish Club
1963-1990
6/46
Travelogue
1959
6/47 - 7/1
Trident Archives
1988-1991
7/2
Trident Nuclear Submarines
1975
7/3
TrollHaugen
1973
7/4
" "Truce in the Forest""
1987-1996
7/5
Tubfrim
1971
7/6
Wallace, George
1968-1975
7/7
Watergate
1973-1974
7/8
Western Viking
1967-1982
7/9
Wind Chill Factor
1973, undated
7/10
World Affairs Council
1964-1974
Programs
Box/Folder
7/11-13
Miscellaneous
1955-1996
7/14
Memorial Services
1977-1997
Journals
Box/Folder
7/15
Marine Digest
1983, 1985, 1990
7/16
The Sea Chest
1985
Box/Folder
7/17-20
Newsletters
1969-1997, undated
Bulletins
Box/Folder
7/21
The Fellowship
1984-1993
News Releases
Box/Folder
7/22
Program Announcements
1983, undated
7/23
Wedding Anniversaries
1989, 1994
Box/Folder
7/24
Calendars
1982-1983, 1990
7/25
Photographs
undated
7/26
Membership Cards
1955-1992
7/27
Court Papers
1981-1988
7/28
Certificates
1945
7/29
Notes
1985, undated
7/30
Invitations
1981-1991, undated
7/31
Resumes Of Others
undated
7/32-35
Ephemera
1966-1995, undated
Clippings
Box/Folder
7/36-47
Miscellaneous
undated
7/48 - 8/3
Re: Carrothers/ Andrea Doria
undated

Puget Sound Pilots Association (Seattle, Washington), 1954-1991Return to Top

The Puget Sound Pilots Association series contains 26 Puget Sound Pilot biographies originally published in Western Viking. Also included are documents that reflect Olsborg’s involvement in the group, including his term as president from 1955 to 1956.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
8/4-6
Biographies
Introduction to Series
1965
Anderson, Captain Andrew A.
1965
Anderson, Captain Olaf Christoffer
1965
Arntsen, Captain Erik
1965
Birkeland, Captain Torger
1965
Blindheim, Ole R.
1965
Eide, Captain Bernhardt Carlsen
1965
Furuseth, Andrew
1991
Gilje, Captain Severin K.
1965
Halverson, Captain Helmer L.
1965
Hannevig, Captain Ragnvald
1965
Hanson, Captain William Frederick
1965
Hostmark, Captain Alf
1991
Kelly, Captain Delbert J.
1965
Jorgensen, Captain Thoralf
1965
Lea, Captain Thor Hedemark
1965
Lindholm, Captain Goerge Fred
1965
Lindholm, Captain Otto Bernard
1965
Miller, Captain Johann
1965
Moden, Captain Karl Harry
1965
Neslund, Captain Rolf
1965
Nystrom, Captain Fred I.
1965
Olsborg, Captain Gunnar
1965
Rustad, Captain Sverre
1965
Soriano, Captain Amigo
1965
Soriano, Captain Dewey
1965
Thomsen,Captain Einar
1965
Clippings
1965
Miscellaneous Writings
1965, undated
8/7
Organizational Information
1955-1975
8/8-9
By-laws
1955-1981, undated
8/10
Code Of Ethics
1956
8/11-17
Memoranda to the Membership
1954-1982, undated
8/18 - 9/2
General Correspondence
1947-1993
Minutes
Box/Folder
9/3
Various Meetings
1963-1981
Reports
Box/Folder
9/4
Speed Advisory Committee
1974-1975
Box/Folder
9/5
Membership Lists
undated
9/6
Station Notices
1955-1981
9/7
Diary
1955-1956
Speeches and Writings
Box/Folder
9/8
Address Honoring Captain Harold Kildall
1960
9/9
Address to Puget Sound Ship Operators
1982
9/10
"New Prexy Takes Helm at Puget Sound Pilots"
1963
9/11
Miscellaneous
1955
Speeches and Writings of Others
Box/Folder
9/12
Halstead, Captain Alex G.
1960
9/13
Howard, Charles B. and Soriano, Max D.
undated
"Civil Liberties of the Pilot of a Vessel"
1955
Box/Folder
9/14
Lea, T. H. "History of Early Pilotage on Puget Sound"
undated
Subject Files
Box/Folder
9/15-17
70 & Out
1979
9/18
American Pilots' Association
1956
9/19
American Pilots' Association - Rules of the Road
1971
9/20
B.C. Pilots Convention
1955
9/21
Coast Guard
1980-1981
9/22
Coast Guard - Rules of the Road - Sea Lanes
1979
9/23-24
Coast Guard VTC (Vehicle Traffic Center)
1973-1977
9/25
Future Information - Pilot Rates
1965, 1969
9/26
Gill Net Boats
1972-1977
9/27
Concerning Joshua Green
1969
9/28
Hash
1954-1957
9/29
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots #100-8
1967-1973
9/30
Labor Matters - Trustees
1962-1970
9/31
Luther Evaluation
1975-1976
9/32
Regarding Luther, Philip
1976-1977
9/33
Masters, Mates & Pilots - Local #90 - Pension
1965
9/34-38
Pension
1947-1978
9/39-40
Physical Accidents
1984-1985
9/41
Pilot Ages
1968, 1970, undated
9/42
Pilot Wages
1958-1970
9/43
Proposed Pacific Pilots Association
1972, undated
9/44-46
Proposed Washington State Inland Pilots Association
1979-1980
9/47
Radar
1957-1966
9/48
Speed in Fog
1974-1975, 1982
9/49-51
Washington (State) Pilotage Commission
1969-1982
Box/Folder
9/52
Accident Reports
1954-1981
9/53
Ship Records
1972-1991, undated
9/54
Pilot Records
1979-1981, 1991, undated
9/55
Notes
1956-1967
9/56
Legislation - Public Law 96-591
1980
10/1
Vacation Schedules
1960-1983
10/2
Ballots
1956-1981, undated
10/3
Petitions
1955-1974
Applications
Box/Folder
10/4
Endrody, Miklos
1972
10/5
Hughes, Donald Wesley
1980
Box/Folder
10/6
Receipts
1960-1974
10/7
Miscellany
1976-1982. undated
10/8-10
Ephemera
1956-1982, undated
10/11-20
Clippings

Immanuel Luthern Church (Seattle, Washington), 1959-1976Return to Top

The Immanuel Lutheran Church series includes organizational information, general correspondence, minutes, newsletters, reports, programs, and other materials pertaining to the church and its activities.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
10/23
Organizational Information
1962-1975
10/24-25
General Correspondence
1959-1975
10/26
Minutes
1969-1975
Newsletters
Box/Folder
10/27
Immanuel Image
1974-1975
Reports
Box/Folder
10/28
Annual Reports
1968-1974
10/29
Miscellaneous
1970-1975
Box/Folder
10/30
Financial Records
1969-1976
10/31
Speeches and Writings
1959, 1975
10/32-33
Programs
1969-1975
10/34
Ephemera
1974-1975, undated
10/35
Notes
undated
10/36
Clippings
undated
10/37-38
Miscellany
undated

Norwegian Commercial Club, 1957-1991Return to Top

The Norwegian Commercial Club series includes a history of the club, membership rosters, and programs for general meetings.

Container(s) Description Dates
Organizational Information
Box/Folder
11/6
"1932-1982 The First Half Century"
1982
11/7
Miscellaneous
1973, 1991, undated
Box/Folder
11/8
Membership Rosters
1957-1977
Programs
Box/Folder
11/9-11
For Meetings
1967-1995
11/12
Miscellaneous
1975, 1982
Box/Folder
11/13-17
General Correspondence
1954-1989, undated
Speeches and Writings
Box/Folder
11/18
Captain Jown W. Trimmer
undated
11/19
First Draft concerning the Jones Act
1990
11/20
Introduction of Captain Royce Garrett
undated
11/21
Introduction of Captain Harold Kildall
1978
11/22
Introduction of Captain Philip H. Luther
1981
11/23
Introduction of Horton Smith
undated
11/24
Ole Blindheim Eulogy
1990
11/25
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary
undated
11/26
Miscellaneous
1987, undated
Subject Files
Box/Folder
11/27
Air-Sea Rescue
1977
11/28
Cross Sound Bridge
1967-1968
11/29-31
Washington State Canal Proposal
1965-1967
Box/Folder
11/32
Ephemera
1971-1983, undated
11/33
Notes
undated
11/34
Clippings
undated

Seattle Seamen's Center, 1963-1978Return to Top

The Seattle Seamen's Center series includes general correspondence, annual reports, and subject series pertaining to the events leading to the establishment of the Seattle United Maritime Ministries.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
11/39
Organizational Information
1970-1977
11/40-47
General Correspondence
1964-1978
11/48-50
Minutes
1969-1978, undated
11/51
Financial Records
1969-1977
Reports
Box/Folder
11/52
Annual Reports
1963-1972
11/53
Auditor's Reports
1969, 1972
11/54
Concerning the United Way
1970-1976
12/1-2
Miscellaneous
1972-1977, undated
Box/Folder
12/3
Programs
1969-1972, undated
12/4
Ephemera
1971-1978, undated
12/5
Notes
1969, 1972, undated
12/6
Clippings
undated
Subject Files
Box/Folder
12/7-8
Events Leading to a Possible Joint Ministry
1973
12/9-18
Seattle United Maritime Ministries
1974-1976

Other Associations, 1961-1995Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
10/21-22
Council of American Master Mariners (C.A.M.M.), Pacific Northwest Chapter
1971-1995, undated
10/39
L.C. Foss Sunset Home
1970-1978
10/40 - 11/5
Leif Erikson League of the Seattle Area
1961-1990, undated
11/35-38
Seattle Nordic Festival
1962-1978
12/19
University of Washington Scandinavian Studies Advisory Board
1984-1988, undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Lecturers--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives
  • Lutherans--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Lutherans--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives
  • Merchant mariners--Labor unions--Research--Pacific Coast (North America)
  • Merchant mariners--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives
  • Norwegian Americans--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Norwegian Americans--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives
  • Norwegian Americans--Washington (State)--Seattle--Societies, etc
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Pilots and pilotage--Washington (State)--Biography
  • Pilots and pilotage--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives

Personal Names

  • Olsborg, Gunnar, 1909-2000--Archives

Corporate Names

  • Immanuel Lutheran Church (Seattle, Wash.)
  • International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots
  • Japanese American Citizens' League
  • Leif Erikson League of the Seattle Area
  • Norwegian Commercial Club
  • Puget Sound Pilots Association (Seattle, Wash.)
  • Seattle Seamen's Center

Form or Genre Terms

  • Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
  • Eulogies
  • Newsletters
  • Periodicals
  • Photographs
  • Speeches, addresses, etc
  • biography files
  • correspondence
  • minutes
  • notes
  • programs
  • reports
  • writings