Leoni W. Hanson Papers, 1905-1964

Leoni Waldamare Hanson (L. W.) was born to Carl and Anna Johnson Hanson in Rushford, Minnesota on August 4, 1880. The family moved to Seattle in 1889. Hanson's father owned and operated a small dairy farm where the young Hanson got his start in the industry.

From 1899 to 1901 Hanson attended Washington State University (then Washington Agricultural College), graduating from the dairy school in 1901. In June of 1905 Hanson was appointed State Dairy Instructor. His job was to travel throughout the state promoting new methods of processing, storing, and shipping milk and to improve herd health care. He then traveled to Wisconsin where he attended the University of Wisconsin Dairy School from 1906-1907, graduating with an advanced degree.

Upon his return to Washington, Hanson began a long and busy career in the dairy industry. From 1907-1914 he was State Dairy Inspector and was instrumental in developing and enforcing higher standards of sanitation for both dairy products and herds. In 1909, he was in charge of a model dairy farm at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition held in Seattle.

In 1914 Hanson resigned from his State position and, until 1919, worked in various positions within the dairy industry. He then returned to statework, again as a Dairy Inspector; a position he retained until his retirement in 1950. The State Dairy Commission awarded Hanson its Distinguished Service Award in 1955. For additional information, see the summary entitled, "My Part in the Dairy Industry" by L. W. Hanson, folder 4.