Ernest Schroeder Farm Records (S4902)

1915-1965

Historical Sketch

The Schroeder potato business began with Henry Schroeder (1855-1928), a German immigrant. Henry Schroeder settled a homestead near Sabin Township, in Clay County, in 1878. He began growing potatoes in the early 1890s. Of Henry Schroeder’s sons, Edward (1880-1971) began a successful cattle breeding business while Ernest (1890-1978) continued to develop the potato agriculture. From the 1930s, Ernest Schroeder’s farm produced quality table stock and wash potatoes, later switching to seed potatoes and chipping potatoes. In 1965, Ernest’s son, Robert, joined him in the farm business. The Schroeders were member of several agricultural organizations, including the Red River Valley Potato Shippers Association. They also maintained detailed records concerning their business. 

Collection Description

The collection consists of records of the various parts of the Schroeder’s farming operations, including files on cattle breeding, potato and grain agriculture, and subsidiary operations. Also in the collection are contracts, government publications and reports, ledgers, tax records, and records concerning the agricultural and other organizations to which the Schroeders belonged. Some biographical clippings and personal correspondence are also included in the collection. Restrictions apply to some materials. All materials are in excellent condition.

Inventory

Box 1

  • Agreements and Contracts. 1931-51
  • American Agricultural Chemical Company. 1930-35
  • Business Papers, Miscellaneous
  • Clay County Agricultural Information. 1945-57
  • Correspondence
    • Business
    • Estate
    • Personal
     
  • Estate Court Papers
  • Farm Operations
    • Bag Producers. 1928-50
    • Cattle Business. 1920-50
    • Grain Business. 1930-40
    • Machinery Maintenance. 1928-65
    • Nurseries. 1928-60
    • Oil Utilities. 1930-55
    • Potato Business. 1928-50
    • Printers. 1930-50
     
  • Insurance Papers. 1928-60 
      

Box 2

  • Minnesota
    • Coop Improvement Association. 1929-55
    • Department of Agriculture, Dairy and Food. 1929-65
    • Department of Taxation. 1928-65
    • State Government. 1928-65
     
  • Newspaper Articles
  • Northern Pacific Railway Company, Freight Bills. 1930-50
  • Organizations, Membership and Contributions. 1929-60
  • Photographs
  • Red River Valley Potato Shippers Association. 1929-34
  • Social Security Administration. 1951-62
  • Taxes
    • Becker County. 1945-53
    • Clay County. 1932-65
    • Otter Tail County. 1952-65 
     

Box 3

  • United States
    • Agriculture Adjustment Administration. 1936-45
    • Agriculture Marketing Service. 1945-65
    • Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service. 1955-65
    • Bureau of Agriculture Economics. 1929-50
    • Bureau of Plant Industry. 1933
    • Commodity Credit Corporation. 1940-51
    • Commodity Stabilization Service. 1957-60
    • Farm Security Administration. 1939-44
    • Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. 1938-45
    • Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act. 193
    • Production and Marketing Association. 1949-50
     
  • University of Minnesota Agriculture Division. 1930-50
  • Workers Compensation. 1930-35
  • Volumes Found in File Folders
    • Minnesota Farmers Library Booklet. 1911-17
    • Minnesota Seed Growers Booklet. 1929
    • Shipping Ledgers
    • Unbound Ledgers
    • Copy of Volume 4. 1917-1942
    • Copy of Volume 6. 1918-39 
     

Box 4

  • Ledgers. 1915-57. Volumes 1-15 
      

Box 5

  • Produce Credit Book. Volume 16