Literary Landmark: Vermilion Community College - Sigurd F. Olson
Ely, Minn.
Dedicated June 5, 2015
Partners: Minnesota Association of Library Friends, Listening Point Foundation, Friends of the Ely Public Library
Sigurd F. Olson (1899-1982) was a poetic, lyrical writer whose essays painted haunting pictures of the wilderness. He was a teacher and dean at Ely Junior College (now Vermilion Community College), where his student rapport and field trips to the "outdoor classroom" where legendary. As a guide and conservationist he explored waterways from Lake Superior to the Northwest Territories, and helped protect wild lands from coast to coast. In books like The Singing Wilderness he gave voice to the wilderness itself, and to those who love it.
The Sigurd Olson dedication ceremony was held on the grounds of Vermillion Community College. In conjunction with the dedication ceremony, the Listening Point Foundation conducted tours of Olson’s cabin retreat on June 6, and the Ely Winton Historical Society (conveniently located on the Vermillion Community College campus) hosted a small exhibit on the author’s life and work.
Resources:
