The a Vholdsmann: the Life and Literature of Waldemar Ager, 1869-1941
The A vholdsmann: The Life and Literature of Waldemar Ager, 1869-1941 By Andrew Hanson A Research Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science History At The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire May,2015 The members of the Committee approve the research paper of Andrew Hanson presented on March 17, 2015 Dr. Jane Pederson, Chair Dr. Oscar Chamberlain ~nge~ APPROVED llJW ---#-1-ll_.____.._~n~fGfa~duat~t---+--f/--llilies tJJtJ---'----'---- ii The A vholdsmann: The Life and Literature of Waldemar Ager, 1869-1941 By Andrew Hanson The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, 2014 Under the Supervision of Dr. Pederson As a young man, Waldemar Ager was one of countless immigrants who saw opportunity in the logging community of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, during the latter half of the nineteenth century. While many immigrants believed that the lumber industry was their salvation, Ager found his calling by bringing his voice into the temperance movement. With stops in Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ager learned many of his temperance beliefs through life experiences both in Norway and the United States. During his time in Eau Claire, Ager played an important role in the city's temperance movement. By writing creative newspaper articles, short stories, and novels, Ager championed the use of literature in defending the importance of temperance. In addition to his pro-temperance penmanship, Ager also found success by establishing temperance organizations, giving anti-alcohol lectures, and by joining the Prohibition Paiiy. Ager believed in, and fought for a society free from any burdens, including alcohol.
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