Weber State University

Stewart Library Special Collections

Processed by Briana Beckstrand and Jean Grua

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SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

Nearly sixty (60) linear feet of correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, films, and memorabilia are included in MS 107. Contained in this wide range of materials is information which chronicles more than half a century (1926 - 1981) in the life of a man noted for his business achievements and public service, his abilities as an orator, and for his extensive travels. To improve access to this information, the collection's papers and supporting records have been grouped according to subject matter and organized in the following Topical/Chronological arrangement.

Biographical, 1926 - 1981 (Boxes 1-4) Information pertaining to Austad's family life, his education, church service and his military service. Included in the last category are papers related to his convalescence following surgery at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., and his subsequent involvement with the hospital's radio station, WRGH, 1943 - 1944.

Business Career, 1941 - 1973 (Boxes 5-33) Information pertaining to Austad's professional associations with radio station KSL, Salt Lake City, 1941 - 1942; radio station WWDC in Washington, D.C., 1948; radio and television station WTOP in Washington, D.C., 1948 - 1960; and television station WTTG in Washington, D.C., 1960 - 1973. Included in this segment are papers and photographs related to Austad's visit and interview of Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Lamerene, Gabon, Africa in the winter of 1961 - 1962.

Political and Government Service, 1973 - 1977 (Boxes 34-68) Information pertaining to Austad's service as a delegate to the 28th General Assembly of the United Nations, 1973; his chairmanship of the District of Columbia's Bicentennial Celebration Commission, 1974; his appointment and services as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Finland, 1974 - 1977; and his role as an official delegate with the United States and European Chiefs of State to the Conference of Security and Cooperation in Europe held in Helsinki, Finland, 1975.

Presidential Inaugurals, 1969, 1973 and 1981 (Boxes 69-71) Information pertaining to Austad's work as Chairman of the 1969 Presidential Inaugural Ball; as Vice Chairman of the Presidential Inaugural in 1973; and as a member of the 1981 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Provisional Period, 1977 - 1981 (Box 72) Information pertaining to Austad's activities following his services as Ambassador to Finland, and just prior to his 1981 appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipoteniary of the United States to Norway.

Memorabilia, Oversize Material, and Press Clippings (Boxes 73-80)

Films and Tapes