Dr. Emil O. Deere, having the longest association with Bethany College of 67 years from 1899 to 1966, was colleague and friend to the first seven (7) Swedish American Bethany College presidents, Accomplished yet humble, he was "the source" to learn about early college history, "the link" to Bethany's past!
Scientist Emil O. Deere
(1877-1966)
Class of 1904
(1877-1966)
Class of 1904
Today's Bethany College students encounter pieces of the College's earliest history concerning Emil O. Deere when they chant the 1903 Swedish Bethany cheer, "Rockar Stockar," which he translated to English after the assumed author Eric Heurlin drafted it. (Source: Emory Lindquist, 1975, Bethany In Kansas, the history of a college, pages 189-190.)
Out of the entire Bethany College family, Deere had the longest association with his alma mater, one that lasted sixty-seven (67) years from 1899 to 1966! A humble Swedish gentleman, first he was a Bethany College student, then a professor and student's friend, a department head, a museum curator, an academic dean, a vice president, and a registrar. Added to these, he played a variety of other roles, large and small, including Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conferences president for nine (9) years, at Bethany.
For thirty (30) years of his life, he was addressed as Dean Deere, and, then, in 1948 he was addressed as Dr. Deere as a result of receiving the Doctor of Laws Degree from Upsala College of East Orange, New Jersey.
Deere was colleague and friend to seven (7) Swedish American Bethany College presidents beginning with Augustana Lutheran College graduate president Rev. Edward Nelander (1882-1889), then Bethany Lutheran College founder president Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson (1889-1904), was the right-hand man to president Dr. Rev. Ernst Pihlblad (1904-1941), continuing in that role to his former student and good friend president Dr. Emory Lindquist (1941-1953); nearing his retirement year his role transitioned more into an advisor concerning college history to president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (1953-1958), to president Dr. L. Dale Lund (1958-1965) and to president Dr. G. Kenneth Andeen (1965-1967).
Early on in the College's growth, Deere became "the source" to whom one could come to learn about its history. To those Bethany Swedes then, he became "the link" of Bethany's past to her current days.
Due to Deere's service to the College, a boys dormitory was dedicated to him, to honor him, in 1957. It was razed in December of 2015, adding it to similar fates experienced by past historical Bethany buildings that Deere and Lydia knew intimately before there was a Deere Hall. These treasured landmarks of college history were Lane Hart Hall (1883-1983), Old Main (1887-1968), Ling Auditorium (1895-1946), and Carnegie Library (1908-1981).
Traveling back in time now, let us hear from him and them at Bethany, the way he was and the way they were!
For thirty (30) years of his life, he was addressed as Dean Deere, and, then, in 1948 he was addressed as Dr. Deere as a result of receiving the Doctor of Laws Degree from Upsala College of East Orange, New Jersey.
Deere was colleague and friend to seven (7) Swedish American Bethany College presidents beginning with Augustana Lutheran College graduate president Rev. Edward Nelander (1882-1889), then Bethany Lutheran College founder president Dr. Rev. Carl Aaron Swensson (1889-1904), was the right-hand man to president Dr. Rev. Ernst Pihlblad (1904-1941), continuing in that role to his former student and good friend president Dr. Emory Lindquist (1941-1953); nearing his retirement year his role transitioned more into an advisor concerning college history to president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (1953-1958), to president Dr. L. Dale Lund (1958-1965) and to president Dr. G. Kenneth Andeen (1965-1967).
Early on in the College's growth, Deere became "the source" to whom one could come to learn about its history. To those Bethany Swedes then, he became "the link" of Bethany's past to her current days.
Due to Deere's service to the College, a boys dormitory was dedicated to him, to honor him, in 1957. It was razed in December of 2015, adding it to similar fates experienced by past historical Bethany buildings that Deere and Lydia knew intimately before there was a Deere Hall. These treasured landmarks of college history were Lane Hart Hall (1883-1983), Old Main (1887-1968), Ling Auditorium (1895-1946), and Carnegie Library (1908-1981).
Traveling back in time now, let us hear from him and them at Bethany, the way he was and the way they were!
- Breaking Ground for Deere Hall -
Rev. Stanley Swanson, Rev. George Wahlin, Dr. Deere, President Dr. Robert Mortvedt, Student Body President Kenneth Sjogren
Rev. Stanley Swanson, Rev. George Wahlin, Dr. Deere, President Dr. Robert Mortvedt, Student Body President Kenneth Sjogren
The Deere Papers
The Dedication of Deere Hall
In His Own Words
April 5, 1957
In His Own Words
April 5, 1957
Photograph taken in early 1960s by Dale Hoag, It was razed in 2015.
The Way He Was
"I consider it a special privilege and an honor to have a place on the program at the dedication of the new dormitory for men on the Bethany College campus, and I am touched with a sense of deep humility when I reflect on the thoughts that this beautiful and serviceable building has been named Deere Hall in my honor.
"When Old Main was completed in 1887 the catalog for that year gave a glowing description of the new building. It included an elaborate account of the fine, well-equipped living quarters for men students. (Well, it no doubt was for its day.)
"The entering student in 1887 was conducted to his room on the fifth floor where a kerosene lamp and a candle dip served as his source of light, but then it cost him 20 cents per week room rent. I wonder what this grad would say if he were here today and visited his great grandson in our new building.
"The dormitory we are dedicating today, the Nelson Science Hall, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery are recent examples of definite progress.
"It is hoped that this timely development will serve as an example of what may be accomplished under the direction of good leadership. We shall look forward to the dedication of the next new building on the Bethany College campus in the very near future."
Source: Swedish American Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990's book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, page 199
"When Old Main was completed in 1887 the catalog for that year gave a glowing description of the new building. It included an elaborate account of the fine, well-equipped living quarters for men students. (Well, it no doubt was for its day.)
"The entering student in 1887 was conducted to his room on the fifth floor where a kerosene lamp and a candle dip served as his source of light, but then it cost him 20 cents per week room rent. I wonder what this grad would say if he were here today and visited his great grandson in our new building.
"The dormitory we are dedicating today, the Nelson Science Hall, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery are recent examples of definite progress.
"It is hoped that this timely development will serve as an example of what may be accomplished under the direction of good leadership. We shall look forward to the dedication of the next new building on the Bethany College campus in the very near future."
Source: Swedish American Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990's book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, page 199
Source: Given to me by Bethany College in 2011.
Left a Legacy for us All
Words of the 1966 Bethanian
Words of the 1966 Bethanian
- Responsible for Swensson Park Fish Pond -
Lundquist Studio, Lindsborg, Kansas Postcard
Source: BETHANIAN 1966, page 31
Dr. Emil O. Deere
Dean Emeritus of Bethany College ...
Once a farm boy ...
Enrolled in Bethany Academy ...
An honor student who came back to teach...
Devoted his life to Lindsborg...
And Bethany College ...
Curator of Bethany
College Museum...
Dean of Science and Arts of Bethany College...
Founder of Lindsborg Historical Society...
Member of Lindsborg Community Hospital Board...
Responsible for Swensson Park fish pond...
Honored by Deere Hall...
Dean Emeritus of Bethany College ...
Once a farm boy ...
Enrolled in Bethany Academy ...
An honor student who came back to teach...
Devoted his life to Lindsborg...
And Bethany College ...
Curator of Bethany
College Museum...
Dean of Science and Arts of Bethany College...
Founder of Lindsborg Historical Society...
Member of Lindsborg Community Hospital Board...
Responsible for Swensson Park fish pond...
Honored by Deere Hall...
The Way They Were
WORDS OF 1966
WORDS OF 1966
WHAT THEY LEFT US
Deere Swensson
Sandzén
These three men set
high goals for
Bethany...goals that
could not be realized in
one lifetime. Goals
that are left for us to
continued.
Deere Swensson
Sandzén
These three men set
high goals for
Bethany...goals that
could not be realized in
one lifetime. Goals
that are left for us to
continued.
Lungstrom
Source: BETHANIAN 1966
WORDS OF 1966
Dr. Carl Swensson and Bethany Church had a great vision of a prospering Lutheran college in the Smoky Valley. The heart of their dream was a beautiful chapel in Old Main. Here students meditated; here the pipe organ led them in song; here well-known and world-known voices inspired them.
The famous Dr. Birger Sandzén brought a rich and vivid talent to Bethany. The Swedish-built Art Pavilion housed his students as it does Bethany art students today.
Dr. Emil Deere built the foundations of a growing science department. His goals are being furthered through a former student, Dr. Leon Lungstrom who is passing this legacy on to us.
Lungstrom
WORDS OF 2017
Dr. Leon Lungstrom
would also play the part of College historian through his valued 1990 book, History of Natural Science & Mathematics At Bethany College Lindsborg Kansas. --fc
Dr. Carl Swensson and Bethany Church had a great vision of a prospering Lutheran college in the Smoky Valley. The heart of their dream was a beautiful chapel in Old Main. Here students meditated; here the pipe organ led them in song; here well-known and world-known voices inspired them.
The famous Dr. Birger Sandzén brought a rich and vivid talent to Bethany. The Swedish-built Art Pavilion housed his students as it does Bethany art students today.
Dr. Emil Deere built the foundations of a growing science department. His goals are being furthered through a former student, Dr. Leon Lungstrom who is passing this legacy on to us.
Lungstrom
WORDS OF 2017
Dr. Leon Lungstrom
would also play the part of College historian through his valued 1990 book, History of Natural Science & Mathematics At Bethany College Lindsborg Kansas. --fc
Deere and Sandzén
PRESENTING HISTORY AND ART
WORDS OF 1965
PRESENTING HISTORY AND ART
WORDS OF 1965
Source: BETHANIAN 1965, page 54
Jaderborg Deere Thorsen
- his longtime Swedish colleague professors -
Oscar Thorsen, Emil O. Deere, Thure Jaderborg
- Celebrating 50+ years at Bethany in1954 -
Source: Bethany in Kansas, page 136
His Students
An Appreciation to our Guardian Prof. Emil O. Deere
Able scholar, the sympathetic teacher, the loyal friend whose personality, foresight and sincere devotion have won the respect, honor and esteem of our class.
-- The Daisy, Class of 1925
- some were these -
Ruben Spong 1926 and Carl Swensson 1912
An Appreciation to our Guardian Prof. Emil O. Deere
Able scholar, the sympathetic teacher, the loyal friend whose personality, foresight and sincere devotion have won the respect, honor and esteem of our class.
-- The Daisy, Class of 1925
- some were these -
Ruben Spong 1926 and Carl Swensson 1912
Ruben Spong, Class of 1926, wrote the following tribute of appreciation to their guardian, Emil O. Deere in 1925:*
“At the first meeting of the Freshmen Class in 1922 we searched for a guardian to lead our class the right way, a guardian who could understand the ways of a Freshman and who could be a guide through the four years of struggle we knew we had before us. We are now assembled at the present moment not only that we may take part in other phases of this program but that we may attempt to express our appreciation and gratitude to one who took the responsibility upon his shoulders and has held his protecting wings over us these four years. He has lived this life of a guardian in such a way that he has influenced every member of the class to think of higher and better things in life.
“We have been exceedingly proud of our guardian, Dean Deere, who held the power of athletics in his hands and one who is interested in every phase of college life. When out on our picnics or on our parties, although superior in knowledge, years and in every respect, he has been one of us but never has he lost his dignity or individualism.
“Our college days are now at an end and each member of the class must leave his cherished ‘Alma Mater’ to be scattered to the four winds of earth to assume his individual responsibility.
“In years to come our thought will wander back to our college days with their found memories of social and school activities which were so nobly sponsored by our guardian, Emil O. Deere.”
*Source: Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 170 which referenced it from the 1925 Bethany College student yearbook called the Daisy.
“At the first meeting of the Freshmen Class in 1922 we searched for a guardian to lead our class the right way, a guardian who could understand the ways of a Freshman and who could be a guide through the four years of struggle we knew we had before us. We are now assembled at the present moment not only that we may take part in other phases of this program but that we may attempt to express our appreciation and gratitude to one who took the responsibility upon his shoulders and has held his protecting wings over us these four years. He has lived this life of a guardian in such a way that he has influenced every member of the class to think of higher and better things in life.
“We have been exceedingly proud of our guardian, Dean Deere, who held the power of athletics in his hands and one who is interested in every phase of college life. When out on our picnics or on our parties, although superior in knowledge, years and in every respect, he has been one of us but never has he lost his dignity or individualism.
“Our college days are now at an end and each member of the class must leave his cherished ‘Alma Mater’ to be scattered to the four winds of earth to assume his individual responsibility.
“In years to come our thought will wander back to our college days with their found memories of social and school activities which were so nobly sponsored by our guardian, Emil O. Deere.”
*Source: Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 170 which referenced it from the 1925 Bethany College student yearbook called the Daisy.
Carl Swenson, Class of 1912, wrote the following tribute on Emil O. Deere after his passing on January 11, 1966:
Dr. Leon Lungstrom first prefaced Carl Swenson's tribute with: "Professor Deere was popular and highly respected by the students. Often they referred to him as Pop Deere. In spite of his heavy work load he was active with students outside the classroom. One reference stated that he accompanied the freshman class on their Class Day Celebration during November 1922. He served the class graduating in 1912 in this capacity and during their senior year he entertained them with a royal banquet. After professor Deere’s death in 1966, Carl Swenson, a member of this class, wrote the following tribute about him:
'My emotions are bringing when they bring to mind the image of my dear departed friend, Professor Emil O. Deere. He truly was one of the finest teachers who has ever served on the faculty at Bethany College. We should greatly miss his jovial presence. It was my good fortune to enjoy him as our class advisor of the class of 1912. His untiring search for truth was an inspiration to his students. He was patient and untiring in his manifold interest and duties as a college teacher. He was a staunch friend to all those who had the good fortune to know him. For a period of over fifty (50) years he served his post faithfully and well. No problem was too great to engage his attention and no favor too small for his exemplary genius.
'Prof. Deere married Lydia Sohlberg, the charming matron at the girls’ dormitory. She was a favorite of all the girls who live there, as well as the aspiring young men who were privilege to visit Lane Hart Hall.
'His thorough preparation in his teaching subjects and his meticulous assignments assured his students of an adequate knowledge of the subject pursued. His depth of knowledge of Zoology and Physiology seemed to us almost boundless. His idealism and character were above reproach. Prof. Emil O. Deere has departed to a better land where his phenomenal achievements shall find their full fruition. I shall always cherish among the most pleasant experiences of my life the many personal contacts I had with him in 1964.
'My visits at his home were a delight to me. He kept his knowledge of science and philosophy up-to-date. Prof. Deere’s memory of the history of Bethany was unique. His luminous mind was quick to dispatch the events of the past. Forays into the modern problems of science, philosophy, and religion were a part of our informal meditations. The Bethany College Campus Museum was his retirement project. The museum which was largely the result of his efforts has no peer among the mid-western Liberal Arts colleges. We have all lost a dear friend. May his imperishable soul garner its reward in the Heavenly mansions with God.' ”
Source: Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 166-168
Dr. Leon Lungstrom first prefaced Carl Swenson's tribute with: "Professor Deere was popular and highly respected by the students. Often they referred to him as Pop Deere. In spite of his heavy work load he was active with students outside the classroom. One reference stated that he accompanied the freshman class on their Class Day Celebration during November 1922. He served the class graduating in 1912 in this capacity and during their senior year he entertained them with a royal banquet. After professor Deere’s death in 1966, Carl Swenson, a member of this class, wrote the following tribute about him:
'My emotions are bringing when they bring to mind the image of my dear departed friend, Professor Emil O. Deere. He truly was one of the finest teachers who has ever served on the faculty at Bethany College. We should greatly miss his jovial presence. It was my good fortune to enjoy him as our class advisor of the class of 1912. His untiring search for truth was an inspiration to his students. He was patient and untiring in his manifold interest and duties as a college teacher. He was a staunch friend to all those who had the good fortune to know him. For a period of over fifty (50) years he served his post faithfully and well. No problem was too great to engage his attention and no favor too small for his exemplary genius.
'Prof. Deere married Lydia Sohlberg, the charming matron at the girls’ dormitory. She was a favorite of all the girls who live there, as well as the aspiring young men who were privilege to visit Lane Hart Hall.
'His thorough preparation in his teaching subjects and his meticulous assignments assured his students of an adequate knowledge of the subject pursued. His depth of knowledge of Zoology and Physiology seemed to us almost boundless. His idealism and character were above reproach. Prof. Emil O. Deere has departed to a better land where his phenomenal achievements shall find their full fruition. I shall always cherish among the most pleasant experiences of my life the many personal contacts I had with him in 1964.
'My visits at his home were a delight to me. He kept his knowledge of science and philosophy up-to-date. Prof. Deere’s memory of the history of Bethany was unique. His luminous mind was quick to dispatch the events of the past. Forays into the modern problems of science, philosophy, and religion were a part of our informal meditations. The Bethany College Campus Museum was his retirement project. The museum which was largely the result of his efforts has no peer among the mid-western Liberal Arts colleges. We have all lost a dear friend. May his imperishable soul garner its reward in the Heavenly mansions with God.' ”
Source: Swedish American Bethany College Science Professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom’s 1990 book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College Lindsborg, Kansas, page 166-168
* * *
- Deere's Swedish Family -
- the "John Deere" connection -***
- the "John Deere" connection -***
The grave of Carrie Deere, Emil's mother, in Manhattan, Kansas
Emil was born in Moline, Illinois on August 8, 1877 to Swedish Lutheran parents. His father, Anders Olsson, (1849-1925) was from Drängsered, Halland; and his mother, Carrie Greta (Kaisa) Svenson (1847-1914), was born in Medelplana, Våstergötland. They immigrated to Moline, Illinois, and there, in the early 1870s, they joined the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church.
It was also at this time that Anders worked for John Deere of the Deere Plow Company becoming foreman. It was this John Deere who gave Anders the surname "Deere" to replace his Swedish Olsson name. He also changed his Christian given Anders name to Charles and added the English equivalent of Andrew for Anders for his middle name. Thus, in Moline, Anders Olsson became known as Charles Andrew Deere.
Emil had two brothers, Johan Adolph Gottfrid born in 1874 and Albert Emmanuel born in 1888, and one sister Emma Kristina born in 1882. In 1878, the family moved to Kansas. First, Charles pre-empted a homestead near Mariadahl, Kansas in 1879. Then in the fall of 1888, they moved to Olsburg, and finally in 1903 they moved to Manhattan.
Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom writes fondly of Emil's good Christian father, Charles Andrew Deere, describing particularly the ending of his life in Manhattan, Kansas as follows:**
"Charles was a skilled mechanic and a successful builder and contractor during the time he lived in Kansas. His workmanship was always of top quality in every community where he lived. ...
"The family was active in community and church work. Charles A. Deere was a loving father and husband with a large circle of friends. The family belonged to churches in Mariadahl, Olsburg and Manhattan. Charles served many years as trustee, deacon and Sunday School teacher. At the time of his death, he was chairman of deacons in the Lutheran Church congregation in Manhattan.
"During the Christmas period of 1924, Charles realized that he had his first and last illness, which would leave him with only a few more days on earth. He stated, 'Like after a good day's work I enjoyed the sweetness of sleep so now I feel that after a workday of 75 years duration I will now have a long and peaceful sleep, hence I resign myself to my Lord and Saviour who has been a pride and a comfort to me in time of adversity as well as in time of success.' He passed away at the Parkview Hospital at 7:20 PM., Tuesday evening, January 20, 1925. The funeral services were held at his home at 612 Fremont Street in Manhattan at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 23, 1925, and his body was laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.' "
It was also at this time that Anders worked for John Deere of the Deere Plow Company becoming foreman. It was this John Deere who gave Anders the surname "Deere" to replace his Swedish Olsson name. He also changed his Christian given Anders name to Charles and added the English equivalent of Andrew for Anders for his middle name. Thus, in Moline, Anders Olsson became known as Charles Andrew Deere.
Emil had two brothers, Johan Adolph Gottfrid born in 1874 and Albert Emmanuel born in 1888, and one sister Emma Kristina born in 1882. In 1878, the family moved to Kansas. First, Charles pre-empted a homestead near Mariadahl, Kansas in 1879. Then in the fall of 1888, they moved to Olsburg, and finally in 1903 they moved to Manhattan.
Bethany College professor Dr. Leon Lungstrom writes fondly of Emil's good Christian father, Charles Andrew Deere, describing particularly the ending of his life in Manhattan, Kansas as follows:**
"Charles was a skilled mechanic and a successful builder and contractor during the time he lived in Kansas. His workmanship was always of top quality in every community where he lived. ...
"The family was active in community and church work. Charles A. Deere was a loving father and husband with a large circle of friends. The family belonged to churches in Mariadahl, Olsburg and Manhattan. Charles served many years as trustee, deacon and Sunday School teacher. At the time of his death, he was chairman of deacons in the Lutheran Church congregation in Manhattan.
"During the Christmas period of 1924, Charles realized that he had his first and last illness, which would leave him with only a few more days on earth. He stated, 'Like after a good day's work I enjoyed the sweetness of sleep so now I feel that after a workday of 75 years duration I will now have a long and peaceful sleep, hence I resign myself to my Lord and Saviour who has been a pride and a comfort to me in time of adversity as well as in time of success.' He passed away at the Parkview Hospital at 7:20 PM., Tuesday evening, January 20, 1925. The funeral services were held at his home at 612 Fremont Street in Manhattan at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 23, 1925, and his body was laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery.' "
*Source: (Above page title) Dr. Leon Lungstrom's 1990's book, History of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, page 168.
**Ibid, pages 147-150.
*** Source: Leona Holmberg, Emil O. Deere's cousin, letter on the "John Deere" name.
**Ibid, pages 147-150.
*** Source: Leona Holmberg, Emil O. Deere's cousin, letter on the "John Deere" name.
* * *
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © 2021 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2021 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
