Johnson and O'Brien families papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-1003

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Papers, 1910-1980, of the Johnson and O’Brien Families. Included are the photographs, ephemera, programs, and other materials related to Victor Johnson, Norma Jean (Johnson) O’Brien, and Paul O’Brien of Dollar Bay and Laurium, Michigan. Norma’s papers include a high school memory book and both a diploma and commencement program from Michigan Technological University from 1980. Her father, Victor’s, material includes photographs, including self portrait and group photograph of the "Crescents" hockey team at the Palestra Rink (1910). Additionally, Victor's papers include an attendance certificate from 1912, a certificate of appreciation from the Atlas Chemical Ind. from 1961, and an Overseer of Highways candidate card. Paul O’Brien, Norma Johnson’s husband and Victor’s son-in-law's papers include high school report card and diploma for Sacred Heart High School and photograph of the Sacred Heart basketball team; as well as a bookkeeping course certificate from Suomi College from 1947-1948.

Dates

1910-1980

Conditions Governing Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biographical / Historical

Victor Johnson was born in Dollar Bay on April 27, 1902 and died July 16, 1972. Johnson resided in Dollar Bay his entire life and was a first generation American; both his parents were emigrants from Finland in the late 1890s. Johnson was married to Martha Johnson and worked as an employee of the Atlas Powder Company from 1937 until the plant’s closing in 1960. Following his retirement, Johnson ran for and won the position of Overseer of Highways.

Norma Jean (Johnson) O’Brien (1932-2018) was born on July 8, 1932 to Victor and Martha Johnson of Dollar Bay. Norma graduated from Osceola Township High School in Dollar Bay, Michigan in 1950 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Michigan Technological University in 1980. Mrs. Johnson was the sister of Dennis V. Johnson and married to Paul O’Brien.

Paul O’Brien (1925-2012) was born to James and Jennie O’Brien in November 1925 and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Laurium, Michigan in 1947 and attended Suomi College and Michigan State University. O’Brien married Norma Jean (Johnson) O’Brien in 1972, at which time Paul owned and operated O'Brien's Bar in Laurium. He worked for the State of Michigan in the Department of Human Services from which he retired after 25 years of service.