Karolevitz, Robert F. Papers

The Robert F. Karolevitz Papers document the life and career of South Dakota journalist, author and historian Robert F. Karolevitz (1922-2005). Born in Yankton, Karolevitz began writing as a student and later studied printing and journalism at South Dakota State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1948 and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. During World War II he served with the U.S. Army Infantry in the Pacific, rising to the rank of captain and serving as division historian for the 25th Infantry Division, which led to the publication of his first book in 1946. Over the course of his career he authored nearly forty books and numerous newspaper columns, focusing largely on the history and culture of South Dakota and the American Midwest. His work earned national and regional recognition, including a Sigma Delta Chi award, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Wrangler Award, and induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. In addition to his writing, Karolevitz was active in civic and historical organizations, contributing to institutions such as the South Dakota State Historical Society and the South Dakota State University Alumni Association. The collection spans 1833 to 2005, with the bulk of materials dating from 1910 to 1999, and documents Karolevitz’s personal life, writing career, civic involvement and historical research. Personal files include educational records, family correspondence, financial and legal documents, photographs, memorabilia and genealogical materials relating to the Karolevitz family and their connections to Yankton and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Professional materials consist of manuscripts, published and unpublished writings, newspaper columns, speeches, advertising and political ghostwriting, and correspondence with publishers. The papers also include research files on subjects such as South Dakota history, journalism, Catholic institutions, transportation and American military history, containing clippings, notes, pamphlets and supporting documentation gathered for Karolevitz’s writing projects. A significant portion of the collection consists of photographic materials, including thousands of prints, negatives, slides and postcards documenting South Dakota communities, early automobiles and farm equipment, American Indian communities, historic newspaper offices, Catholic parishes and military subjects. Together, these materials document Karolevitz’s extensive work as a writer and historian and provide a substantial resource for the study of regional history, journalism and cultural life in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains.