Public Notice Detail

ST. PAUL, MN (September 22, 1999) – Today the Minnesota Supreme Court announced that the State Law Library is the recipient of a $10,000 donation from former Governor Elmer L. Andersen.  The initiating gift will establish a rare book fund in honor of the late Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Peter S. Popovich.

“This generous contribution will help preserve one of Minnesota’s greatest links to history - our oldest and rarest books,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen A. Blatz.   “Governor Andersen’s support and renowned passion for the written word will make this collection even more a treasure.  What a wonderful way to honor Chief Justice Popovich.”

The State Law Library has maintained a Rare Book Collection since 1990.  Governor Andersen made the first and oldest donation to the collection with a text on prominent English trials dating back to 1608.  His donations, coupled with rare volumes recovered from the basements of the State Capitol and State Office Buildings in St. Paul are housed in the State Law Library’s “Rare Book Room” in the Minnesota Judicial Center.  The room is open to the public and includes:

• Texts of notable British and American trials, from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries;
• Documents of early Minnesota government and law, dating to territorial days;
• “Statutes of the Realm” King George III - a collection of British laws from 1810, including a copy of the Magna Carta; and
• “Confederate Statutes” from 1864 and “Journals from the Constitutional Convention for Secession.”

The Rare Book Room currently contains approximately 1,900 volumes.  Andersen’s donation will secure the purchase of additional rare volumes and help preserve many already in the collection that have fallen into disrepair.  By re-binding some of the frailest texts, many can be preserved for posterity.

Governor Andersen’s donation is made in honor of the late Chief Justice Peter S. Popovich.  What began as a mutual respect and partnership across political aisles in the Minnesota Legislature continued as a lasting friendship throughout their respective careers. 

“I hope this fund will serve as a fitting tribute to a great man and a great friend,” said Governor Andersen.  “Just as books keep our history alive for future generations, donations in Peter’s name will help keep his memory alive.”

Questions about making monetary or literary contributions to the fund can be directed t  Marvin Anderson, State Law Librarian, Minnesota Judicial Center,  St. Paul, MN 55155, (651) 297-2084.