Arthur Hanson

Art was a lifelong resident of the Elsie Community and was engaged in farming most of his adult life. He did make one foray into local politics, running for County Assessor, but was not successful. He was active in community affairs serving for many years on the Board of Directors of the Elsie Coop Oil Company. During the early 50’s Art was instrumental in organizing the Elsie Mutual Telephone Company. The purpose of this effort was to bring a modern telephone system to the community around Elsie and Grainton. The company used the labor of the local farmers and businessmen to construct the telephone physical plant receiving technical assistance from the Bell Telephone Company. After the construction was complete, Art served on the Board of Directors for many years and was the first person to perform all of the maintenance activities for the company. Although Art’s formal schooling ended at the 10th grade, he was a strong advocate of education and took great pride in his children’s academic accomplishments. He was a faithful member of the Elsie United Methodist Church and participated actively in the construction of the new church building. Mildred and Art were married for 55 years. Mildred’s life was centered around the family and she made sure that they all stayed in contact. It was a big event in her life when one of the kids who had moved away came back for a visit. She was active in the church and held many offices in the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She may not have been the best pie baker in Perkins County but she certainly was in the top 10.