Nygaard, Daphna, 1894-1978

Democratic National Committeewoman for North Dakota and prominent Democratic Party organizer.

Democratic National Committeewoman for North Dakota and prominent Democratic Party organizer.

Daphna Hauser Nygaard was born near Ypsilanti, North Dakota, on March 16, 1894, the eldest of six children of Frank J. (d. 1906) and Anna Schollander Hauser. She was graduated from the Jamestown College Academy, and then worked as a secretary for the Jamestown public Schools. On June 28, 1916, Daphna married Jesse J. (J.J.) Nygaard (1890-1972). They lived briefly in Woodworth, N.D. before returning to live in Jamestown, where Daphna became very active in various civic organizations.

Nygaard became actively involved in Democratic politics through her husband's political activities. She became a participant in North Dakota Democratic Party politics in an era when Democrats and politically active women were minorities in North Dakota. Always enthusiastic about women's participation in politics, Nygaard helped organize (1940) and was appointed director (1942) of the state Democratic Women's Organization. She served as Director of Women's Activities in the Democratic Party in North Dakota (1940-1950). She was elected Democratic Party National Committeewoman in 1940, a position she held until 1964.

Other interests included irrigation and water development in North Dakota. She was appointed to the State Water Coordinating Committee by Governors Davis and Guy. After her retirement as National Committeewoman, she was appointed to the State Health Council (1965-1977). Daphna Nygaard died on September 17, 1978.