William H. Mortensen papers and records, 1922-1990.

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William H. Mortensen papers and records, 1922-1990.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/310752379

William Mortensen was born in Hartford in 1903, the son of Danish immigrants. He attended Antioch College in Ohio and took classes at the Hartford College of Law. For 40 years Mortensen managed the Bushnell Memorial Hall. Upon his retirement, well-wishers included Carol Channing, with whom he had posed for a photograph when the actress performed at the Bushnell. Additionally, Mortensen served as Mayor of Hartford (Republican), a State Senator, and as a member of several other boards and committees. Mortensen earned honorary degrees from Trinity College and the University of Hartford. Among the many types of papers found within the collection are life records, audio recordings, photographs, diplomas and awards, deeds, wills, financial records, diaries, and correspondence from family, friends, and co-workers. The correspondence particularly demonstrates Mortensen's longtime association with the Seaverns family. The Bushnell Memorial was the brainchild of Mary Bushnell (Hillyer) Seaverns and her mother, Dotha (Bushnell) Hillyer. Mrs. Seaverns husband, Charles Frederick Taft Seaverns was President of the Bushnell and worked with Mortensen for many years. Mortensen also maintained friendships with the Seaverns' son Appleton and grandson Charles. Mortensen and his first wife, Alice, began the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation. The Mortensen's gave generously to local non-profit organizations, including the University of Hartford and Hartford Public Library. Mortensen died at his Old Saybrook home in 1990 at age 87. He was survived by his second wife, Trice.

5 linear feet (8 boxes and 4 scrapbooks).

Connecticut Historical Society

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 7305812

Related Entities

There are 13 Entities related to this resource.

Seaverns, Charles Bushnell.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65x5c4x (person)

University of Hartford.

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Bradstreet, Howard, 1869-1937

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6g17jd5 (person)

Channing, Carol, 1921-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6x16wz4 (person)

Carol Channing (b. January 31, 1921, Seattle, WA) is an American actress, singer, dancer and comedian. Notable for starring in Broadway and film musicals, her characters typically radiate a fervent expressiveness and an easily identifiable voice, whether singing or for comedic effect. She began as a Broadway musical actress, starring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949, and Hello, Dolly! in 1964, when she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She revived both roles several times thro...

Mortensen, Ida "Trice"

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68d3011 (person)

Trinity college Hartford, Conn.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6fn5njb (corporateBody)

Seaverns, Charles Frederick Taft.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6380c76 (person)

Mortensen, William H.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6cg2t4j (person)

Seaverns, Mary Bushnell Hillyer.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w63j6gr6 (person)

Hillyer, Dotha Bushnell.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6n049bf (person)

Mortensen, Elmer A., d. 1981.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6gn19hj (person)

Seaverns, Jeanice.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w64x8b0j (person)

William and Alice Mortensen Foundation.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6t216ps (corporateBody)