John Albert Erickson. 7 1/4" x 9 1/2" black and white photograph of John Albert Erickson, "born in St. Paul and came to Waseca with his parents when he was a small boy. He attended grade school and high school in Waseca, graduating in the class of 1911. He attended Yankton College at Yankton, South Dakota for two years. Later he held down a position with a lumber company in North Dakota. Later he returned to Waseca where he formed a partnership with his father, the firm name being John Erickson & Son. Besides doing plaster and general cement construction, they also manufactured cement blocks and tile. This firm constructed the first concrete pavement in Waseca. After the death of his father, he conducted the business alone until he disposed of it in 1924 when he accepted a position with the Universal Cement Company. He and his family moved to East Lansing, Michigan where he made his headquarters. In 1927 he moved to Jackson, Michigan where he started on a small scale to manufacture a coal saving device and before the war, his firm, the Viking Manufacturing Co, was manufacturing Viking Free Mill. When the war broke out he converted his plant over to making gun molds for the Army. Albert has an inventional mind, is a keen observer, and reads a lot. He is a wonderful fellow and friend. His and his family's friendship mean a lot. Best of luck. 2-8-45"
