Background
Trygve A. Rovelstad was born in Elgin, Illinois to Norwegian immigrant parents.
Trygve A. Rovelstad was born in Elgin, Illinois to Norwegian immigrant parents.
Rovelstad first studied at Fabyan Villa art studio on the estate of George Fabyan in Geneva, Illinois. He also attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and at Beaux-Arts Institute of Design in New York City.
Later he was accepted to work and study at the studio of sculptor Lorado Taft. He also designed non-military coins and medals for the United States Mint, the State of Illinois, and other bodies. He was a lifelong resident of Elgin and created several works honoring the city"s history.
Several of his sculptures are displayed at the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum.
In 1936, a commemorative half dollar designed by Rovelstad was issued by the United States Mint commemorating the centennial of Elgin, Illinois. The obverse features the profile of a pioneer with the dates "1673 * 1936," while the reverse features a pioneer family (four adults and a baby in its mother"s arms).
The coin was issued to finance the construction of Trygve Rovelstad"s Pioneer Family Memorial.