The Edward Nicholas Cole series contains correspondence, reports, project documents, blueprints, photographs, speech transcripts and audiovisual materials. The series has been divided into four sub-series:
The Correspondence subseries (2 linear feet) includes personal and professional letters dated between 1952-1977. Subjects include Cole's promotion to President of General Motors, his 1974 automobile safety debate with Ralph Nader and hobbies such as his work with the Boy Scouts of America.
The Project Files subseries (4 linear feet, 1 oversize box, and 1 tube) contains professional papers related to Cole's work with General Motors, Chevrolet, Checker Motors Corporation, International Husky Inc, and other projects. The materials highlight his accomplished and diverse career and include pictures of the light tanks he developed for Cadillac during World War II, audiovisual materials about the Chevrolet Corvette and Corvair cars and preliminary blueprints of new designs for Checker Motors Corporation. Other materials of interest include a series of project plans, feasibility studies, financial analyses and other documents related to International Husky Inc, an experimental collaboration with Boeing Aircraft to develop a heavy-duty air freight system.
The Speeches and Appearances subseries (5 linear feet) contains materials related to Cole's public speaking engagements. In the early 1970s, Cole was often invited to speak at conferences, meetings, commencements and the openings of factories, car dealerships and other buildings. Materials include speech transcripts, itineraries and other scheduling information related to these events.
The Personal Materials subseries (3 linear feet, 1 oversize box) contains papers, photographs, photo albums and audiovisual materials related to Cole's personal life and family. Materials also include a series of genealogical papers compliled by Joan Hoelaars which document the history of the Cole family.
