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The Edson family papers are made up of letters that Hanford Wisner Edson and Elmer Rockwood Edson wrote to their parents and sister while attending and teaching at Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, and Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the late 1880s and early 1890s. The brothers wrote of their coursework, social activities, acquaintances, and finances, and responded to news from home, particularly information about their sister Helen's frail health. Printed programs are also present.

The Edson family papers (110 items) are mostly made up of over 100 letters that Hanford Wisner Edson and Elmer Rockwood Edson wrote to their parents and sister while attending and teaching at Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, and Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the late 1880s and early 1890s.

Elmer Rockwood Edson discussed his social life, leisure activities, and classes at Phillips Exeter Academy (1886-1890) and Williams College (1891-1894). He frequently mentioned his limited finances, and sometimes attached receipts or noted recent purchases, especially of clothing. Additionally, he wrote about his regular attendance at church services and his occasional games of tennis. On December 12, 1891, he sent a four-page letter to his sister Helen in which he described the developmental stages of tadpoles and frogs, illustrated by two drawings.

Hanford Edson wrote about his experiences while attending and teaching at Williams College and while teaching at Robert College in Constantinople, Turkey. He discussed his participation in Williams College's glee club, his decision to move to Turkey, and his life in Williamstown, Massachusetts, after his return from Eurasia. Both brothers commented on the frail health of their sister Helen.

• 13th Annual Contest for the Graves Oratorical Prize (June 22, [1889])
• Commencement Concert by Williams College Glee and Banjo Clubs (June 24, 1889)
• Junior Preliminary Moonlight Contest (March 13, 1894)