The Edward Olson Collection is composed of two series: Correspondence, Printed Materials, and Misc. Unfortunately, the records for the Olson administration, particularly for correspondence, are extremely limited in scope due to the 1893 fire of University Hall (Old Main) which destroyed many of the records.
The Correspondence series contains letters written by individuals requesting a catalog of courses or seeking admission into the university. There is also correspondence from companies conducting business with the university. General correspondence is contained in one folder entitled, “A-Z.” Incoming and outgoing correspondence for a person or organization with more than 2 letters are contained in one folder; these are listed directly after “General” files.
The Printed Materials series includes newspaper clippings and memorials regarding his death.
The Misc. Materials include a bound Secretary’s book for the university Board of Trustees minutes from 1887-1891.