Arvid T. Johnson Papers, 1895-1957

Summary

Creators:

Johnson, Arvid T.

Abstract:

This collection contains correspondence, ephemera, and a photograph album of World War I American soldier Arvid T. Johnson (later a San Diego State College history professor), as well as some later family letters and documents.

Extent:

167 items.

Language:

English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains correspondence and ephemera.

The Correspondence series is arranged alphabetically by author and predominantly contains letters from Arvid T. Johnson to his then-girlfriend Louise Harris Johnson during World War I. The letters include discussions of how much he misses her, his experiences doing laundry and dental work, troop entertainment, and his observations about Germany. Additionally, there are letters regarding Johnson’s academic career and letters from Cassius W. Harris (Louise’s brother) to his family members during World War II. Most of the original envelopes are included with the letters.

The Ephemera series is arranged alphabetically by subject and then chronologically within each folder. It contains Johnson’s address book, Cassius W. Harris’ Bible, empty envelopes, event programs, funeral announcements, government identifications, a marriage certificate, Cassius W. Harris’ report book, newspaper clippings, a photo album and photographs. The photo album includes photographs from the home front as well as Johnson’s pictures of Europe and his friends during the war.

Biographical / historical:

Arvid T. Johnson was an American soldier during World War I. He joined the Medical Detachment of 354th Infantry American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) where he served as a dental assistant. He spent 1917 training in the United States and was sent to Europe in June 1918 where he served in France and Trier and Waxweiler, Germany. After the war, he married Louise Harris. He was the principal of the Bennington, Oklahoma, high school before he joined the University of Toledo in the 1930s as a history professor. In 1955, he also became the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Toledo. In 1957, he and Louise moved to Southern California and he served as the assistant to the President of San Diego State College.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Dr. Martin Ridge, October 22, 1998.

Arrangement:

Arranged in two boxes: Box 1: Correspondence (arranged alphabetically by author); Box 2: Ephemera and Photographs (arranged alphabetically by material type).

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

World War, 1914-1918 -- Medical care.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, American.
Letters (correspondence) -- 20th century.
Photograph albums -- 20th century.
Photographs -- 20th century.

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:

Huntington Library, Manuscript Collections

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA 91108, US

Contact:

(626) 405-2191

reference@huntington.org

Website