The papers of John E. Wirkler primarily document his work as director of the Men's and Women's Glee Club of Oberlin College. The collection contains programs and publicity, sheet music, and scrapbooks relating to the Glee Clubs.

Of particular interest are the words and music to songs performed by the Glee Clubs. Included is sheet music to the popular song of the 1940s and 1950s at Oberlin entitled I'll Be with You Where You Are (1946).

Also included in the collection is correspondence relating to John E. Wirkler's work as editor of the 1948 Alumni Catalogue. The letters include matters concerning the catalogue as well as other issues relating to the College. Some of the correspondence pertains to Wirkler's work with the Oberlin College Glee Clubs.

The papers of John E. Wirkler are divided into two series: 1. Correspondence, 1932-57, and 2. Files relating to the Oberlin College Glee Clubs (Men and Women), 1880-1948, 1951-59, n.d. Series 2 is further subdivided into three subseries: 1. Programs and Publicity, 1880-1930, 1945, 1948, 1951-59; 2. Music, 1923, 1946, n.d.; and 3. Scrapbooks, 1894-1951.

Series 1. Correspondence, 1932-57 (8 folders, 0.3 l.f.)

The correspondence series contains letters relating to John E. Wirkler's work to assemble an Alumni Catalogue (1948) for Oberlin College graduates. Other letters concern issues relating to the College such as the Glee Clubs, student life, and the administration. Two folders contain correspondence and printed matters related to Wirkler's membership in the University Club of the University of Florida.

Series 2. Files relating to the Oberlin College Glee Clubs (Men and Women), 1880-1948, 1951-59, n.d. (1.1 l.f.)

This series is divided into three subseries. Subseries 1. Programs and Publicity, 1880-1930, 1938, 1945, 1951-59, contains programs, newspapers clippings, membership information, and notices concerning the performances of the Oberlin College Men's and Women's Glee Clubs. Subseries 2. Music, 1923, 1946, n.d., includes sheet music (words and scores) of Oberlin College songs and other songs performed by the Glee Clubs. Subseries 3. Scrapbooks, 1899-1951, consists of scrapbooks containing clippings, concert programs, and press notices relating to the Glee Clubs.

Note: Two berets, received as part of the Wirkler Papers, are located in the Museum Items Collection, #209 (RG 35). See the database or listing for the Museum Items.