The Arthur E. Nilsson Papers are divided into three series: Correspondence, 1936-53 and n.d.; Speeches and Writings, 1931-33, 1938-41, and n.d.; and Collected Printed Material, 1931-59 and n.d. The latter series is divided into three subseries: Ben Lewis, 1932-49; Chapel Talks, 1937-49; and Miscellaneous, 1931-59.

Series I. Correspondence, 1936-53, n.d. (0.1 l.f.)

This correspondence is both incoming and outgoing and both personal and professional. Although the size is rather limited, the material includes information on many of Nilsson’s activities through this time period, from his government service to his experience as a football coach. It does not have any information about Nilsson’s family life, but is mostly a semi-professional, semi-personal type of correspondence.

Series II. Speeches and Writings, 1931-33, 1938-41, n.d. (0.1 l.f.)

These records are mainly speeches given by Nilsson to community and academic groups about the economic policy of the Depression and the New Deal. Most of the records are notes prepared for speaking, although there are some manuscripts of more formal speeches. There are also the scripts for two Oberlin-themed radio-plays that were obviously student-faculty productions.

Series III. Collected Printed Material, 1931-59, n.d. (0.2 l.f.)

Subseries 1. Ben Lewis, 1932-49

This is a file of speeches and writings of Ben Lewis collected by Nilsson during his time in Oberlin. There is one manuscript of Lewis’s that has been commented on by Nilsson, but the rest are copies of speeches given by Lewis.

Subseries 2. Chapel Talks, 1937-49, n.d.

This file includes bought and saved copies of Chapel Talks collected by Nilsson during and shortly after his time at Oberlin. The choice of topics shows both Nilsson’s particular interests and a selection of common topics of the day. Included in this series are partial records of special series of speeches on politics and economics.

Subseries 3. Miscellaneous, 1931-59

This file includes a few printed materials kept by Nilsson about Oberlin College and also some truly miscellaneous material. The Oberlin material is both from Nilsson’s time at Oberlin and from after he went to Cornell.

The following collections in the Oberlin College Archives contain material which relate to, or contribute to an understanding of Arthur E. Nilsson.

Records of the Department of Physical Education and Athletics (9/6)
Records of the Department of Economics (9/29)
Papers of Ben William Lewis (30/172)