The Julia G. Severance papers primarily consist of her etchings of notable sites and buildings around the Oberlin College campus. Also included are letters written to friends regarding personal matters. The letters were retained for the additional artwork found on them. The photograph series contains photos of Julia Severance and her studio in Oberlin, Ohio as well as photo album documenting her time in California and various loose photographs. The two scrapbooks in the collection primarily consist of newspaper clippings on various subjects. Miscellaneous items include an account book, two published books, and a small bronze plate. Although the collection documents her artistic talents, there exists only a small amount of biographical information and other materials relating to her education and family.

Series I. Correspondence, 1940, 1955, n.d.

The correspondence includes letters and cards written by Julia Severance to her friends containing artwork such as sketches and photographs.

Series II. Etchings and Artwork, 1912-1943, n.d.

The etchings consist of ink renderings of sites associated with Oberlin College and two sketches of unidentified people. These drawings, including some that are mounted, range in size from 9 inches by 12 inches to 3 inches by 5 inches. Many of these were used for the Oberlin College calendar as well as postcards. Artwork consists of two small round plaster maquettes and two watercolors from Italy. Sketches include 19 loose drawings and watercolors from Severance’s trip to Italy, and a sketchbook containing landscape pencil drawings.

Series III. Photographs, 1922,1926, 1940s-1950s

This series consists of five photographs taken of Julia Severance and her studio, numerous loose photographs of various subjects but primarily statuesque artwork and a photograph album from her time in California.

Series IV. Scrapbooks, ca. 1937-1948

Two scrapbooks are contained in the collection. Both relate to numerous subjects such as theatre, humor, poetry, etc. through newspaper clippings, photographs, and cards.

Series V. Miscellaneous, ca. 1930-1949, n.d.

Miscellaneous items of the collection include Severance’s account book, a small bronze plate, a catalogue of a Cleveland Museum exhibit, and postcards (7) that contain Severance's drawings of buildings and scenes of Berea College, Berea, Kentucky.

The papers of Julia G. Severance were received from several sources. In 1999, the College Archives received additional materials from Vincent Hart. An additional lot of materials was purchased in 2004 [2004/105]. Seven postcards were recieved from David Lee in 2008.

Student Alumni Records file of Julia Severance (28/1)
Oberlin College Archives Objects Collection (RG 35)
Goldberg, Marcia, “A statue, the College seal, a mural,” Oberlin Alumni Magazine 72 (January/February 1976): 8-12.