The Belden family papers, although scarce in biographical information, is rich in describing the social life of its members. The miscellaneous newspaper clippings, event programs, invitations, and photographs, document the interests and social activities of the Belden Family. These materials provide an illustration of family life in the late 1800s and the early part of the twentieth century. The papers of the Belden Family are organized into four series: biographical, correspondence, miscellaneous items, and photographs.

Series 1. Biographical File, n.d.

The modest biographical file (along with student records held by the College Archives) provides information about four of the five children of Reverend William Henry and Ellen Scranton Belden mainly in fhe form of Oberlin alumni response cards. Information about the fifth child, Charles Selden Belden, is scarce.

Series 2. Correspondence, 1856, 1876-1899 (arranged chronologically)

The correspondence series contains letters written between members of the Belden Family, and they provide detail accounts of everyday activities, concerns, and events of the day. A letter written by John Torrey to Charles Scranton, 20 October 1885, contains genealogical information about Abigail Torrey Scranton.

Series 3. Miscellany, 1877-1933 (span; not inclusive), n.d.

This series contains newspaper clippings, invitations, calling cards, dance programs, tickets, and a booklet of poems given to Charles Scranton by Caroline Tappan.

Series 4. Photographs, c. 1890s-1903, n.d.

This series contains approximately 50 photographs, stereoscope cards, and postcards of members of the Belden family and others and includes pictures of outdoor gatherings and vacation scenes. Many of the pictures are unidentified.

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