The Lilla Estelle Appleton Papers provide uneven documentation of the life and career of this Oberlin alumna and educator. The papers consist of biographical information, diaries, correspondence, writings, essays, teaching related materials, newspapers, and non textual items. The papers are arranged in eight series: 1. Biographical Files, 2. Diaries and Journals, 3. Correspondence, 4. Student Files, 5. Teaching Files, 6. Writings, 7. Non-Textual Materials, and 8. Newspapers.

Best documented are her school and undergraduate studies. This period of her life is represented by essays, diaries, and correspondence. Appleton’s graduate studies are represented only by her theses and dissertations.

Of Appleton’s long and varied career as a teacher, much less information is available. Her early positions as a teacher in Vermont and Hawaii are covered to a degree by diaries and correspondence.

A transcript (in Series II and III) of Lilla Estelle Appleton's diaries and letters provides some insight into her life as a young woman in Vermont, her studies at Oberlin College, and her teaching career. Of particular interest is her correspondence, dated 1887-96, from her years teaching at Kawaiahao Seminary, a missionary school in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The student files in Series IV contain compositions written by Appleton while a student in Vermont and at Oberlin College. They cover a wide range of topics, including women's rights, politics, and the Oberlin Class of 1886. Several of these essays illustrate Appleton's lifelong interest in education, most notably in the essay she read at her 1886 graduation from the Literary Course, "The Teacher's Mission." An undated essay titled "Stepping Stones of our Dead Selves" appears to be a draft of her 1890 Philosophical Course Commencement essay "Death a Condition of Growth."

Lilla Estelle Appleton wrote chiefly on the topics of education and child study. Writings in Series VI include Appleton's University of Chicago theses and the published version of her doctoral dissertation A Comparative Study of the Play Characteristics of Adult Savages and Civilized Children: an Investigation of the Scientific Basis of Education (1910).

The non-textual material in Series VII includes a full-length photographic portrait of Lilla Estelle Appleton in academic regalia, date unknown.

Series I. Biographical Files, c. 1897, 1914, n.d. (0.01 l.f.)

This series contains a modest amount of biographical material, including a description (c. 1897) of a steriopticon lecture given by Lilla Estelle Appleton about the Hawaiian Islands, a report card (n.d.) from an unidentified school, and a 1914 certificate from the Training School at Vineland, New Jersey.

Series II. Diaries and Journals, 1874, 1876-78, 1883, 1889, 1893-96 (0.39 l.f.)

This series consists of originals, photocopies, and transcriptions of diaries and journals of Lilla Estelle Appleton. The diaries (1874, 1876-78, 1883) include entries while Appleton attended school and lived in Granby, Vermont (1874-1878), and her student days at Oberlin College (1883).

Series III. Correspondence, 1848, 1863, 1867, 1875-76, 1883, 1885-98, 1902-08, 1913, 1918, 1928-38, n.d. (0.8 l.f.)

The bulk of the letters (originals and transcriptions) were written during her teaching days in Hawaii at Kawaiahao Seminary in Honolulu, and in government schools, and her time in Vermont as a teacher and lecturer in 1895-96.

Series IV. Student Files, 1870-93, n.d. (0.1 l.f.)

These files contain papers from Lilla Estelle Appleton's school and college days. The bulk of the material consists of essays and rhetorical exercises (1870-93, n.d.) written while a student at various schools in Vermont and at Oberlin College. Arranged chronologically, with undated material arranged alphabetically at the end.

Series V. Teaching Files, 1908-15, n.d. (0.3 l.f.)

This series includes material related to Lilla Estelle Appleton's career as an educator, including materials used in teaching and files related to her research. Arranged alphabetically by subject.

Series VI. Writings, 1903-1910, n.d. (0.3 l.f.)

This series contain writings (handwritten and typescript) on educational topics. In addition to manuscripts, these files include book proposals, outlines, and notes. Arranged alphabetically.

Series VII. Non-Textual Materials, n.d. (0.3 l.f.)

The non-textual material consists of a scrapbook of dried plants from Hawaii and a printer's plate and three prints of Lilla Estelle Appleton in academic dress.

Series VIII. Newspapers, 1902-28 (1.7 l.f.)

These newspapers include an issue of the Oxford College for Women paper Oxford Spirit (March 1928), which contains an article by Lilla Estelle Appleton on a plan for teacher training work, and part of an issue of The Grand Rapids Press (May 2, 1914), concerned with women's suffrage.

Alumni file of Lilla Estelle Appleton. (RG 28)

The Henry Churchill King Papers contain 1903 correspondence concerning Lilla Estelle Appleton's desire to earn a master's or doctoral degree. (RG 2/6)