The George C. Westervelt Papers are divided into three series; Series I. Historical File; Series II. Correspondence; and, Series III. Scrapbooks and Notebooks. The historical file and scrapbook provide evidence of Westervelt’s role in the formation of Oberlin College’s first band. The correspondence series provides insight into Westervelt’s personal life, including information regarding family deaths and Westervelt’s personal financial difficulty.

A separate notebook contains notes recorded by Westervelt for a psychology class taught by Professor John Ellis.

Series I. Historical File, 1880-81, 1928-29, n.d. (1 folder)

This series consists of one file concerning the history of Oberlin Bands. Included are typed descriptions by Westervelt, as well as several letters and articles concerning Westervelt and his involvement in the formation of the first college band The Orpheus Club.

Series II. Correspondence, 1887, 1896, 1903, 1915-17, 1921, 1932-33, 1936-41 (2 folders)

This series is comprised of two folders. The first folder primarily contains correspondence between Westervelt and various family members, including letters regarding the deaths of his brother and wife, as well as letters detailing financial difficulty. The second folder contains correspondence between Mrs. George Westervelt and the DeMoulin Bros. & Company concerning the purchase of pulpit chairs for First Congregational Church in Oberlin, Ohio. Also included is a personal letter from Mrs. H.E. Westervelt (sister-in-law) to Emma Westervelt.

Series III. Scrapbooks and Notebooks, c. 1872-1938, n.d. (2 volumes, 1 folder)

Consists of a scrapbook that contains a miscellaneous collection of clippings that include biographical information regarding Westervelt and extended family, programs of Oberlin band concerts, reunion memorabilia for both Oberlin High School and Oberlin Conservatory, maps, social announcements, steamboat and train schedules, and other memorabilia c.1880-1900. An additional folder of loose notes contains similar materials, dated c.1872-1938. The notebook includes lecture notes recorded by George Westervelt for a psychology class taught by Oberlin College Professor John Ellis (1876).

This collection was not assigned an accession number.