Series 1. Biographical Files, 1920, 1940, 1947, 1949, 1955, 1965-66, 1973, 1976, 1981, n.d. (4 folders)

The biographical files contain documents concerning Williams (i.e., obituaries and memorials) and his family. Family items include his mother’s obituary, news clippings about his daughter, and programs from his wife’s memorial service, as well as remembrances of Mary Maltbie Williams written by their daughter. This series also contains material relating to Williams’ involvement in the Oberlin town community and First Church.

Series 2. Departmental Files, 1924, 1927-69, n.d. (6 folders)

This series includes files relating to the Oberlin College Music Education department and Williams’ involvement in that department and summer music programs. The Music Education folders contain information about departmental and overall Conservatory guidelines and curriculum, especially changes to the program. Many items have notes by Williams, showing his reaction to the information. The Oberlin College Bands folder primarily consists of clippings about the Concert and Women’s bands. The series also includes programs from concerts in which Williams was involved, as well as a decade (1931-42) of Music Department programs, with notes by Williams, and information about the Oberlin-Salzburg exchange plan. This series is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Series 3. Correspondence, 1933, 1935, 1942, 1952, 1957, 1963-67, n.d. (3 folders)

This series contains professional and personal correspondence (incoming and outgoing) of Williams. Professional correspondence includes letters with Norman Lloyd, newly-chosen Dean of the Conservatory of Music, regarding Williams’ concern over Lloyd’s opinions about music education, and a letter from Richard Goldman of The Goldman Band. The personal correspondence is a single letter from Walter H. Frederick.

Series 4. Writings by Arthur L. Williams, 1926, 1944, 1948, 1952, 1959, 1966-71 (2 folders)

Series 4 contains reprints of articles written by Williams as well as copies of his report, “A History of the Oberlin College Band.” The titles of the articles are listed in the inventory. This series is arranged in chronological order.

Series 5. Photographs, 1928-58, n.d. (9 folders)

This series consists of photographs of acquaintances of Williams and of an assortment of Oberlin College Bands that were directed by Williams. A few of the personal photographs are in the form of Christmas cards. The photographs of the Oberlin College bands are organized into folders by the following titles: Marching Band, Miscellaneous (i.e. Brass Choir, Trumpet Sextet, Navy Band), Symphonic Band, and Women’s Band.