This substantive family archive of Canadiana consists of multi-page correspondence for southern and south-central Ontario beginning in 1875 through 1929, but mostly pre-20th century, and comprises of several different threads of personal/familial writings with letters received between Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and many other locations across Canada. Along with the over 85 letters are some loose covers, an account book, one check book with stubs and perhaps another 20 pieces of ephemera.

This fonds contains material relating to the personal and professional life of Luise Herzberg, including materials relating to her childhood and schooling; family documents; materials relating to her parents, Paul and Elsbeth Oettinger, correspondence with her sister, Lotte Thurnauer; and materials received or collected by her son Paul Herzberg. The fonds contains substantial material relating to Luise’s scientific work, including correspondence with international colleagues, and reprints of her articles.

This collection of correspondence was predominantly written by Horace Wickenden (one note was written by Margaret Wickenden) to friends Ivan and Marjorie Logan. The letters reflect Wickenden’s views on current events, both global and national, with some emphasis on Canadian politics. In them, he also discusses books he has read; philosophy; reflects on teaching and education; and to some extent, relates daily activities and events in his life and that of his family. Very little discussion of art and painting are in the letters, although these, too, are occasional topics: particularly with regard to Robert Hurley, an artist Wickenden clearly admired.

In terse, usually one line descriptions, the daily work of a male farmer on a mixed farm through the depression years are depicted. In addition to grain the couple raised both cattle and pigs; if there was also poultry this would presumably have been the purview of the woman and was not noted. Entries in a second hand are found at the back of the 1927 diary, primarily regarding quilting; and at the back of the 1939-1942 diary, noting household expenditures. At the end of 1929, the main author noted "Very poor year. Drought. Shortage of feed and water;" to which his partner appended, "All poor if you ask me???"