This collection includes over 700 letters, photographs and documents ranging from 1926-1995. This time period covers Ward Ritchie’s mid-20s to late 80s, spanning from his time at Occidental College right up to his years of busy retirement.

Although this collection is made up of predominantly personal letters, Ritchie had a working relationship with a number of friends and so many of the letters also include discussions of business. Ritchie’s business contacts were international and many of the letters in the collection are from printers, authors, booksellers and librarians from around the world. Some of his contacts included Jake Zeitlin, Leslie E. Bliss, and Lawrence Clark Powell.

This collection also includes a number of official documents relating to the family and relating to Ritchie’s various businesses. This includes land deeds, one of Ritchie’s passports, a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate, and various other papers.

Significant sections of the collection include 1958-1960 where Ritchie corresponded frequently with his son, Jonnie, as he served in the American army, and 1927-1928 where Ritchie corresponded with his college girlfriend, Marion Carr. Both of these periods include letters, postcards, and photographs that were sent and received by Ritchie. These sections include documents from all over the world as Ritchie’s son was stationed in Vietnam and Japan, while Marion Carr embarked on a round-the-world trip, visiting countries like Egypt, China, and France.