Scope and Contents: The papers consist of 9 letters written by Monroe, August 1881‑February 1882, while he was a member of a surveying crew f or the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Monroe called it the Penokee or Wisconsin Central Survey and wrote from Ashland County in the northern part of the state where the work took place. He described his duties as a surveyor, people he worked with and his reactions to this type of employment. He was a member of the party at the suggestion of his uncle, Frederick N. Finney, who was president of the railroad. Also written by Monroe are some essays, 1875‑80 and n.d., and "Wild Asters of Wisconsin," (published 1913). A printed description of his collection of asters is also included. Among the papers is a history of Monroe's life written by his wife (typescript, 16 pp.) and the manuscript for a history of Oberlin written for young people by Mary K. Monroe, a sister of Charles.
Note: Entry taken from William E. Bigglestone's unpublished "[preliminary] Guide to the Oberlin College Archives," which was prepared as individual entry sheets in a three-ring binder during the early 1980s.
INVENTORY
Box 1
"History of Oberlin", by Mary K. Monroe-
Written for boys and girls, 1916-17
"Life of Charles Edwin Monroe by his wife,
Marie J. Monroe. Written for the Milwaukee
Museum at the request of the Curator of
the Milwaukee Museum", no date
Printed Matter, 1913-36
Letters from Camp (Penokee Survey and Addison
County), Wisconsin (Written while surveying
for Wisconsin Rail Road), 1881-82
Essays, 1875- 80 and no date
Miscellaneous, 1894-1944
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