The Vilas Family papers are arranged alphabetically by writer of the letter and chronologically thereunder. Letters from outside the family circle are filed by recipient. Although the majority of the papers consist of correspondence, interspersed among the letters one will also find a few business and legal records, memoranda books, and miscellaneous writings. The letters primarily cover internal family matters: health, illnesses, education, marriages and deaths. Other topics of concern include recreation at home, social events, news of friends, severe weather conditions, travel, and social visits. There is little reference to the family's business affairs.
Although the correspondence is for the most part routine, it is of considerable interest because of its completeness because of the long period of time covered. Family relations for the entire 150-year span are well represented, and as a result, the collection documents especially well the communication patterns of an extended family.
The majority of the correspondence was written by or received by Cornelia Vilas Morse (1829-1916) or by her daughter, Helen Vilas Morse (1871-?). Also of note are some of the letters of her husband, Cornelius W. Morse, concerning his service in a Vermont regiment during the Civil War. The letters of George W. Vilas, a nephew, discuss his experiences while stationed in France during World War I. His letters touch on the treatment of Americans by the French, the Red Cross, and the Armistice.
