The materials in the Cranefield family collection are arranged in series pertaining to each family member except for the Genealogical Research Files and the General Family Materials which are grouped by subject or format. Files for each individual are arranged alphabetically and thereunder chronologically.
The GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH FILES series documents the origins of the “Cranfield” name prior to its change to “Cranefield.” Also included are vital records of family members, family trees, plat maps and ordinance survey maps of family properties, and an abundance of correspondence.
The GENERAL FAMILY MATERIAL series consists of family correspondence and correspondence with friends and acquaintances, miscellaneous writing and school material, and various theater programs and publications from the Madison area to New York.
The FREDERIC CRANEFIELD series consists of correspondence including letters from Eugene Degree, a French friend of Frederic's son Marion as well as various press clippings and World War I newspaper articles.
The LAURA HINRICHS series includes correspondence with the Cranefield children and with the Degree family and also a school workbook.
The MARION CRANEFIELD series documents Marion's World War I service through his correspondence (1916-1918) and various news clippings. His early school materials are also included.
The PAUL CRANEFIELD SR. series consists principally of work related correspondence and materials relating to family interests. The bulk of the correspondence is with the Veterans Administration requesting information pertaining to veterans' benefits. Some of Paul's school materials are also included.
The HAROLD CRANEFIELD series highlights his prominence within the labor movement and his campaign for District Attorney. The correspondence is brief, the bulk of the series consisting of news clippings and miscellaneous reports pertaining to his various campaigns and interests. Additional papers of Harold Cranefield can be found at the Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Union Archives (Detroit, Michigan).
The LAURA CRANEFIELD series consists principally of her extensive writing, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as a small amount of correspondence with various family members.
The PAUL CRANEFIELD JR. series consists of correspondence with family members and close associates, and his baby book including photos. Also included are school workbooks, yearbooks, and high school and college diplomas.
