The Harry Trippe Papers consist of family correspondence and official documents pertaining to his World War I service, and a set of pocket diaries covering the majority of his adult life. The family correspondence covers the period 1917 to 1919. These letters describe his experiences at Fort Leavenworth and Camp Sherman, the transit of the 308th from Ohio to Europe; his experiences overseas before and after assuming command, and the regiment's return to the United States. Trippe's correspondence, especially during the pre-armistice period, deals less with his activities than where he went, who and what he saw, living conditions, and family matters. A few letters to and from other family members are included.
The collection also contains a quantity of official army documents concerning Trippe himself and the 308th. Included in the former category are routine documents concerning leave, promotions, etc. The official correspondence relating to the regiment contains a variety of commendatory letters primarily concerning the bridge construction at Dun, copies of monthly reports, summaries and battle orders. Also included is a typewritten regimental history.
The memorabilia contains miscellaneous documents, biographical clippings, and a Civil War letter which is unidentified but was probably written by a member of the Trippe family.
Trippe's pre-military life is documented in 15 pocket diaries, with an additional five items concerning the period of his military service. Unfortunately, the entries are, for the most part, brief and impersonal.
In additions to this collection not yet organized are photographs documenting the service of the regiment and family life in Whitewater. These are available in the Visual and Sound Archives in Madison.
