The papers of William A. Solien are divided into two series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1940-1947) consist almost entirely of the letters exchanged among Solien, his wife, and their parents during his stateside service with the Army in World War II. Letters to his wife, Elayne, express his deep love for her and describe his day-to-day activities as he went through Officer Candidate Class and served in and around Camp Walters, Texas. Her letters describe events at home and her desire to be with him. They often include a few sentences in Norwegian which they both spoke. Letters exchanged among Solien, his parents, and Elayne's parents focus more on events at home. There are also letters to Solien from other friends and family. Other materials include Solien's discharge certificates, a ration book, and war ballot materials sent to Solien so that he could vote in the 1944 primary elections.
Photographs (1943-1944) include many shots of Solien with his wife, Elayne, probably while he was home on furloughs. There are several scrapbook pages that have been kept intact as well as some loose photographs. Almost all are unidentified, though most of the people in the other photographs seem to be family.
