The Frederic Irwin papers spans the years 1944 to 1999 with the bulk covering 1942 to 1945. The primary components of the collection are series of letters and correspondence between Irwin and his Mother, Mrs. Manola Ness Irwin Baker; Mrs. Baker and acquaintances of Irwin’s; and governmental correspondence. Other materials include historical publications, correspondence with authors, military records and citations, photographs and news clippings. In addition, Irwin maintained an extensive library of books pertaining to World War II and the Eighth Air Force, which were donated along with the collection and have been added to the Shain Library catalog.

The Frederic Irwin papers provides an opportunity to study the impact of World War II from both a global and highly personal perspective. Newspaper and magazine clippings provide a glimpse of American Life and the war effort in the 1940’s, while the three personal correspondence recounts the terrible impact on individuals. Equally compelling is the view afforded the German war effort with the inclusion of the German publication “Battle and Victory” produced by the German Propaganda Office.