Contents: The army files include materials from Johnson's service in World War I (1918-1919) and his involvement in the National Guard. The biographical file contains newspaper articles of Johnson's activities, such as book reviews of his publications, as well as clippings pertaining to personal and family matters. The correspondence files include Johnson's "Roman Letters" (1908-1912) to his family while in Rome; his World War I letters (1918-1919); and letters sent to him by his family (1909-1911). These files also contain general correspondence (1919-1972), such as letters to historical societies and publishers regarding his research and publishing activities. Letters to friends are also found in these files. Johnson's diaries (1918-1919, 1941-1972) contain brief descriptions of daily activities. The World War I diaries describe his activities as an army chaplain serving in France. His later diaries describe local events as well as reactions to national and international news, such as World War II and its aftermath. St. Francis Seminary activities, visits with friends, and writing and publishing news are described therein. The mass books (1920-1972) and mass intentions (1912- 1915) contain brief entries of masses. The publications series includes Johnson's major published works: CENTENNIAL ESSAYS FOR THE MILWAUKEE ARCHDIOCESE, 1843-1943 (1943), CROSIER ON THE FRONTIER: A LIFE OF JOHN MARTIN HENNI (1959), DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY IN MILWAUKEE, 1846-1946 (1946), EARLY CATHOLIC CHURCH PROPERTY IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE (1941), HALCYON DAYS: STORY OF ST. FRANCIS SEMINARY, 1856-1956 (1956), STUFFED SADDLEBAGS: THE LIFE OF MARTIN KUNDIG (1942). Also included are his editorials for the CATHOLIC CITIZEN, several miscellaneous papers, articles written for the NEW CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, as well as a few books reviews. The research files consist mainly of "ghost church" research. Included are the reports of John G. LaVies, Milwaukee architect and builder, who under Johnson's direction, was responsible for the ghost church field investigation, which dealt with interviewing, transcribing deeds and spotting property, and of map making and sketching. Several other research files contain information pertaining to the U.S. Civil War and Catholic involvement in it. Sermons and addresses (1909-1969) are also contained in the collection. While Johnson's earlier sermons are usually written out, the later sermons and addresses appear in outline form. The collection also contains teaching materials, such as class records (1921-1956), lectures, reading lists, and student paper topics. The last series includes personal items and artifacts. Ordination and anniversary cards, medals, memberships, passports, and a number of miscellaneous documents and other items are found in these files.
