The Correspondence series is arranged into the following subseries. The General Correspondence subseries, 1919-1942 (69.6 cubic ft.), Acc. 6, is the largest and most substantial. It is comprised of correspondence between the office of Edsel B. Ford and a wide range of companies and individuals. The records are arranged by year except for 1919 to 1921, which are inclusive in one alphabetical series. Subsequently, within each year from 1922 to 1942, the material is arranged alphabetically by year. The correspondence was maintained using a numerical filing system supplied by the Amberg File and Index Company. The name of a correspondent or company or subject of the letter was utilized for filing. The files reflect Edsel Ford's involvement in all aspects of company business and his broad and varied interests. Although A. J. Lepine, Edsel Ford's secretary from 1918 until Edsel's death in 1943, created guidelines to follow for determining which word in a company name or subject term was primary, consistency was, in reality, rare. Researchers are advised to search under related terms and words within a term to find relevant material. From 1923 to 1942, a card index was maintained by office staff to provide subject access where knowledge of subject was considered significant. This original card index is available in the Benson Ford Research Center (BFRC) reading room at The Henry Ford; however, since Ford Motor Company retained a large portion of the series, the index does not accurately reflect BFRC holdings. Researchers should also note there is overlap with other series, particularly the Subject Files series. The Answered by Form Letter subseries, 1933-1936 (.8 cubic ft.), Acc. 6, is correspondence managed by Lepine and other staff on behalf of Edsel Ford, utilizing repeatable text. Although the form letters changed from time to time, their purpose was to respond to every letter that arrived except for those which merited individual answers. For example, form letters were utilized to respond to offerings of paintings, antiques, and other objects for sale; fund raising, membership, and committee requests; requests for endorsements, autographs, loans, and investments; and proposals for new manufacturing projects. The form letters are arranged by year and then alphabetically by name of correspondent; the date and form letter number used for reply are noted on the letter. The Motor Files subseries, 1931-1945 (2 cubic ft.), Acc. 6, is comprised of correspondence and agreements between the Office of the President, Ford Motor Company, and various educational institutions. The records, arranged chronologically by year, pertain to the loan of motors by the Ford Motor Company to various institutions for demonstration and education. The files were maintained after Edsel Ford's death; the subseries includes 1944 and 1945 correspondence from Henry Ford II when he was an executive vice-president. The Telegrams subseries, 1923-1942 (1.6 cubic ft.), Acc. 6, consists of outgoing telegrams and cablegrams from the office of Edsel B. Ford, arranged chronologically. There is also .8 ft. of Miscellaneous correspondence.
