Harvey Clark was an Oregon pioneer of 1840 who helped to found Pacific University, and who owned much of the land where the town of Forest Grove now lies. The collection includes one original letter by Harvey Clark dated 1843; a facsimile and transcription of a 1844 letter; a transcription of his 1837 "memory book," a book of verses and notes written by friends; and typed biographical notes about Harvey Clark.

The Lymans were a family of early Oregon settlers who were active in missionary, educational and literary activities. The bulk of the collection is comprised of correspondence between member of the Lyman family and their friends between the years of 1846 to 1883.