The collection consists primarily of letters between the immediate and extended family members and friends of Edmund Pike Graves (also referred to as Ned) who resided in Newburyport, France, England, Germany, Barbados, and elsewhere.

The correspondence describes much of the family and social life of the Graves and offers insight into the education of the children, illnesses, accidents, vacations, and friendships. The bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to Mary Warner Caldwell Graves (also referred to as Mollie, Polly, and Maud) and Ellen Graves. Although there is some mention of World War I, the letters primarily describe day to day life and are illustrative of the relationships within the Graves social circle and travels. Letters from Edward Hale Perry and, in particular, Hermann Olde (of J. Olde and Sons Telegraph in London, England) are prominent in many Graves family members' correspondence.

The material has been organized into three series, with dated materials arranged chronologically. Copies of newspaper clippings have been made; the originals are not available for viewing. Note that although the collection is predominantly in English, some materials are in Spanish and German.

SERIES I. Mary Warner Caldwell Graves & Edmund Pike Graves Papers is divided into three subseries. Earlier letters (1887-1901) describe preparing for the move from Newburyport to Buenos Aires. Letters from both Edmund Jr. while at school, and Ellen while traveling are plentiful to each parent individually. Subseries A. Mary Warner Caldwell Graves Correspondence consists of letters from friends and family members, invitations, and calling cards with Box 4 Folder 2 containing photographs, many from Buenos Aires. Although most of the correspondence is written in English, some is written in Spanish and German. Subseries B. Family Correspondence consists of invitations, letters to both Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Pike Graves, and telegrams from family members. Subseries C. Edmund Pike Graves Correspondence consists of letters from family members.

SERIES II. Graves Children's Papers is divided into four subseries. Subseries A. Ellen Graves Papers consists of letters from family and friends as well as a ticket to board the ship Neptune (Box 5 Folder 3), and a travel insurance card. Letters from Hannah Shipley of Bryn Mawr College and college receipts are in Box 5 Folder 9 and Box 6 Folder 3 respectively. Although the bulk of the correspondence is in English, some is written in German, French, and Spanish. Subseries B. Edmund Pike Graves, Jr. Correspondence includes letters from school friends, air force colleagues, cousins, and other family members. Includes letters from Samuel Cabot who later married Mary. Subseries C. Misses Graves Papers consists of letters, invitations, greeting cards, and calling cards to Mary, Nancy, and Ruth individually as well as letters to the "Misses Graves." This subseries also includes stories written by Nancy and drawings by Mary. Subseries D. Graves Children's School Papers includes composition books with school exercises, speeches, drawings, collages, and other materials from their years in Buenos Aires. Cards, poems, and a hand drawn "poster" with a request to the adults for a silent auction to be held in the evening.

SERIES III. Other includes letters from members of the Graves family to other extended family members, many to the Perry family. It also includes one folder, Box 9 Folder 4, of letter fragments. Many letters have multiple successive pages with either the first page missing or the final page(s) missing. Box 9 Folders 5 and 6 consist of brochures, event programs and other ephemera. Brochures for the children's schools are included in this subseries. In Box 9 Folder 7 is a guide for foreign students to the United States, written in Spanish.