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Family of descendants of Justin Ely (1739-1817) with branches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio. More than half the papers consists of family correspondence and printed matter (1883-1920) collected by Leicester Craig Clark. The printed matter (ca. 1900-1920) includes advertising brochures, greeting cards, picture postcards, and pamphlets from religious and charitable organizations, which offer a sample of American popular culture for the period. Clark's sister, Margaret Clark Neal, and his mother, Bertha Ely Clark, are prominently represented.Another major portion of the papers consists of approximately four hundred photographs (1862-1925) showing members of the related Clark, Ely, Farnam, Kent, Kingsley, and Upham families, their friends, and views of places in Europe and the United States. Most of the photographs were taken by professional photographers. Also included are eighty paintings and drawings made by members of the family, most numerous being the watercolors and oil paintings of Elizabeth Ely. A number of tracings were done by Leicester Craig Clark. Additional memorabilia includes newspaper clippings, programs, invitations, and commonplace books.