The Hulda Ensslen Collection consists of correspondence relating to Hulda and Samuel Ensslen, dating from 1935 to 1964; eight photographic images; financial records of Samuel Ensslen from 1929 to 1930 and 1937 to 1940; and two newspapers, dating from 1934-1936. All of the materials in the collection were found by the donor in the attic of the home that once was owned by Samuel Ensslen. The collection has been organized into five series: Correspondence, Image, Financial, Subject, and Newspaper.

The Correspondence Series contains many letters to and from Samuel and Hulda Ensslen. Most of the correspondence is in the German language but a few are in English. The majority of the correspondence is to Hulda Ensslen, which has been organized into the country of origin, dating from 1955 to 1964. The correspondence to Samuel Ensslen dates from 1935 to 1938. There is also a letter to E. Ensslen from the General Conference of the German Evangelical Congregational Churches of America, dating from 1938.

The Image Series has eight images. They have been organized by format. The photographic postcards are black and white and are all from Germany. Two of them have writing on the back. The postcard is a Happy Birthday card that has not been used. The prayer card is a litho print with No. 47 printed on the front. It has an image of Jesus with Thomas. On the back of the prayer card is the bible verse John Ch. 20, V. 24-29 in German. The two photographic prints were found in one of the envelopes with the correspondence. The photographs are two small prints of a house. They both contain German writing on the back.

The Financial Series is comprised of financial records belonging to Samuel Ensslen. The records include bank statements, checkbooks, invoices, bills, receipts, and tax information. The series also contains some records that relate to the Fredonia Cooperative Mercantile Co. of Fredonia, North Dakota, which Samuel Ensslen was the general manager of from 1940 until 1947. The series dates from 1929 to 1930 and 1937 to 1940.

The Subject Series consists of a booklet and a notebook. The booklet is titled “Germany: North-west Germany, the Hanseatic cities, and the North Sea Bathing Resorts.” Inscribed in the booklet is “Anna Ennslen.” The notebook is entirely in German. It contains names and dates. It is possibly connect to Hulda Ensslen’s newspaper work.

The Newspaper Series contains two newspapers. The first is Der Kirchenbote from Yankton, South Dakota. The edition is 28 June 1934, No. 26, and it is in the German language. The second newspaper is National Farmer; Haus und Bauerfreund from Winona, Minnesota. The edition is 4 June 1936, No. 10. The newspaper is mostly in German but also contains some English.