Oral histories and biographies

The Papers of Harvey Johnson consists of documents dated 1907 to 1989, with the bulk falling from 1960 to 1980. This collection documents the life of Harvey Johnson and his family through oral history transcripts, biographies, and family tree information. Topics addressed include the improvement of the City of Fort Collins' water resources, damming the Poudre River, and the creation of Chambers Lake and Long Draw Reservoir for water storage. The collection includes correspondence, news clippings, photographs, land deeds, oral history transcripts, and biographies.

The unpublished biography of Johnson by Bill Hartman traces Johnson's family history from the southern region of Sweden through their immigration to America and arrival in Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. Hartman discusses Johnson's farming years in Fort Collins and his two terms as mayor. The oral history recorded by Dr. James Hansen of Colorado State University in 1985 builds on Hartman's biography. Topics discussed in the oral history include Johnson's childhood in Fort Collins, working for the Farm Bureau, selling farm equipment, serving as mayor, and his involvement with and the history of the Water Supply and Storage Company.

The photographs include images of Johnson and three others touring "high country" water sources, Johnson receiving a plaque during "Better Water for People Week," James Michener and Johnson overlooking mountains, and portraits of Johnson.