Biographical Information (1 folder; 1901-1973 and undated) contains clippings and reprints of articles about Banér which were written during his lifetime, along with a 1973 biography from The Swedish Pioneer Historical Quarterly, and notes and photographs by Ironwood historian Victor Lemmer.
3 linear feet — 2 oversize volumes
The Johan G.R. Banér collection is an especially valuable resource for the study of immigrants in Michigan; it also provides examples of popular folklore during the first half of the twentieth century. The collection is divided into six series: Biographical Information, Correspondence, Manuscripts, Scrapbooks, Publications and Photographs; the material is written in both English and Swedish.
Correspondence (.3 linear ft. and 1 scrapbook; 1890-1939 and undated) is arranged in chronological order where possible. A "Calendar of Correspondence" at the beginning of the series provides an index to the people with whom Banér corresponded, as well as thumbnail descriptions of the letters' contents. There are letters in the collection from Luther Burbank, Joe Hill, Elbert Hubbard, Chase Osborn, and Booker T. Washington.
Manuscripts (1 linear ft.; undated) are arranged by genre and language. "Essays" include prose fiction, articles and Banér's versions of Indian legends. "Poetry" runs from light rhymes written for family and friends, to book-length odes. Most of the manuscripts are drafts of material which was eventually published.