The Ellwood Lawson Collection consists of items collected by Lawson and his wife, Darla, that relate to his experience as an Old China Hand. The collection is primarily made up of biographical documents, including photographs and articles outlining Lawson's military service in China and his life in Pekin, Illinois. Many of these materials are annotated by Darla Lawson. The collection also includes an article written by Lawson's commanding officer, Captain W. H. Brockington, recounting memories of WWII; Chinese banknotes and coins; a 2002 China Marine Association Directory; and photographs from the Jung Chen Photographic Studio, with captions, depicting attractions around Peiping (present day Beijing). The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within.