From Manhattan, N.Y., Harold H. Johnston was a Berea College student from 1899 to 1900.  He studied business at Berea before returning to New York City.   He was employed as an editor with the Alfred M. Best Company for fifty-three years.  His family was close friends with Walt Witman.

While at Berea, Johnston was an active member of the Alpha Zeta literary society, competed in track and baseball, and was a keen observer of mountain life.  Letters in the collection describe literary society activities, wagon parties, camping and caving expeditions, various social events, and daily life as a Berea student.