This collection documents the Metzel family from the Civil War era 1860s through the 1960s. Its contents include a family history, landscape architecture blueprints by celebrated landscape architect, O.C. Simonds, contracts, and images.

A.J. Metzel and his family moved to Highland Park, Illinois in 1912 and developed an elaborately landscaped estate. This collection holds hand-colored images or the estate. The family owned the Cutler Shoe Company in Chicago from 1885-1937. A.J.’s son, Truman became the sole owner of the company in 1929 when his father died. The collection includes a family history written by Truman Thwing Metzel that spans from ca.1860-1960.