The collection consists of personal and business correspondence, letters of congratulations up on his election as Whitman College President, newspaper clippings, addresses and writings, and memorial materials and notes of condolence. A book of music and lyrics composed by his wife, Clarice Winship Colton Bratton, information about a poetry prize competition in her honor, and the program from the Recognition Dinner given in Dr. Bratton's honor are included. Further materials document Clarice Bratton's vocal training in Germany, employment at Whitman College, marriage to Walter A. Bratton in 1901, and Winship family genealogy, as well as the couple's travels to Germany in 1903-04.