Edna Clark Mitchell was born on November 4, 1894 in Ames, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State College (University) in1917 with a degree in nutrition. While a student she also took courses in mathematics and drafting. In World War I Edna served as a dietician, primarily stationed in South Carolina. She married Paul Mitchell after her discharge from the service, and they returned to Ames.

After 10 years as a homemaker and the breakup of her marriage, Edna went to work as an engineer for the Iowa Highway Commission where she worked for 33 years. Among her responsibilities was the drafting of plans for maps, culverts, and road signs as well as the supervising of other women.

Edna and Paul Mitchell had three sons: Wallace, Dow, and Paul. All three served in World War II and Dow was killed during the war. Edna died March 14, 1993.

This collection (1913-1993) contains biographical information, family genealogies, military records, correspondence, clippings, photographs, and diplomas. The biographical information contains information about Edna C. Mitchell and her family, including family trees and a transcript of a 1977 interview with Edna about her life. Also included are Edna's answers to a survey conducted on women engineers in the U.S.

The military records and correspondence document Edna's service in the army during World War I, including information on her pay and postings. Later materials document her efforts to obtain the benefits due a veteran, which were not extended to women until the 1980s. Edna won her case and her discharge notes the awarding of several honors. Correspondence documents Edna's life through various phases, including World War I, her marriage, her sons' services in World War II, the post-war period, and the growth of her family. The clippings document her career as an engineer at the Iowa Highway Department and the 12 photographs show Edna as a dietician, with friends, and at work. The oversized diplomas are from Ames Public High School and Iowa State College.

This collection documents a woman with a long and varied life who, due to circumstances, had to support herself and her family at a time when this was uncommon. As she notes in the survey, "women are not expected to be able to do drafting plans."