Raymond Totman Drew was born in 1923 in Conway, Massachusetts, the son of Ernest Clare and Mary (Totman) Drew. He grew up in nearby Greenfield. He attended the Massachusetts School of Art, Amherst College (B.A., English, 1949) and the University of New Mexico (M.A., 1951). During World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps with hopes of being an aviator, but served instead as a radio operator from 1943 to 1946, with overseas assignments primarily in Brazil and Puerto Rico. In 1958, after various stints as an art teacher and museum curator, Drew joined the faculty of New Mexico Highlands University, where he became professor of art education. Since the 1940s Drew wrote poems, several of which were published in magazines. While living in New Mexico he published a small book of poetry, Goat Songs (1970). His paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and in a USIA traveling exhibition. Drew died on February 13, 1982.

The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by Drew to his family in Greenfield, Massachusetts, while serving as a radio operator in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, 1943-1946, which were transcribed and printed by his cousin Conrad Totman; and poetry manuscripts, ca. 1946-1975. Included in the poetry are two copies of his book Goat Songs (1970), and letters to Drew about the book; correspondents include James Merrill. The collection also includes photographs of Drew, snapshots taken during World War II, miscellaneous correspondence and sketches.

This collection is organized into six series:

• 1. Personal Affairs and Biographical Material
• 2. Correspondence - Army letters home, 1943-1946
• 3. Other correspondence, 1959-1972
• 4. Poetry
• 5. Photographs
• 6. Sketches