Hattie Ellen Johnson Follo was born on October 15, 1893 to Charles A. Johnson and Ellen Johnson in Escanaba, Michigan. Johnson attended Escanaba Grade School and High School, graduating in May 1910. She enrolled at Michigan State Normal College and graduated in 1914. The Hattie Ellen Johnson Follo papers consist of a scrapbook donated by their creator, Michigan State Normal College alum Hattie Ellen Johnson. While attending the College from 1910 to 1914, Johnson Follo collected postcards, photographs, and other materials.