The collection includes the 13 volume diary of Frederick Putnam, dating from May 1846 to January 1900. The diaries contain Putnam’s reflections and observations of various events that occurred during his life as a resident of Muncie. Also included are transcriptions of the diaries dated 1846 to 1883 and photocopies of the diaries dated 1883 to 1900.

This collection includes scrapbooks, correspondence, diaries, publications, newspaper clippings and speeches by Dr. Kemper from 1859-1927. The scrapbooks include information on Dr. Kemper’s travels, including trips to Egypt and Europe, from 1905 to 1913. The correspondence series includes letters between Dr. Kemper and Hattie Kemper during and after the Civil War, from 1859 to 1875.

This collection includes a photocopy of the diary written by Thomas Ryan in 1886. Ryan wrote in the diary every day. He recorded the weather, events at school, activities with friends, trips to the library and around town, chores and projects, and special events. The diary also contains an account of his expenses for the year.