Materials held in this collection pertain to professor emerita of archeology and anthropology Patricia "Pat" J. O’Brien and her nearly 31-year career at Kansas State University. The collection includes proposals for expanded curricula within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, reviews of this department from the Kansas Board of Regents, and documentation of events relative to the 500th anniversary of Columbus reaching the New World. Other contents include photographs from 2005 razing of the Kansas Artificial Breeding Service buildings that were on the original site of Bluemont Central College (K-State predecessor and the first site of K-State), documentation related to the Bluemont Central College monument, recorded and scripted correspondence between Pat and her friends, her latest curriculum vitae (2004), and limited correspondence with other renowned archeologists and anthropologists. Also included are oral histories with Abby Lindsey Marlatt in September 2005.

This collection details the construction and 1981 collapse of the walkways in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City through the records of Richard (Dick) McDonald, an investigator of the accident. Included are preliminary designs and calculations, as well as finalized designs and plans for the hotel walkways. A large portion of the collection gives insight into the investigation by the National Bureau of Standards, including photographs, slides, and notes. Another feature of this collection is McDonald's teaching materials at Kansas State University in the subjects of architecture, applied mechanics, and design from 1969 to 1990. This collection includes detailed descriptions of his classes through his portfolios, as well as one folder of three sketches.

Materials include research notes from Ms. Reay's 1999 book, Land Grant Ladies: Kansas State University Presidential Wives, typescript with handwritten notes of a speech given in 2009, Christmas card and letter from 2008 that Joseph Denison's great-grandson sent to Ms. Chance-Reay, a scrap of fleece that bears the Kansas State University imprint from 2011, a letter from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor from 2011, Cherokee Area Archives first lady photograph, Land Grant Ladies Book Review, A first lady cookbook, PEO magazine and yearbook, and Domestic Science Club information and materials.

This series of internal news and newsletters cover Animal Science and Industry Department events from September 2008 to June 2011 and includes information from Listservs and events through 2015.

This artificial collection includes postcards of subjects that include Kansas State University, Fort Riley, Manhattan, and Kansas.  Some cards are addressed and others are blank.

This collection includes an undated information sheet describing the K-Laires in a question and answer format. It includes information about purpose, activities, cost, membership requirements, benefits and meeting times. A constitution and bylaws from 1978 provide details about name, purpose, membership, officers, meetings, dues, amendments, and rules of order. There is no explanation of what the name K-Laires means. Advisor responsibilities are listed on a separate document. An undated organization information sheet for the Royal Purple yearbook and a 1992 registration form for the University Activities Board provide additional information including a number of members, membership composition, activities, and contact information for officers.
Agendas for 1991-1992 and 1992-93 list activities for each academic year.  There are two meeting agendas and a Spring Festival Committee sign-up sheet from 1992. Minutes from the spring business meeting in 1983, 1984, and 1985 name newly elected officers and describe plans and assignments.  Extensive minutes from meetings held during the 1986-1987 academic year provide the most insight into the K-Laires. The minutes' record member recruitment, event planning, announcements, voting outcomes, budget reports, activity calendars, elections, and faculty advisor selection.  Brief notes from two fall 1987 meetings describe events. Minutes from the 1988-1989 academic year record business meeting topics and describe dances giving an indication of how they were viewed by participants.  From 1992, there is an agenda for the 30 August meeting, and minutes; dues, membership, activities, and a treasury report were covered. Minutes from the 27 September meeting state there are only two to four student members and that the club will shut down for the year and try again in 1993-94.
Correspondence consists of four letters. From 1986 there is a letter to officers and a letter requesting a public service announcement about the K-Laires be made. From 1992, there is a letter to University Activity Board registered organizations and a letter from a caller requesting calendar dates. Financial documents consist of a checkbook register covering 1985-1991 and an undated checkbook register, receipts from 1991-1992, student union room reservation rental information, a bank statement showing a balance of $11.66 in July 1993, and detailed financial ledgers from 1982-1990. Membership information consists of contact information lists from 1991-1993, dance attendance sheets from 1991-1992, undated name badges, and guest book pages from 1982-1986 and 1991-1992. A computerized printout of names and addresses is identified as an alumni list current as of 14 September 1986.
Numerous colorful flyers advertise square dance lessons, dances on campus sponsored by the K-Laires, square dances held in Manhattan, and square dances sponsored by various clubs throughout Kansas.  The flyers have dates and locations and most provide the name of the callers and the cuers. The K-Laires were members of the North Central District of the Kansas Square Dance Association (KSDA); there is a 1991 bylaws book for the District and an undated blank dance booklet. A 1992 copy of Travel On -- Square Dancing in Kansas, a quarterly KSDA publication, lists a K-Laires’ dance. A collection of “dangles” or badges collected from various dances are undated. There are two large purple and white felt banners with the name of the club and figures of a square dancing couple.