The Abner T. Allen Papers consist primarily of Allen's correspondence with family in New England during the mid- to late-1800s.

The papers of Abner T. Allen reflect his life as a farmer and merchant in the state of Ohio during the 1800's. The correspondence is typical of this period as the letter itself is folded to form the envelope, the address is printed on the outside, and the fold sealed with a wax seal. The majority of the correspondence was to Abner T. Allen from his parents, brothers and sister. These letters concerned all aspects of family affairs and travel between Chagrin Falls, Ohio, South and Western Warren, Massachusetts and New Hartford, Connecticut, where each of the families resided. The collection includes the following documents: leaf of cash transactions, booklet of expenses and revenues, an award. and two Last Will and Testaments; also included are invitations to social affairs.

The A. Curtis Wilgus Papers document the pioneering efforts by historian and author A. Curtis Wilgus (1898-1981) in the area of Latin American studies and the emergence of "Pan Americanism." The correspondence, writings, research files, photographs and other materials also document the evolution of a trend in higher education during the 1920's and the 1970's, an increase in global awareness reflected in the introduction of "area studies" programs at many universities.