The Isabella Gardner Papers contain manuscript and editorial material toward most of her books drafts of individual poems as well as letters to and from various editors, friends, and family.

The William H. Gass Papers consist largely of his own manuscript material: manuscripts and proof material toward his books, drafts of various stories, essays, and reviews, interviews, and a miscellaneous assortment of notes and other materials. Also present is a substantial amount of professional correspondence, primarily with universities, magazines, and publishers, as well as with his colleagues in academia and in the literary community.

This collection is comprised of photos, programs, and planning meeting notes for a 1938 performance of the Martha Graham Dance Company in Baltimore, Maryland.

This collection includes correspondence, publications, scrapbooks, photographs, diaries, and information regarding George Mylonas.

Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery Exhibition Collection consist of ten prints of photographs by Jennifer Colten displayed during the exhibition, one print of the 1921 general plan of Washington Park Cemetery, and publicity materials relating to the exhibition at the Sheldon Art Galleries.

The David Hughes Papers consists of photocopies of a personal log maintained by Hughes during his flight training at naval air stations in Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida, and in San Diego, California, from April 18, 1943, to April 10, 1944. Also included are a photocopy of an additional short story written by Hughes, photographs, and copies of Washington University Magazine featuring articles concerning Hughes personal log.

The Hurst Papers consist of a small quantity of correspondence (most of it between Hurst and her school friend Lois Toensfeldt), the manuscript for her novel Quiet Street, some diary material, and a group of clippings and memorabilia. Special Collections also holds Hurst's personal collection of her published work which includes a complete set of first and variant editions, translations, and other copies of her books.