Diaries and ledgers dating from 1902 through 1992, which are significant to the history of rural Adair County, Missouri, and the Linder family. The collection also contains letters dating from 1968 through 1974 written by Christa Linder to family in Germany, and letters dating from 1964 through 1981 from Merle and Oran H. Linder to Harold Linder. Oran (Hubert) Linder wrote all but one diary that is included, with the other written by O. R. (Bob) Linder, as well as the farm ledgers.

Oran Hubert Linder recorded his daily farm work and weather in these diaries, and later in life, he recorded his travels and town activities after he was retired from the farm. Along with farming, Oran was employed at Missouri Farmers Association for 15 years and at a Kirksville lumberyard for 21 years. His diaries include mention of all such jobs. After retirement, Oran and Merle spent time traveling to all 50 states, keeping up with baseball and visiting relatives. The bulk of this part of Oran's life can be found in the diaries from 1971-1992. Any diaries from 1932 through 1970 are not included because they do not exist to Harold Linder's knowledge.