Focused on Adair County, Missouri, including Kirksville and surrounding areas, this collection encompasses a wide variety of materials from businesses, churches, and organizations. It includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, maps, and more.

Eugene M. Violette's papers, approximately 8 linear feet plus 18 volumes, include draft versions of his books and articles; professional papers, primarily from his years in Kirksville, Missouri, 1900-1923; and personal and family papers including diaries, scrapbooks and photos from childhood to shortly before his death.