Family papers and photographs along with published works and ephemeral items. The papers include correspondence between family members. The majority of the letters are either to or from Frederic Green Kennedy (Ron's father). The writings in the collection include Frederic's senior thesis at Simpson, columns written by Luella G. Kennedy (Ron's grandmother) for the Atlantic Messenger (1905-1906) and a family history written by Olin A. and Leota Kennedy (siblings of Ron's grandfather). Newspaper clippings, correspondence, copies of city directories, etc. make up the research files used by Ron Kennedy in the writing of his family histories. The 219 photographs in the collection include pictures of Simpson college and portraits of family and friends. The published items in the collection six volumes of the Simpson's yearbook, The zenith (1899, 1901, 1903, 1905, 1908); The Simpsonian (1902-1903); The Simpson College song book (1910); Simpson College Alumni Directory (1960); Simpson College Alumni Update (1970); copies of Ron Kennedy's family histories; and writings of Clarence & Luella Kennedy in the Atlantic messenger, Villisca review and Fairfield (WA) Standard, ca. 1877-1917 (photocopies of microfilm). Family members' certificates and diplomas from Simpson College, Adair High School and Villisca Public Schools have been removed to the broadsides collection.
