The Mildred Dvorak papers date from 1947 to 2015 and measure 15 linear feet (3 boxes). The papers are arranged in two series: Personal and Financial records.

The Personal series consists primarily of ten diaries spanning 1956-1997, the majority of which are five-year diaries with brief daily entries. Dvorak recorded information about her daily routine, including farm work, childcare, church attendance, and social engagements. Diaries also document special events and trips, such as the family’s cross-country drive to California in the 1960s. Dvorak’s sense of humor is evident in various entries. This series also includes a program from Dvorak’s funeral service, with brief biographical details.

The Financial records series consists of sixty-one farm account books for 1947-1956 and 1960-1983. There are no account books for 1948 or 1953. These daily financial records break down farm expenses for fuel, seed, animal feed, equipment, and hired labor. The family typically had income from the sale of eggs, livestock, and crops such as oats, corn, and hay. Both the account books and the diaries offer evidence of Mildred Dvorak’s contributions to household income through labor and management of the farm.