The Lois C. Thor papers date from 1903 to 2002 and measure 30 linear inches over 6 boxes. The papers are arranged in 4 series: Personal (1939-1993), Education (1909-1976), Professional (1950-1967) and Correspondence (1903-1997). The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence from the 1930s, around the time Lois Thor started college.

The Personal series consist of material from Lois Thor’s childhood such as a book titled Buds and Blossoms and a 4-H booklet. This series contains family information including her father’s will and documents about the family’s move due to the canalization of the Mississippi. Also, in the Personal series, there is a diary from 1949 in which Thor described events from her daily life like New Year’s Eve parties, social club meetings and her first-time using laundry services. Closing out this series is Lois Thor’s paper dolls and Valentine’s Day cards, over 100 paper dolls and over 20 Valentine’s Day cards.

The Education series covers materials pertaining to Thor’s scholastic journey. Items include her high school graduation program, 1942 diploma from Iowa State University and pamphlet from the ceremony. Closing out this series are report cards and other school documents.

The Professional series is comprised only of appointment calendars from 1950-1967 except for 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1960.

The Correspondence series is the bulk of the collection. Most of the letters were addressed to Thor in the 1930s, while she attended Iowa State University. Additionally, this series holds seasonal postcards and undated correspondence.