The Melba Gardemann Olson papers date from 1916 to 1993 and measure 5 linear inches.

They consist of the reminiscence "The Life Story of Melba Gardemann Olson," one scrapbook [disassembled], and two photograph albums. The donor assembled the donated scrapbook from items in other scrapbooks without any particular order. It has been disassembled for preservation purposes. Pages of the scrapbook containing photographs have been photocopied to show original order. The scrapbook contains primarily school records and programs from Olson's education and teaching career as well as many newspaper clippings concerning the 1927 high school girls' basketball championship game. The photograph albums include many pictures of Melba Gardemann and her school mates. These papers and photographs convey the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the 1927 Newhall girls' high school basketball team.