The collection primarily consists photocopied versions of Kate Martinson's diary, 1872-1916, and a handwritten book of her poems, composed between 1908 and 1941. The materials measure 1 linear inch.

The facsimile of Martinson's diary includes a note indicating that it was recopied by Martinson's daughter Dagmar Martinson Johnson in 1956. Almost each year on October 2, from 1872 until 1893, Kate Martinson wrote about the previous year's activities including a recitation of marriages, births, and deaths in her family. Her diary also includes descriptions of the joys and hardships of life in rural Iowa, including a tender account of the brief life and death of an infant child.

After her marriage in 1897 to Andrew Martinson she resumed writing in her diary, although not with the regularity and depth as previously. Generally it was a report of the comings and goings of their children.

Photocopies of obituaries of Kate and Andrew Martinson are included, as is an original version of an article about Martinson from the Fall 1997 issue of The Iowan.