The papers consist mainly of maps and reports related to Professor Gavett's tour of duty in France with the Engineering Corp during World War I.

This collection is comprised of 7 boxes of photographs documenting travel to Asia, North Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, and Hawaii. Included in the collection are nine glass plate negatives, twelve stereocards, numerous albumen prints, and three Edward Curtis photogravures.

The Raymond L. Thompson Papers relate to the 310th Infantry, 78th Division of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, in which Thompson served as an officer of operations - regimental intelligence. He obtained the rank of captain. The collection consists of official and personal accounts of the 310th's involvement in the war, photographs of the regiment, memorandums and field orders it received, and intelligence maps and reconnaissance photographs. The collection also includes some of Capt. Thompson's personal military papers and correspondence dating from August 1917 through June 1919. Among these letters and papers are Thompson's military identity card, his physical exam form, "issued equipment" documents, and his discharge papers.