The collection (1914-2006, undated) contains biographical information, professional correspondence, reprints of published articles, subject files, and talks given by Anderson. The biographical materials include a short biography and newspaper clippings that document Anderson’s Iowa State College (University) related activities. The professional correspondence includes memoranda from the USDA Federal Extension Service to state and county extension directors. The reprints of published articles by Anderson range in topic from agricultural fertilizer usage to farm terracing to soil tilth. The subject files include files on the history of extension and annual reports of the Southwest Iowa Four County Soils Association.



The collection also includes talks by Anderson to Iowa State groups, professional associations, and local farm groups. Included in his talks are Iowa State commencement addresses, University Extension convocation speeches, and presentations to the annual Extension Conference. The topics of his talks include the mission and goals of the national extension service and Iowa State University Extension Service, the mission of the Iowa State University College of Agriculture, and the continuing education movement in extension.



University Extension during Anderson’s tenure as Dean is documented through several photocopied notebooks containing newspaper clippings and articles. These notebooks were compiled by Anderson and show numerous activities sponsored by University Extension from across the state.