This collection is primarily made up of diaries kept by William Woodwell. These daily entries focus primarily on weather, but include tidbits of Woodwell's life. The earliest diary is from 1872 and latest from 1911. There are many years not included. See the container list for an exact listing of years.

The other material in this collection includes one reproduction of a family photograph, a notebook with transcriptions, a political candidate nomination for Woodwell from 1893 for the Prohibition party, a reproduction of William Herbert Woodwell's (son's) autobiography from 1953, and a biographical explanation from the donor.