The collection consists of papers of Vachel Davis Whatley and the Whatley family from ca. 1892-1944. The papers include accounts, sporadic correspondence, daybooks, a diary (1915) of Annice L. Whatley containing clippings and writings, a diary (1933-1937) of Vachel D. Whatley's daily activities, school and attendance records (1908-1912) for Bowdon College (Ga.), and scrapbooks containing clippings and printed material. The materials mainly pertain to Vachel D. Whatley and document his presidency of Bowdon College, his writings, and the family's financial status. Materials relating to Vachel D. Whatley Jr. include a daybook of writings, and a scrapbook of clippings about Confederate Memorial Day. The collection also contains correspondence of John W. Whatley.

The genealogist for the family was George Fields Whatley, youngest child of Vachel Sr. For further information, see Fields Whatley's 1989 book, The Families of Whatley, Persons, Roop and Fields.