This collection deals mainly with the social groups that William Earl Pay and his father William Horatio Pay were involved in. Included in these groups are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Mankato Cemetery Association, the Territorial Old Settlers Association, the Blue Earth County Historical Society, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato and covers approximately 1888 to 1968. Published and unpublished records of these organizations are both present. Most of the published materials included are newspaper clippings, programs, and photographs. Unpublished materials such as correspondence, internal memos, financial records, and typescripts are also included.

Throughout the collection, the interest of the Pays in history can be found. Many of the letters deal with original settlers of Mankato, past events in the history of the city, and events that presented the history of Mankato. Newspaper clippings, programs from historical pageants, and original letters from former residents of Mankato, all also tell about the history of Mankato.

The Pay family history is also a topic of the collection. A family genealogy, beginning in 1789, is included in the collection, as are records, kept by his nurse and physician, of William Earl Pay’s 1908 illness during the typhoid epidemic. These records, along with photographs and newspaper clippings about the lives of William Earl Pay and his relatives are included.