The materials document Bordner’s personal life through extensive correspondence, reminiscences, financial records, notes, and writings; his interest in the First Congregational Church of Madison; and his interest in retirement in solar phenomena, weather, and its impact on agriculture. His papers include extensive correspondence with his daughter Jean and his wife, Stanta.
The materials concerning his professional activities document his early life as a county agricultural agent with field notes and clippings, but focus on his role as director of the Wisconsin Land Economic Inventory (1924-1947) and on the founding and development of the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association (1936-1955), which organized the Crestwood housing development in Madison. Included are maps of Crestwood, newsletters, reports, correspondence, and financial records. The collection contains files on other Wisconsin cooperatives, related conventions and seminars, and extensive educational materials about the American cooperative movement, particularly the Tennessee Valley Authority.
