Although this small collection covers Olson's career from 1960 to 1973, the bulk of the material lies within the 1968-1972 period. The focus is entirely on politics; none of the documentation touches upon his participation in the tourist industry and very little relates to his reputation in the environmental movement. Coverage is best for Olson's last term as lieutenant governor and his 1970 campaign for governor. Documentation includes correspondence, speeches, reports, minutes, press releases, and other press materials.
The early correspondence, which is fragmentary, concerns many aspects of the lieutenant governor's activities, ranging from letters from school children to policy matters. As the 1970 election approached, a greater proportion of the letters deal with Olson's positions on issues. Also documenting his activities as lieutenant governor are two folders on the Task Force on Building Codes which Olson chaired. These files include the final report, correspondence, minutes, and press releases. The speeches files contains final drafts of speeches delivered, 1970-1971, together with some related correspondence. Documenting the 1970 Olson for Governor Committee are some miscellaneous files on overall organization, campaign literature, and a rather extensive file of press releases.
Correspondence with Richard M. Nixon and various presidential aides and advisors is of some interest. The majority of the letters are routine and brief, though they do document Olson's support for the President. Several more interesting exchanges concern Nixon's view of campus violence. These letters have been copied from originals retained by Olson.
Other prominent correspondents include Warren Knowles, Ronald Reagan, Wilbur Renk, George Romney, and William Steiger.
