The Gilkey Papers (mostly dated between 1959 and 1974) are related to Gilkey's work as historian of Merrill and Lincoln County; there is virtually nothing concerning his business and family activities. Included are a few letters and writings of Gilkey's father, George L. Gilkey. The emphasis of Gilkey's history of Merrill and Lincoln County is on the lumber industry and lumberjack life from the mid 1800's to the early 1900's. Also included are brief biographies of prominent, early residents of Merrill and Lincoln County. The collection is arranged in six categories: Biographical Material, Correspondence, Research Material, Writings, Newspaper Clippings, and Miscellaneous Papers.
The Biographical Material (1974, undated) contains a brief biography of Gilkey's father, George L., and a newspaper obituary for George R. Gilkey.
The Correspondence (1889-1910, 1959-1970, undated) consists mainly of the incoming letters of George R. Gilkey from persons providing information related to his research on the history of Merrill and Lincoln County. There are only three letters dated from 1889 to 1910 which Gilkey may have acquired from persons supplying him with historical information. There are a few letters addressed to George L. Gilkey.
The Research Material (undated) contains Gilkey's outline for his history of Merrill, notes, and historical vignettes concerning Merrill and Lincoln County that were incorporated into his general history of the area. The material has been generally maintained in its original order.
Included in the Writings (1949, undated) are a handwritten, microfilmed version of Gilkey's history of Merrill and Lincoln County and biographies of early residents of Merrill who were prominent in government, churches, retail businesses, and the lumber industry. Volume 1 of the biographies contains an alphabetical name index of persons included. The papers also include a photocopied, typewritten history of Merrill, Lincoln County, and vicinity which contains much of the same information that is in the handwritten version. There are several accounts of bear, wolf, and lynx hunting in Wisconsin written by George L. Gilkey.
The Newspaper Clippings (1886-1972, undated) contain a few obituaries for prominent residents of Merrill, accounts of the sale of the Anson & Gilkey Company, and other articles concerning the history of Merrill. The clippings are arranged chronologically.
The Miscellaneous Papers (1898-1972), arranged chronologically, include the 1898 agreement of the R.G. Kingsley Lumber and Box Company concerning the sale of its plant to the Gilkey & Anson Company; a memorial tribute to George L. Gilkey by the Basenji Club of America; several printed programs concerning historical events of Merrill; and a few hand-drawn maps indicating points of historical interest in Lincoln County.
