The majority of the collection is composed of photographs of Mary Kosmatka, her parents, siblings, and other relatives; of the Marya Konopnicka Dramatic Circle (to which Mary Kosmatka belonged), circa 1930; and of a few Milwaukee priests. A listing of brief descriptions of the photos is attached, although not all have been identified. To supplement the photographs are a family history compiled by Mrs. Kosmatka; a lengthy autobiographical letter and sketch, dated May 17, 1981; her 1981 remembrances of working in her uncle's store; two letters from a relative describing two of the photographs and giving additional genealogical details; a copy of the speech delivered by Mary Grochowska when accepted in the Marya Konopnicka Dramatic Circle; and news clippings regarding Mrs. Kosmatka's VISTA experiences. There are a few printed items which mention Mrs. Kosmatka's name, a loan repayment record book of Rosa Grochowski, an accounting exercise book of Clara Grochowska (Mary's sister), and a small packet of holy cards.
The papers of Mary Kosmatka are most significant for the photographs of her family, relatives, and friends, and for their depiction of the Marya Konopnicka Dramatic Circle casts, and scenes of Milwaukee during the first two or three decades of the twentieth century.
