The Aust Papers are a small collection which relate to most of the areas of his professional interest, although none of these topics can be considered fully documented. Most complete are the files of speeches, radio talks, articles, and related correspondence. Less extensive, although nevertheless of considerable research interest, is correspondence concerning his activities in professional organizations such as the Wisconsin Friends of Our Native Landscape and his close relationship with noted colleagues such as Jens Jensen and Wilhelm Miller. Teaching material and information on University departmental matters are incomplete and fragmentary. A few files relate to his consulting work, although the practical aspects of his design work are not represented.
The collection originally consisted of a large volume of deteriorating, high acid paper. As a result, the papers were microfilmed to preserve their intellectual content and the majority of the originals destroyed. Retained in paper form after microfilming were original letters received from Jens Jensen (many of which could not be dated precisely). Some of the files and the drawings were not microfilmed and are available in paper form.
The files are arranged as biographical material, correspondence and subject files, speeches and writings, miscellany, and drawings.
The Correspondence and Subject Files consist of correspondence and a small quantity of related material. The files are arranged alphabetically by subject, although the series is begun by a file of general, chronological letters. Much of the correspondence pertains to lectures and speeches and to the publication of his articles, although a few files concern teaching and consulting work. Especially notable here is the correspondence with his friends Jens Jensen and Wilhelm Miller and his work on roadside development.
Speeches and Writings are arranged alphabetically by subject and variously include printed texts, final manuscripts, drafts, and draft fragments.
The Miscellany consists of material received in an unfoldered state. Included are poetry, some information on trees, an account of a trip made with Aust by two of his students in 1933, and some scripts about gardening sponsored by the Ferry Morse Seed Co., whose relation to Aust's work is unclear.
The Drawings are oversize and include original drawings, blueprints, black line prints, and photostat copies and date 1927-1952.
