The Wakelin McNeel Papers, 1926-1951, consist of correspondence, writings and speeches, and a subject file of miscellaneous materials concerning school forests. They relate almost entirely to McNeel's 4-H and conservation work.
The correspondence is divided into general correspondence, 1926-1947, arranged chronologically, and “Ranger Mac” correspondence, 1941-1947, arranged chronologically. The “Ranger Mac” correspondence is entirely between McNeel and his listeners. The general correspondence mainly pertains to general conservation topics, school forests, and 4-H club events; included are a few family letters and letters on personal business matters.
The second group, writings and speeches, is also divided into two segments: general writings, 1928-1951, and “4-H Leader” writings, 1942-1950. The general writings mainly comprise typed copies of speeches and articles by McNeel on a variety of nature topics. Included are a series of articles done in 1936 for Hoard's Dairyman by “Ranger Mac.” The “4-H Leader” writings consist of the editorial pages written by McNeel for the Wisconsin 4-H Leader, a monthly newsletter.
The final folder of papers is a subject file on school forests and the Junior Forest Ranger program. Miscellaneous materials comprising the file include preliminary working plans for two school forests, statistical reports on school forests, policy statements on tree distribution, programs from forest dedication ceremonies, a 1931 proposal for conservation education, 1933 and 1941 reports on 4-H conservation work, and other items. Arrangement again is chronological.
