Kohler's gubernatorial papers consist chiefly of official administrative records; as a result, there are virtually no personal references in the papers, only limited documentation of electoral politics, and few glimpses of Kohler the man. Political material can be found chiefly in campaign literature added by the Historical Society from other sources.
The files are arranged alphabetically by agency name and by topic, with some important categories subdivided alphabetically. They contain a variety of documentation types including correspondence from citizens and governmental officials, memoranda, minutes, reports, clippings, and notes. Speeches are filed under “S”; a few speeches are available in recorded form.
State government grew dramatically during the 1950s, many agencies even doubling in size. Reflecting this increase, the files on the University of Wisconsin and the state colleges, the Highway Commission, and the Motor Vehicles and Public Welfare departments are large. Also well represented are the Aeronautics, Conservation, and Public Service commissions, the departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs; and the Governor's Committee on the Employment of the Physically Handicapped.
Well represented topics within the agency files include cheese and dairy products, civil defense, deer hunting, education, floods, highway safety, law enforcement, labor relations, old age assistance, public transportation, radio and television, rent control, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Selective Service, and taxes. The Kohler Company strike, an issue related in a special way to Kohler, is also documented.
The files on legislation, which are arranged chronologically by year and then by bill number, are particularly useful. These files include correspondence from citizens, legislators, lobbyists, advocacy groups, and state agencies, as well as legal opinions prepared by agency officials and members of the governor's staff.
In addition to the administrative files much of Series 6 refers to the governor's ceremonial functions such as appointments, invitations, introductions, proclamations, visitors, and greetings.
