The Viola Nesfield Owen papers date from 1911 to 1963 and measure 9 linear inches. The papers are arranged in three series: Biographical information, Correspondence, and Sheet music.

The Biographical information series relates to Viola Nesfield Owen and Betty Whitehead. It includes an obituary and eulogy for Betty Whitehead, a family tree, and a photograph of Viola Nesfield Owen and her accordion. It also contains user instructions for a digital collection of Viola Nesfield Owen's letters and photographs [d0077].

The Correspondence series (1911-1963) consists mainly of correspondence between Viola Owen and her parents and sisters. The majority of the letters were written 1920s-1940s. Frequent topics include holidays and birthdays, the challenges of living with unstable employment and limited income, and the health and medical treatment of family members, including both professional medicine and home remedies. Viola Owen often wrote about domestic work, professional work, and her children. During the 1930s, she wrote about receiving Soldiers and Sailors Relief and her involvement in the Royal Neighbors of America. Her father, who wrote most prolifically during the 1930s and 1940s, often addressed local, national and international politics and economics, for example strikes at the Rath Plant in Waterloo.

This series also includes letters from Viola, Betty, and Nita Mae Owen to Charles Owen (1928-1952). Most of these letters were written while Viola and the children were visiting relatives, and contain family news.

Finally, this series contains letters written from missionary Grace Van Duyn to Viola Nesfield (1911-1917). Grace Van Duyn worked for the China Inland Mission (Toronto, Canada) and was stationed in Yangkow, China. Her letters discuss her "native work," studies, and religious contemplation. Her correspondence also includes several missionary pamphlets.

The Sheet music series (1919-1945) contains popular works for piano and voice, such as Billy Hill's "The Last Round-Up." Some pieces also include guitar and ukulele parts.