The Isabella “Belle” Bever papers date from 1917 to 2016 and measure 4 linear inches. The papers consist of 74 numbered folders and are arranged in 3 series: Biographical Materials, Belle Bever’s Columns, Belle’s Own Clippings, and Artifacts. The collection also begins with a detailed table of contents and a USB drive containing digital files of the collection materials.

The Biographical Materials series contains two essays about Belle Bever written by her great-great niece Margaret Fones Zimmerman, the donor of the collection. The letter of condolence, from William R. Boyd to Bever’s niece Myrtilla Daniels provides a glimpse into Bever’s personality: “She filled a large place in the life of this community. She was inspiring, helpful. Her wit was kindly.”

The Belle Bever’s Columns series consists of 31 reproductions of articles and pieces written by Belle Bever over the course of her career, especially social commentary and human interest pieces, for publications including the Cedar Rapids Republican and the Des Moines Register. A transcription of an unpublished essay is also included.

The Belle’s Own Clippings series contains original clippings Belle Bever herself saved over the course of her career, either explicitly written by her or a clear example of her style. The clippings date from 1917 to the early 1930s, relate to society, women’s news, or human interest stories, and are extremely fragile. These materials do not have digital backups on the collection’s USB drive.

The Artifacts series, containing Bever’s pocket watch of gold and rose gold and her decorative bonbon dish, completes the collection.