The Ruth Shambaugh Watkins papers date from 1943 to 1997 and measure 2.5 linear inches. The papers are arranged in three series: Biographical, Drawings, and Photographs.

The Biographical series (1943-1997) consists of photocopies of several newspaper articles and images featuring or taken by Ruth Watkins. A reproduction of a scrapbook created by Heather Watkins, Ruth Watkins’ daughter, completes the series. The scrapbook documents the life of Jessie Field Shambaugh, Ruth Watkins’ mother, and contains many photographs.

The Drawing series (1943-1956) includes reprints of drawings, sketches, and paintings by Ruth Watkins. A large portion of the drawings are from Watkins’ comic strip Be Sure to Bring the Children. Also included is a 1943 issue of Mademoiselle, guest-edited by Ruth Shambaugh and featuring a series of her comics.

The Photographs series (1945, undated) includes reprints of photographs of family members and friends. Also included are several photographs of the Windy Summit School, where Ruth Shambaugh taught in 1945.