The Thelma B. Lewis papers date from 1947 to 1967 and measure 4 linear inches. The papers are divided into two series: Moscow Trip and Iowa City Politics. These papers document Lewis' trip to Moscow in 1947 and her involvement in Iowa City politics in the 1950s and 1960s.

Early material in this collection consists of mementos of Lewis' Moscow Trip, including a letter officially confirming her State Department appointment, a Norwegian visa, and an Iowa City newspaper article about her experiences. Several typed manuscripts, probably written from 1949 to 1950,describe Lewis' experiences in and impression of Moscow, including an account of her sighting of Stalin at the opera. In some of these accounts, Lewis compares Moscow to the pioneer Utah ofher childhood. These manuscripts, then, also contain descriptions of early twentieth century Utah and the persecution of the Mormons.

Lewis' involvement with Iowa City politics and council-management government in Iowa City is evidenced in handwritten notes on the campaign for the plan, an article she wrote describing the plan after its adoption in 1950, and a 1962 manuscript describing the 1961 election in which voters challenged control of elections by the Council-Manager Association. This manuscript is rich in its descriptions of Iowa City political disputes. The correspondence folder includes letters of congratulation upon Lewis' election as mayor. Other letters relate to City politics and other civic activities. A letter from Governor Herschel Loveless and one from Congressman Fred Schwengelare included. The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings and correspondence concerning Lewis'position on the city council and as mayor, as well as some photographs. Many items refer to her role as "Lady Mayor."

A framed photograph of Thelma Lewis and other city council members is included.