The General Records series contains numerous research proposals and reports documenting the scientific work of the faculty and its students. A number of foundations and corporations sponsored research including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, United States Forest Service (USFS), and the Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS). Several projects were undertaken with McIntire-Stennis (MS) funds provided by the federal government. In 1952, the Pulp and Paper program was approved by SREB as the only school in the South to offer undergraduate instruction in the field. Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia agreed to pay tuition for students from their states to undertake instruction in pulp and paper curriculum. The records also reflect Department Head Eric Ellwood's presidency and committee involvement in the Society of Wood Science and Technology. Also included is some correspondence of professor A. C. Barefoot, including correspondence regarding his work on the Winchester (England) dendrochronological project during the 1960s - 1970s.

The second series, the Hodges Wood Products Laboratory files, contains material documenting the research and administration of the Wood Products Laboratory. Part of the department of Wood and Paper Science, the Laboratory was established during the same year, 1949, to serve the needs of any curricula involving solid wood products. The Laboratory is used both as a teaching and research facility. Its original location was in the National Youth Administration Woodworking Shop on Western Boulevard. The second location of the Laboratory was in the basement of Kilgore Hall, where it resided from 1952 until a separate building, the Brandon P. Hodges Wood Products Laboratory was dedicated in 1960. James S. Bethel served as Superintendent of the Laboratory until 1957, succeeded by Robert C. Gilmore. The series contains numerous research reports from the Laboratory reflecting their work on such topics as moisture movement through wood, veneer log grades, properties and uses of tropical woods, and gluing studies. The research work done under the auspices of numerous companies and foundations including the United States Forest Service, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Scott Paper Co., and International Paper Co. Also included is some correspondence, equipment reports, and the Laboratory building dedication program.

The Wood Products Extension series contains correspondence, work plans, progress reports, and proposals reflecting the work of that unit. Part of the larger body of Extension Forest Resources, the department was reorganized in 1958 and Wood Products Extension separated into its own section in 1958. It was assigned to manage all phases of wood processing from raw material procurement through and including trade promotion and consumer education. The records in this sub-series reflect this mission and include conferences and short courses held to educate industry professionals and consumers about wood products. Included is correspondence from North Carolina county extension agents and citizens to the Wood Products Extension department regarding wood product questions and problems. William Keppler served as department head from 1961 until succeeded by A.C. Barefoot in 1972. After Barefoot's tenure, Michael P. Levi took over the reigns until his appointment as head of Extension Forest Resources. The records are arranged alphabetically, except for the research reports which are arranged by project number (ex. WPL-54-4-1), or chronologically.

Contained here are materials received after the collection had been originally processed. These materials have not been arranged.