The Margaret Ball Papers consist of correspondence, essay drafts, research notes, clippings, subject files, family financial records, and memorabilia. The correspondence, arranged alphabetically, represent over four decades of personal and professional experiences beginning with her undergraduate years at Mount Holyoke College, 1896-1900. The letters are primarily from friends, former students, and former colleagues discussing health, education, careers, and travels. Course materials include exams and reading lists and of special note is her introductory English course on the importance of letter-writing. The research notes include articles focusing on education and literature collected by Ball and copies of her works. Her writings represent her academic and intellectual development beginning with essays from college and graduate school to tributes to her colleagues and published works. Of particular note within the collection are correspondence and writings about fellow colleagues, involvement in Mount Holyoke campus development and comments on the selection of Roswell Gray Ham as the first male president of the College.