The collection contains the "diaries" (yearly journals), travel books and correspondence (mostly letters received) of L.B. Allen, along with miscellaneous mementos, news clippings, and drafts and copies of her published work. There are also materials about the correspondence of the Allen and Harper families, with drafts and copies of (mostly non-scientific) articles by Frank Allen. With the 1995 accrual, a number of nature and travel slides were added to the photograph collection. The collection also contains corresponding text used by L. B. Allen in slide shows, as well as design lectures.

Boxes 16, 17, and 18, as well as Box 2 of the photograph collection and one slide binder, contain material from the 1995 accrual. Other material from this accrual is integrated into the previously existing collection. Eight tape cassettes were also added.

The bulk of the 1046 items are photographs of Miss Allen, family members, friends and colleagues, of whom many were connected with the University of Manitoba. There are a few photographs of places, and some drawings by Miss Allen and others. The albums also contain some memorabilia and newsclippings. Most items in the albums are identified and dated. There also are a few enlargements of photographs which appeared in her published book, Frost. Most of the 195 slides are a sample of Miss Allen's slide shows, which she presented on numerous occasions throughout the country.

Separated from the collection are numerous family photographs, nature and travel slides (PC 42) and several tape cassettes (TC 28). The slides housed in the photograph collection are a representative sample of what was donated.