The Nels Dokken Papers consist mainly of correspondence between Nels Dokken and Gertrude Davis during their courtship from 1938 to 1946, when both were around 40 years old. The letters discuss food rationing and the purchase of war bonds during World War II. In addition, Dokken mentions his activities in the Ness Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mekinock, North Dakota. He also writes about farming conditions and working on the railroad. The papers do not mention a great deal about Gertrude's teaching. The collection also includes Dokken's school papers (1913-1915), records of the Mekinock school (1932-1941), Gertrude's teaching materials, business papers (1920-1983), and newspaper clippings (1930-1965).

420 photographs were separated and placed in the photograph file cabinets. The photographs are primarily of family members, but include several photographs of towns, schools, and churches in Grand Forks County. Some photographs are unidentified.