The LaClair A. Melhouse Papers are composed almost entirely of material from his military career. Because he served in roles as North Dakota Adjutant General, State Director of Selective Service and overseer of state civil defense from 1962 to 1976, the bulk of material dates from this time span. A wide range of military information is contained in the files. Among topics of North Dakota interest are files relating to the "Zip to Zap" incident of 1969, the Anti-Ballistic Missile protest of 1970, the fuel shortage of 1973, Vietnam military recruitment, and natural disasters and disaster relief.
More than 600 photographs were separated and placed in the Photograph File Cabinets.