The papers in this series are centered on Springfield, Illinois. Topics include: desegregation of schools, operation of the Regional Planning Commission; housing; hospital care; the Park District; planning for Southwest High School; coal mining; Lake Springfield; Sangamon Electric; the Exposition and Auditorium Authority; Concordia Seminary; City, Water Light & Power , massage parlors.

This collection contains the personal papers of Michael Ayers relating to his dissertation and the topic of pollution in Illinois. It includes reports, drafts and papers, correspondence, state legislative files, and newsletters relating to air pollution, water pollution, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Pollution Control Board.