The Dan W. Johnson Papers and Jeanne Johnson and Antiques Ltd. Records document the personal and professional lives of Dan and Jeanne Johnson, with a strong focus on their activities in Marshall, Lyon County, Minnesota. Spanning much of the 20th century, the collection reflects Dan Johnson’s career in journalism, public relations, and higher education, particularly his work at Southwest State University from 1969 until his retirement in 1981. It includes extensive newspaper clippings, correspondence, speeches, professional writings, campus directories, and institutional publications, much of it collected after retirement.

The collection also documents Johnson's earlier work as a newspaper editor, his service during World War II, and his post-retirement consulting work, most notably for Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. Records from Schwan’s include article drafts, internal correspondence, promotional materials, and photographs. Additional files highlight his community involvement through civic projects, local government initiatives, and regional journalism.

Personal and family materials are also significant in the collection, including correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia related to his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His military service is represented through wartime photos, placement letters, and related documents. Files on colleagues, friends, and educational institutions—such as the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University—are present as well.

The Jeanne Johnson and Antiques Ltd. Records detail the operation of Jeanne Johnson’s antique business, including articles of incorporation, partner information, a personal planner, and clippings. The collection provides a community-based perspective on mid-to-late 20th-century life in southwest Minnesota, and offers research value in the fields of regional journalism, university public relations, civic engagement, and small business development.