The Donald D. Johnson Papers include a short narrative, originally composed around 1918, detailing the experiences of John P. (Johan Peter) Johnson, a Swedish immigrant and grandfather of the donor, between 1871 and 1879. The narrative was translated by Alma N. Lundin and read at the Benton Lutheran Church in South Dakota around 1918. The available version is a photocopy; the original was not included in the donation.

Also included is a publication titled The Quill, produced by students at Marion High School in Marion, South Dakota. A note accompanying the publication states that it was published by Donald D. Johnson in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Johnson of Hartford, South Dakota, who are presumed to be his parents.