The collection contains early records of the Oregonian newspaper, including articles of incorporation, minutes of board meetings, and publication statistics. It also includes documents and records from Henry Pittock's time as owner and publisher, including accounting books and correspondence. Financial papers document employee bonus payments, charitable gifts, and the purchase of Portland city block 215 and construction of Oregonian buildings; other papers relate to Oregonian business interests. In-house publications include copies of the Masthead, Inkling, and Second Takes newsletters. A sizable portion of the collection consists of reports and analysis of public opinion survey data covering topics such as abortion, the spotted owl controversy, local mayoral races, ballot initiatives, and national presidential races. Other items in the collection include a 1955 civil defense memo, a 1916 War Department Industrial Inventory, a memo outlining the Oregonian's position on stereotypes in sports teams, photographs of the Young Oregonians club and the Oregonian building, and a bound volume of the Weekly Oregonian (1858-1859).