Scope and Contents: Manuscripts, correspondence, memos, reports, pamphlets, and circulars relating to Cowling's non-Carleton professional activities. The bulk of the material is from his years as President of Carleton; of this, the majority is related to his various state and national activities in the Congregational Conference, especially the Commission on Missions. Other noteable materials are manuscripts of many of the speechs made by Cowling during and after his years at Carleton. The speeches are divided into four subseries: Religion and Education; Religion--General; Education--General; Miscellaneous. Many of the speeches within a given subseries are similar in content although their titles may vary. Cowling was asked to speak so often that he had to recycle a speech many times. Also included are items related to the Emergency Council on Education during World War One, to the University of Minnesota Medical School (especially the Mayo Memorial Commission), to Cowling's relationship with Felix Morely, and to the dinner given in his honor (1958) at the University of Minnesota.
The President's Office, 1909-62 record group in the Carleton Archives contains additional material pertaining to some of Cowling's extracurricular activities. Donald J. Cowling, by Merrill Jarchow, is an good introduction to the wide range of his activities and accomplishments.