This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, certificates, manuscripts, handwritten notes, and pamphlets. The bulk of the collection contains McElreath's writings; research; rough drafts; a play for the Atlanta Centennial celebration; manuscripts of books and articles; and newspaper notices about his publications. Also included are notes and articles about Gertrude Stein and George Bernard Shaw. Newspaper clippings cover topics such as the Atlanta Centennial in 1948; the Gone With the Wind movie premiere; his work in the Burns Club and the Demosthenes Club; the Sweet Potato Festival; and his involvement with the Methodist Church. There are also addresses he presented on topics including the Methodist Church; his personal genealogy; the Three Governors Affair; the Burns Club; and the Atlanta Historical Society. The collection contains letters from legislators in Oregon and Atlanta citizens regarding a change in the structure of the Fulton County Government. There also letters regarding his donation of Robert E. Lee letters to Washington and Lee University; congratulatory letters sent to McElreath on the dedication of the Atlanta Historical Society's McElreath Hall; and condolence letters sent in regard to his death. There are also a number of land grants and titles for property in northwest Georgia; particularly in Cobb County.