This series contains Wilbur Hess' family papers, diplomas and items from coursework at Kansas State University, and military papers. His personal papers contain correspondence with family, politians, and several journals and diaries.

Several short essay manuscripts are included, as well as notes and ideas on freelance photography projects. His business papers contain correspondence and other papers, mostly from his freelance photography career between businesses and clients.

His business papers contain correspondence and notes with clients for his commercial work, which Hess called "freelance" photography business. The clients were mostly in the Lawrence, Kansas area.