The collection contains fifteen of McCracken’s diaries spanning the years 1908 to 1932. Daily entries detail his activities, especially those related to farming. Entries also detail financial transactions of his store in Success, his involvement with target shooting, and in 1912 his membership on the Success Baseball Club. He also commented on notable events, including presidential elections, major weather occurrences (floods, tornadoes, snowstorms), and unique events such as America’s entry into the First World War, the death of Woodrow Wilson, and the Lindbergh flight. During the Great Depression he made frequent mention of the state of the cotton and agricultural markets. Along with the diaries, the collection contains a folder of items left in diary pouches, such as cashed checks, receipts, a 1931 long-distance phone bill, and a 1931 Missouri Hunting and Fishing License.