This small collection consists of three sets of papers, one belonging to Irene Sophie du Pont, another to her daughter, Sophie du Pont May, and the last to Ernest N. May, Jr., Sophie du Pont May's eldest son.

Irene Sophie du Pont papers series is divided into two subseries: Lap writing desk and removed papers and Incoming correspondence.

The Lap writing desk and removed papers series contains Irene du Pont's lap writing desk and the papers removed from lap writing desks for preservation purposes. Irene Sophie du Pont's lap writing desk is inscribed underneath the lid, stating that it was a Christmas gift from her father, Francis Gurney du Pont, in 1886. The papers that were removed are primarily letters written to her between 1887 and 1898, prior to her marriage in 1900; they are arranged chronologically. Most of the letters are from Hattie W., a classmate of Irene du Pont's from St. Mary's School in Wilmington, Delaware, writing from various locations in New York during the summer break. Her letters discuss other classmates from whom she has received letters or seen. Hattie refers to letters Irene du Pont has written to her and responds to what was shared. Letters from friends and family discuss social life, personal and family news, and health; they also inquire about everyday life. There are a small amount of concert and ball ribbons, handwritten codes, poems, and a set of flowers for scrapbooking in an envelope.

The Incoming correspondence subseries consists of letters primarily from family members to Irene S. du Pont. There is a letter from her father and two letters from her mother. There is correspondence with two of her brothers, E. Paul du Pont and A. Felix du Pont, with the latter being more prolific. Much of A. Felix du Pont's letters mention Allan Henry's work authoring a biography. Henry compiled and edited two biographies: one of her brother, A. Felix du Pont (published in 1945), and one of their father, Francis Gurney du Pont (published in 1951). It is unclear which of the works the letters refer to; presumably her brothers, given the letters' dates (1941 and between 1944 and 1945). There is correspondence from her daughters and daughter/son-in-laws, including Ernest N. May, whose letters include circulars that were written for the entire family regarding an overseas trip he took to various cities in Japan. Most of the correspondence is regarding daily social life, travel, family news, and health. The letters from friends during World War II provide some insight into life and activities during that time, though not every letter speaks of the war. There is Irene and Irenee du Pont's golden wedding anniversary guest list, portraits of her parents, and some poems.

Sophie du Pont May papers series is also divided into two subseries: Lap writing desk and removed papers and Incoming correspondence.

The Lap writing desk and removed papers series contains Sophie du Pont May's lap writing desk and the papers removed from lap writing desks for preservation purposes. Sophie du Pont May's lap writing desk is not inscribed; the year she received it and from whom are unknown. The contents removed from her desk are entirely comprised of her school materials from when she attended the Friends School at Fourth and West streets in Wilmington, Delaware, dating from 1910 to 1916. These papers are arranged in alphabetical order by school subject. Included are four report cards and two school programs. There are notes and examinations for the following school subjects: arithmetic, English, French, Latin, geography, and history. Geography has two maps, and history has both general and Roman history. Additionally, there are some Valentine's cards, a few songs, and other writings.

The Incoming correspondence subseries comprises letters also primarily from family members to Sophie du Pont May, but also from friends and religious figures. There are letters from all of her sisters; however, Constance, Doris, and Eleanor were the primary correspondents. There are letters from both her parents, though considerably more from her mother. Another prominent correspondent is Rebecca "Rebe" Motte Frost (1877-1971), who was a governess and teacher for Sophie and her siblings; she was affectionately known as "Aunt Rebe." The letters discuss social life, family news, travel, literature, and health. Her husband, Ernest N. May, both of his parents, and his brother are all correspondents. Many of the letters from her in-laws contain similar topics to those of her immediate family. Her husband's letters show some insight into their courtship, wedding planning, and finding a home together. Her two eldest sons, Ernest N. May, Jr., and Irenee du Pont May, wrote to her while away at camp.

Notably are letters from Fritz von Schulthess (1902-1991) and Monica von Schulthess (1907-1995). Monica von Schulthess lived her entire life at St. Andreas Castle in Cham, Switzerland, where she was the Grand Dame of the castle. Fritz von Schulthess was a global industrialist from Zurich. He came to Cham for his marriage in 1929. In 1939, Fritz von Schulthess served on active duty on the Swiss border during World War II. In 1940, some of their home became a makeshift Red Cross hospital. Their letters to Sophie du Pont May discuss the war, business issues, and general life news.

Ernest N. May, Jr.'s papers consist of incoming correspondence from his family while away at summer camp between 1942 and 1945. Correspondents include his parents, his brother, Irenee du Pont May, his uncle, and his grandmother. There is one letter from a school friend and a drawing of the family home, "Granogue." The letters discuss daily life, family news, travel, schooling, and some mentions of World War II activities; letters from Frederick include topics such as dating and social life.