The papers include audio tapes, blueprints, certificates, correspondence, clippings, day-timers, drafts and research files related to Clemson An Informal History of the University 1889-1979, file cards, maps, newspapers, phonograph records, photographs, posters, programs, prints, reprints from newspapers, subject files, and a VHS tape.

The papers date from 1890-1991, with the bulk of the of the collection dating from 1931-1991. Most of correspondence is from 1953-1991 while most of the subject files are from 1931-1974. The bulk of the Tricentennial Commission and book papers span shorter periods of time, 1967-1972 and 1976-1979 respectively.

The papers were accessioned between 1984 and 1996. Several of the accessions included boxes of disorganized material without folders. Some of the papers suffered water damage and only portions were recovered and donated.

The material relates to Bryan's career as a journalist, newspaper editor, Clemson administrator and historian as well as his experience as a prisoner of war and a member of the South Carolina Tricentennial Commission. Bryan served as a member of the South Carolina Tricentennial Commission and collected news articles as well as keeping his own papers about that organization's activities. After retiring from Clemson, Bryan devoted himself to completing a history of Clemson.

The bulk of the correspondence is focused upon those periods when Bryan accepted new jobs (1953 and 1963), retired (1970-1971) or died (1991) with congratulatory, well wishes and condolences from family, friends and business associates. Some more substantive correspondence with Robert C. Edwards, Jenkin Lloyd Jones, Ben Robertson, Wallace Trevillian, and Donald Whitehead can be found in the subject files.

The subject files document aspects of Bryan's career as a journalist, particularly his experiences during World War II when he served as war correspondent for The Atlanta Journal and NBC. Included are copies of some of his articles and transcripts of his radio broadcasts as well as material related to his experiences as a prisoner-of-war. The subject files include a large number of newspaper and magazine clippings related to topics of interest to Bryan. They contain material about the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the Gridiron Club, and other newspaper associations in which Bryan participated. There are some papers concerning his friendships with fellow journalists such as Ben Robertson and Jenkin Lloyd Jones as well as substantial clippings files about the freedom of the press, some major publishers and newspapers in the United States, and World War II and D-Day in particular. The subject files contain further information about Clemson, primarily related to Bryan's activities as Vice President for Development and alumnus. There is some information about his father Arthur Buist Bryan and the Bryan family.

The South Carolina Tri-centennial Commission files include many newspaper clippings about the activities of the Commission, minutes and reports, printed material, and some correspondence. The celebration of the state tri-centennial served as a catalyst for a variety of activities and projects that were successful to varying degrees.

There are several drafts and proof sheets of Clemson An Informal History of the University 1889-1979 as well as some correspondence and research notes. Bryan collected some early published material about Clemson's history that is also included as well as card files for Clemson subjects and individuals.

Many aspects of Clemson University are covered in the collection including: alumni and alumnae, faculty, history, presidents, and the School of Textiles. Other subjects include newspaper publishing in the United States during the Twentieth Century, reporters and reporting in the United States, World War II with particular emphasis upon the D-Day invasion and campaigns in France in 1944 and German prisoners-of-war.

The papers contain scattered letters from influential journalists particularly at high points in Bryan's career as well as some correspondence from Clemson faculty, administrators, and alumni. There is more substantial correspondence from Robert C. Edwards, Jenkin Lloyd Jones, Ben Robertson, Wallace Trevillian, and Don Whitehead.

A number of files related to Atlanta history, Ralph McGill, Margaret Mitchell, Georgia history, the White Primary Bill, and the Georgia Supreme Court were donated by the Bryan family to the Atlanta Historical Society.