The William D. Mitchell collection contains photographs taken by Mitchell during his time at Michigan State University as well as other subjects. The MSU related photographs include images of the photography club, students, Block and Bridle show, water carnival, Spartacade, Holiday on Ice, ROTC, ROTC queens, Kappa Alpha Mu exhibit table, international festival, as well as other events. There are also images of MSU men's athletics including basketball, football, gymnastics, hockey and track. Other subjects of the photographs include the Capitol in Lansing, Michigan; Mt. Hope windmill; Chicago, Illinois skyline; a circus; a fire in Haslett, Michigan; the convict ship "Success;" recreation area in Waterloo, Michigan; portraits of people; as well as artistic shots of the outdoors.