The Vernon J. Brown papers consist of a typewritten manuscript, "70 years - 17 Governors" and a reprint of Brown's published reminiscences of pioneering history and farm life in the area of Ingham County, Michigan. The former document includes personal impressions of prominent men in Michigan government and education, including the seventeen governors with whom Brown worked and served, from Hazen Pingree to G. Mennen Williams. Brown, who was owner and editor of the Ingham County News, held many posts in Ingham County and in Michigan state government, including Mayor of Mason, state legislator, Auditor General (1939-1944), and Lieutenant Governor (1945-1946).