The Frank Benton papers include academic correspondence, newspaper clippings which discuss apiculture, Benton's work in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the 25th Annual Meeting of the North American Beekeepers Association and miscellaneous poems and writings, papers from the Association, a Japanese translation of his book The Honey Bee, personal notes, and a cash book for the Carnolian Apiaries (1899-1900). Of note are personal manuscripts by Benton on topics such as the Spanish-American War, Greece, Italy, Germany, and women. Also a set of patent papers for a new beehive design (1896). Several of the manuscripts are hand written translations of articles written and published in foreign languages. Also various membership letters and cards of the international apiarian clubs to which Benton belonged, and miscellaneous publications of the United States Department of Agriculture. There are photographs of family members, his home in Washington D.C., beehives, the Smithsonian, and Benton's trip around the world. Miscellaneous items include address books, account books, memo books, ticket books, postcards, and stereocards. Also included in the collection are photographs of the Michigan State University campus showing educational buildings and faculty residences.