Ardis W. Koester Papers, 1962-1996

The Ardis W. Koester Papers consist of reference materials; audiovisual presentations, instructional sewing kits, and slide presentations; and publications and information resources. The reference materials comprise the bulk of the collection and include clippings, fabric samples, newsletters and publications, and corporate product brochures and promotional materials on a myriad of topics pertaining to textiles for interior design; clothing design and construction; clothing maintenance and laundry; and teenagers' clothing purchases. The reference materials also include lecture notes, syllabi, and student papers documenting the Textiles for Interiors course (AIHM 352) taught by Koester as well as resources on cleaning and maintenance assembled by Extension Housing Specialist Mary Ann Sward.

The audiovisual presentations, instructional sewing kits, and slide presentations were developed by Koester for use by Koester and other Extension Service staff. They address a variety of clothing design topics and include Clothing Speaks, Start Sewing and Keep Sewing, Fitting a Basic Dress Pattern, Tailoring Women's Jackets with Fusible Interfacing, Focus on Color, and Appropriate Dress for Work. These include about 700 slides and 8 cassette tape sound recordings.

The publication and information resources consist of materials written and prepared by Koester and include Extension Service publications, a 4-H Clothing Project Leader Training Guide, and and an informational kit (with fabric samples) about microfibers and other textile developments.

The collection also includes a detailed curriculum vitae for Koester that lists her professional activities, publications, and presentations.