Mainly diaries, 1932-1969; also correspondence, clippings, datebooks, club publications, and biographical sketches.

The Louis J. Cross diaries document Cross' daily life, his work, travel, political views, and business relationships in detail. He records the time of his rising, his commute, business lunches, and after-work socializing almost every day. He held strong political views and diaries kept during the depression are heavily critical of Roosevelt and New Deal economics. Cross also describes the Chicago financial world, the ups and downs, mergers, and relationships with an insider's eye. He rose steadily up through the ranks of Hornblower & Weeks which went through many changes during his tenure. In addition, Cross kept letters, clippings, and other items in his diaries, which give further insight into his work and life. The few existing letters include correspondence from family as well as congratulatory letters, death notices, and a few short notes from Richard Nixon and Everett McKinley Dirksen, both of whom Cross supported politically as well as humorous Christmas letters he wrote which he sent out to friends and colleagues each year. Also included are date books covering the years from 1949 to 1968, club membership publications, and a booklet of biographical sketches of executives at Hornblower & Weeks-Hemphill, Noyes.