Joseph Carl Blade received the bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1955 and the Master of Science degree in Journalism in 1956, both from Northwestern University. Blade's studies at Northwestern are documented in his papers by extensive course and lecture notes, syllabi, bibliographies, examinations, research papers, and other curricular materials.

Documenting the career of reporter and journalist Eloise Henkel (1923-1995), the collection spans the years 1948-1974. The majority of the material dates from 1967-1970, when Henkel spent significant time in Vietnam and Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. In addition to many article drafts and photographs, there are also clippings of her published work as well as correspondence.