The collection contains correspondence, literary materials, biographical information, and restricted information. The correspondence includes letters from family and aquaintances from 1936-1966, letters from students, 1956-1973, letters of condolence following Lilly's death in 1973, and letters he wrote to Mrs. Lilly, 1948-1965. There is also considerable correspondence between Lilly and Harriet Doar, Charlotte Observer Book Editor, 1962-1969 and with former student John McKnight, 1973-1974 concerning a book McKnight was writing. The literary material includes a travel diary from Lilly's 1928 visit to the Soviet Union, describing the people, places, and culteral aspects. There are published works by former students, and also papers written by students. There are also bound copies of Lilly's notes and writings about Emerson's "A Middle English Reader" and Milton's literary technique. The printed material contains biographical information about Mr. Lilly, including obituaries, information about Mrs. Lilly, a wedding invitation, a family letter, several high school and college annuals, as well as books which were given to him and plaques which were presented to him and his wife. One file contains restricted correspondence.