Parke Rouse filed his correspondence alphabetically by correspondent. He created 6 different groups during his lifetime.

The first group begins in the 1930’s and covers the time he was an undergraduate at Washington and Lee and his early jobs with the Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia and the Richmond-Times Dispatch in Richmond, Virginia. It is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

The second group covers his work years at the Richmond-Times Dispatch and his early years in the Navy during World War II, 1941-1942. It is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

The third group covers his time in the Navy as a Navy Ensign, then Lieutenant, beginning with training at Harvard, 1944-1945. It is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

The fourth group covers his time in the Navy, 1944-1946. It is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

The fifth group, which covers the years 1942-1946, is in chronological order but was probably originally in alphabetical order by correspondent. The letters had been removed from their envelopes, and with few last names on the letters, it was impossible to recreate alphabetically.

The sixth group covers 1950-1998, is in alphabetical order by correspondent and includes an index.

Letters from family members are mostly in the alphabetical groups, but are also found in the chronological group. Parke Rouse and his Mother corresponded weekly, often numbering their letters and responses. Correspondents include immediate family, other relatives, neighbors, college friends, navy friends and some business contacts. Depending on the time period, the subject matter covers social activities, news of friends and relatives, war news, and immediate family news/activities. During and immediately following World War II, the letters tell of the many different experiences from the point of view of friends, family, and community.