The collection covers nearly all phases of Hodges' career as economist and public official, from 1908 until 1942, when he retired from the Army Ordnance office. Early materials include reports on Southern agriculture and immigration for various agencies. Hodges' first efforts to reform and streamline Virginia state government may be seen in the minutes and papers of the Virginia Commission on Economy and Efficiency. There is considerable correspondence from his service as aide and director of the Budget under Governors Davis and Trinkle. In 1924, Hodges became the first managing director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce; his activities reflected in the official and unofficial correspondence, included development of trade relations with Great Britain and other countries and the creation of the 'Five-Five' (later 'All Virginia') program designed to enhance the state's internal economy, efficiency, and sense of civic pride. Also included are the Chamber of Commerce's publications and numerous addresses by Hodges on trade and economic issues. During this period Hodges continued to participate in the State Prison Board (he served as the president) and as Colonel in the Virginia National Guard; the collection contains his 'Ordnance Notes' and other papers relating to aspects of ordnance and defense preparation in the period between the wars. Hodges' office files as Comptroller include reports, addresses, proposals, and organizations requesting him to speak. A small amount of material concerns his brief service during World War II with the War Department, which was cut short by illness.

Col. Hodges' correspondents include economists, government officials, businessmen, and other prominent figures in Petersburg and Richmond. Among the names represented are W. Jett Lauck, James H. Price, Gordon Bohannon, Junius P. Fishburn, Francis P. Miller, Robert H. Tucker (Prof. Of Economics at Washington and Lee), members of the 'Virginia Musketeers' (a group of businessmen and officials in the Richmond area), John W. Davis and Lady Astor.

The collection is of interest to students of reform and government efficiency movements in Virginia politics as well as students of Virginia economic history and army ordnance.