The Duane Nichols Beer Can Collection is a set of 3x5 index cards with descriptions of beer cans from 1971 to 1978. Most note cards indicate the brand and type of beer, a detailed description of the can, who gave Nichols the can or where he purchased it, and the date that he received it. Many of the cards also have a single sentence on the opposite side of the card that may have pertained to Nichols occupation as an English professor.

Duane Nichols was born in Pineridge, South Dakota to Merl and Ira Cress. He served in the Korean War and worked as a high school teacher and principal in South Dakota.  He eventually became an English professor at Kansas State University, Kansas University, and South Dakota University.  In 1972, he accepted the position of English Professor at Salisbury State College.  He and his wife Mary Ann moved to Salisbury, where he became part of the Civil Air Patrol and a member to several local organizations. Together the couple had a son and daughter.  Nichols died on June 8, 1984 from a heart attack.

The Duane Nichols Beer Can Collection is a set of 3x5 index cards with descriptions of beer cans from 1971 to 1978.  Most note cards indicate the brand and type of beer, a detailed description of the can, who gave Nichols the beer or where he purchased it, and the date that he received it.  Many of the cards also have a single sentence on the opposite side of the card that may have pertained to Nichols occupation as an English professor.