The collection consists of a manuscript cookbook that includes a series of recipes dating from approximately 1840-1915. The recipes are characteristic of those found in the Mid-Atlantic region, including recipes for "Johnny Cakes", "Honey Cakes", and "Cruellers." Also included in the cookbook are recipes for wine, syrups, baked goods, and preservation and pickling instructions. Pasted amongst the recipes are newspaper clippings featuring advice columns and published recipes. Additional hand-written recipes have been pasted within the pages.