The collection consists of a hand-written receipt book and catalog of the household library, likely kept in the 1870s and 1880s. In addition, there are a few home remedies, some drawings and signatures (Willie Osborn), and what appear to be short journal entries. The book was owned and likely created by both Milton and Marion Osborn. Dates on the cover and inside suggest the Osborns started using the notebook in 1878. Publication dates for items in the catalog of the household library indicate it was added to until at least the mid-1880s.

The majority of the book contains recipes for a variety of baked goods: cakes, pies, and puddings. However, it also includes recipes for pickling, homemade wine, and preserves, and home remedies. Other pages include partial journal entries, one referencing Jennie Shipley (a likely relation to Marion Shipley Osborn); a drawing of a house; and some signatures of Willie Osborn. In addition, there are 320 books numbered 91 to 411, which may have made up the Osborn's home library. Titles include both fiction and non-fiction.