The collection consists of a handwritten collection of recipes, household accounts, and schoolwork. In addition to recipes for pickles and preserving, cakes, puddings, breads, and meats, there are also directions for home products like furniture polish, and lists of greenhouse plants. There are several pages of questions and answers relating to European history, indicating the ledger may have also been used for school assignments.

A dated list in the back of the ledger suggests it was at least partially created around 1877. Some household accounts included date to the late 1880s. The inside cover contains the name "Mrs. G. V. Litchfield," likely Elizabeth P. Litchfield, wife of George Victor. A list of plants in the ledger is attributed to Mary Litchfield. According to the 1880 census, Mary was the sister of George and was living in his home around this time. The variety of content and different handwritings suggest both women, and possibly other family members, may have contributed to the ledger over time.