Accession consists of a scrapbook or commonplace book of Emma Jackson Pope (1832-1906), and other members her family. It contains poetry, family letters, lithographs and other types of prints, original pencil sketches and watercolours, clippings from newspapers and other publications, inspirational or informational passages written out by hand, calling cards of visitors, and memorabilia. It dates from about 1820 to 1928. It likely originally belonged to Emma Jackson's older sister, Frances Ann Jackson, as the earliest content predates Emma's birth in 1832. Emma apparently was given the commonplace book by her sister and began adding to it until late in her life, though additions taper off after 1880. There are some further additions by her daughter, Caroline Pope Brown, ca. 1900 to 1928.
The content of the commonplace book, as mentioned above, is quite varied and includes sketches by Frances Jackson of homes and landscapes; small watercolours of plants and flowers; letters from family and friends; poems by her brother Henry; doggerel by her father on the death of his bird, and a tribute by a friend on the eve of her departure overseas in 1843. There are numerous lithographs and other published prints that were purchased or clipped from publications, portraying a wide variety of images, ranging from the latest fashions, scenes from plays, historical figures, Lennoxville College (Bishop's), the royal bride and groom (Victoria and Albert), horses and other animals, local advertisements for furniture and other household goods, and even a poster or handbill for Joe Beef in Montreal. There are many newspaper clippings from "The Star" (London), from 1838 on, but also from more ephemeral periodicals like "The College Frying Pan" (Lennoxville, ca. 1861), local news of interest, home remedies, music scores, verse, and advertising.
