The collection consists of letters, newspaper clippings, and ephemera. The correspondence consists primarily of letters received by Jean Ingram Brookes from her immediate family, friends, and academic associates. The letters contain family news, discussions of international affairs, and some discussions of current affairs such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the assassination of Robert Kennedy. The letters give insight into the family's upper-middle-class lifestyle during the period of the Great Depression. Letters from Jean Ingram Brookes' sister Katherine Brookes Gibson frequently discuss the hiring of servants, social events, and society gossip. The letters also contain expressions of contemporary negative racial stereotypes. Many of the letters contain remarks that reflect the conservative nature of the family. Letters from Mary Brookes, Jean Ingram's mother, often discuss the family's involvement in the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church (Rock Hill, Missouri), the family's health, and family gossip. Jean's sister Katherine Brookes Gibson was married to Dr. Russell Gibson, professor of geology at Harvard University. In 1953, Russell accepted a State Department position assisting mining operations in Teheran, Iran. The position was a component of President Truman's Point Four Program (1951-1955), a technical assistance program designed to help underdeveloped nations while counteracting Soviet influence. Katherine joined him in 1954. A series of letters documents the family's time in Teheran. The letters discuss activities among the American families in Teheran, conditions in Iran, and some discussion of politics. Dr. Theodore Brookes, M.D., Jean’s brother, was a member of several civic organizations and the Boy Scouts of America. He often mentions his work with the Boy Scouts or expresses his opinions on topics that were discussed by speakers at various meetings. These letters provide opinions on issues such as Japanese aggression in the Pacific during the 1930s, religious beliefs, and contemporary medical issues. Jean Ingram Brookes’ diaries (1947-1975) chronicle the everyday events of her life but also include her thoughts on American politics, academic issues, and current events. The diaries include her thoughts and feelings surrounding events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Vietnam, Watergate, and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The diaries also present insight into the life of a college professor in the 1950s and 1960s.