The collection consists of papers and memorabilia from more than three generations of the Thornbery, Meredith, and Lamb-Orr families. Most of the collection details the families' lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The collection is arranged in two series: GENERAL FAMILY PAPERS AND MEMORABILIA and INDIVIDUAL FAMILY PAPERS AND MEMORABILIA.
The GENERAL FAMILY PAPERS AND MEMORABILIA includes marriage certificates, letterhead, genealogical notes, handwritten notes, photocopies of books regarding family histories, pedigree histories, estate papers of John Thomas Meredith, 19th century letters, army discharge of Thomas Lamb, sermons from Samuel Orr, materials about Reece Lamb's employment, and photographs of various family members. There are two books that have dated handwritten signatures of family members and their addresses. These are: Book of Common Prayer, 1732, and A Collection of Hymns, 1845.
This series also contains material that relates to both John and Evelyn Thornbery as a couple and not individually. Included are documents about the Bersback lawsuit, which involved John, Evelyn, and Marion Thornbery, and two journals of unspecified authorship. John and Evelyn's trips to Europe are well documented with bills, itineraries, receipts, tickets, brochures, pamphlets, journals, and postcards. There are also a few materials related to trips within the United States. The series also contains World War II ration booklets in a leather pouch, labeled for use by Evelyn, John, and Jerry Thornbery.
The INDIVIDUAL FAMILY PAPERS AND MEMORABILIA series consists of sub-series for individual family members, arranged alphabetically.
Carrie Jean Himes Thornbery's materials include letters from Carrie to the Thornberys, her wedding invitation, and a photocopy of her newspaper engagement announcement.
Evelyn Reece Lamb Thornbery's materials consist of her academic papers and transcripts, certificates of birth and marriage, civic memberships, drafts of letters, journals, correspondence, and memorabilia such as a driver's license, passports, and news clippings. There is correspondence from friends in France that spans thirty years, most of which is from one man, Auguste Honore. The journals document almost thirty years of Evelyn's life.
Frederick (Oz) Osborn Thornbery's materials document his World War I activities. There are military badges, a military registration, passes, orders, and a lodge card. Some of his correspondence and handwritten notes are included, as is a postcard from John and Evelyn.
Jerry Thornbery's material consists of his academic papers, transcripts, birth documentation (registration, certificate, and hospital bill), and his outgoing correspondence (mostly to the family and his mother Evelyn). There are also photocopies of the covers of newsletters from Gilman School where he worked and photocopies of news clippings that were of interest to Jerry as well as clippings about him.
John Howard (Meredith) Thornbery's material contains certificates of his birth, death, and an affidavit by his mother swearing to John's middle name change. Also included are club memberships, estate papers, his will, documentation of the lawsuit against MGS Company, and a few letters to him regarding his illness. There is memorabilia such as different types of cards, a collection of poems, photocopies of news clippings, and his passport.
Marion Meredith Thornbery's material includes academic papers, transcripts, and her MA thesis. Also included is a biography written by her grandniece, employment papers, and a passport. There are also many letters to Marion from relatives, predominantly from family members in England.
Reece and Meredith Thornbery's material includes a photocopy of a childhood drawing, an elementary school paper, and two cards from each child.
William Roulac Thornbery's materials contain a letter from the Navy, which stated his presumed death during the war, a photocopy of William's letter to his brother, and a photocopy of a school paper written by his grandniece. There is also a letter to Jerry Thornbery describing some of the military aspects of William's career.
