The collection consists of over 290 letters written by the Macfarlane family, with the major correspondents being James Rieman Macfarlane, his wife Ruth and their daughter, Elizabeth Macfarlane. The general tone of the family's letters offer a glimpse of upper class family life in Pittsburgh during the early twentieth century. These letters reveal loving and close family relationships with frequent discussions of social activities, gift-giving, and concern for family members. The letters of James and Ruth Macfarlane discuss his work as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Allegheny County, which detailed various legal proceedings and casework and land sale transactions. In the letters are discussed arrangements for the childrens' welfare and overall family health. Ruth directed James concerning household matters and their servants in her absence and James provided travel advice. The letters detail a enduring, loving relationship, demonstrating a great deal of affection between husband and wife. Most of the letters are addressed to or from the Macfarlane's home on Woodland Road in Pittsburgh, and other addresses including Saranac Lake, New York; Proctor, Vermont; North Carolina; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Virginia Beach. Much of the collection correspondence describes Elizabeth's life at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut and her family's activities at home. Elizabeth describes her schedule, social outings, her great-uncle Albert, homesickness, classes, teachers, schoolmates, and her health. The letters offer a vivid portrait of life for a young woman in high-class society. She makes references to socializing with students from Ivy League schools and attending various cultural events. Elizabeth also refers to the political environment of the time, including the war in Mexico and World War I. Specific references to social and political events include a letter dated October 28, 1913, which includes a friend's description of President Taft as a "jellyfish." Another letter dated May 20, 1915 mentions the sinking of the Lusitania and Elizabeth's thoughts on Woodrow Wilson. A letter dated June 15, 1915 describes Elizabeth's attendance at the wedding of an African-American coachman. Much of Elizabeth's correspondence discusses World War I and hopes for its timely end.
