The collection consists of one brown journal, one maroon journal, and three “Lest We Forget” green journals, and a photograph.

The diaries account for 1886, 1890, 1911, 1912, and 1913. According to the Census the Lyons were likely in Milwaukee during this time frame. It appears based off the diaries that they stayed in one place over the course of the 1911-1913, however by the 1920 Census they were living in Texas.

The diaries show that Florence lost someone very close to her on September 1, 1911. Someone named Rex was killed in a cave-in or collapse of some sort. The person appears to have been her son, although no one named Rex is listed on the census as being related to her. Rex likely was a nickname for one of her sons. The loss heavily affected her and her husband and entries on both Christmas and the anniversary of Rex’s death were occasions of mourning afterwards in the diaries that we have. September 1st was also the Lyons wedding anniversary.

The diaries contain information about social and family life in the late 1800’s and then in the early nineteen-teens. The diaries also contain information about news topics which Florence heard about and what was happening with her husband’s job.

In the back of the 1911 diary a passage about cement and reinforced concrete appears. In the back of the 1912 diary there is a written note in the back about the increasing divorce rate in the United States. The end of all of the diaries contain various extra information including lists of marriages, expenses, and other miscellaneous information.