The papers of the Jolley family date from 1866 to 1919. They are arranged chronologically within an alphabetical sequence. Purchased by the University of Iowa Libraries through the Homer Calkin Memorial Fund in 1996, these papers contain vivid descriptions of social events and the army during World War 1. They reflect peoples' perceptions about lands to the West and give an indication of what life in Iowa was like in the late 19th century.

The photographs and duplicate certificate of marriage were a gift of Nana Jolley Gibson in 2004 and range in date from approximately 1880 to 1921.