The papers of Almira Safely Rutledge measure 1 linear foot and date from 1885 to 1950. The collection consists of photocopies of diaries and photographs. The diaries were written by Almira Safely Rutledge from 1885 to 1950 and a few photographs. There are no diaries for the years 1886, 1889 to 1893, 1900 to 1901, and 1933. The first entry was written when Almira Safely was fifteen years old, the last the day before her death.

The entries of Almira Rutledge remained over the years very brief and factual, without much mention of her personal feelings. Themes include the weather; her daily chores, which usually included sewing; the families' callers; where her husband's business had taken him; and her visits to Sunday school and church. On Sundays Almira usually attended church twice and Sunday school once. At the end of her first diary she kept a log of the number of times she attended during the year 1885, the results being over 80 visits to church and 36 to Sunday school.

The third diary, which dates from January 15, 1888 to March 21, 1888 was written in a complimentary appointment book distributed by the World's Dispensary Medical Association in which Dr. R.V. Pierce advertises his "Golden Medical Discovery" and "Pleasant Purgative Pellets." The book includes testimonials of persons claiming that Dr. Pierce's remedies have cured asthma, boils, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and malarial fevers, among other aliments. Dr. Pierce also advertises his "Favorite Prescription," claiming it as a cure for "woman's peculiar maladies."

The diary entries from April 16 to June 5, 1931 include a short bank statement from the Merchant's Bank of Canada. At the end of the entries for this period is a log of expenses, probably business.

The photographs consist of the Rutledge family and their home in Early, Iowa and date from the early 1900s. A few of the photographs are undated.

The diaries and photographs of Almira Rutledge are photocopies; the originals are held by the Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company Archives located in Des Moines. Permission to quote from the diaries must be obtained from the Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company Archives.