9th grade class photo at J.B. Young, 1926

The Lenora Purdy papers, circa 1850-1993 and undated (bulk 1919-1941), includes educational records and career papers of Lenora Purdy, geneological research on the Purdy family, Purdy family records, photographs, drawings, and scrapbooks.

The Education series (1919-1952 and undated) contains report cards, diplomas, photographs and works that highlight Lenora's scholastic career as she attended various local schools and colleges, in addition to newspaper articles and other materials about Lenora Purdy as a teacher in Illinois schools.

The Geneological Research series (circa 1850-1990 and undated) contains research and correspondence that Lenora gathered while investigating her family geneology. She gathered numerous newspaper clippings, correspondence and legal documents, among other artifacts.

The Photographs series (circa 1900-1993 and undated) contains photographs of Lenora Purdy's relatives and photographs taken by Lenora throughout her lifetime, including snapshots and professional portraits.

The Scrapbooks series (circa 1929-circa 1940) includes two scrapbooks made by Lenora, one during her time at Augustana College and one documenting her travels with family and friends. While the former mostly consists of photographs, the latter contains postcards and travel artifacts. Also included is a third scrapbook documenting Lenora's life, family, and friends around the 1930s and 1940s.

The Drawings series (c. 1900 and undated) contains drawings and drawing instruction books, including drawing books owned and used by Antoinette Blaser-Purdy that date from the late 1800s.