Scrapbook of photographs with accompanying text, possibly taken, written, and compiled by librarian F. F. Hopper in 1919, primarily focusing on the areas of Harlem, New York, surrounding the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library. Images consist of candid portraits of Harlem residents; street scenes which include residential buildings and businesses; a photo montage view of Central Harlem; and exterior views of Public School No. 89, the 135th Street Branch Library, the Harlem Young Women's Christian Association, and various Harlem churches. Also included is a display of front pages of New York-based African American newspapers.
In addition to captions, many pages contain portions of an essay consisting of the author's personal and, at times, biased observations of Harlem's changing demographics and emerging social classes; the quality of housing in Harlem; the rise of community organizations, churches and successful black-owned businesses; and the potential for Harlem-based politicians to represent the community in city government and at other legislative levels.