The fonds consists of a manuscript “Memoirs of Anna Laura” written by Annie Robertson Harrison recounting her life in Edmonton at the end of the 19th century and one photograph of Annie.
The memoir mentions Annie’s family – parents (W. Scott and Harriet Robertson), siblings (Harry, Nell, Carrie, Fred, Robert, Grace), husband (Dr. John Darely Harrison), as well as her children and grandchildren. It also covers family activities and buildings including her father’s Cooking Lake residence, Spruce Lodge, and her father’s opera house, Robertson Hall, including the night the hall burned down.
It also includes references to various events and people: the 1885 Rebellion, 1897 Klondike Gold Rush, construction of the CPR and EY&P railroads, Strathcona, Fort Edmonton, Long Lake, St. Albert, Herschel Island, Athabasca Landing, Eggies Halfway House, Louis Daniels, Grasshopper, Mrs. Grey, Mary Bobsleigh, Kenny McLeod, Colonel Jamieson, Dr. and Mrs. McKay, Casey family, and Muchias,
The memoir describes a number of "firsts" in Edmonton, such as the first: public school (McKay Avenue School), sheriff, women's hockey team, theatrical hall, and piano. There are also references to many original settler families, such as, the Olivers, Walters, Macauleys, Griesbachs, Mckays and McDougalls.
There is also a photocopy of a newspaper article about Annie Robertson Harrison and her memoir, "'It Was Wonderful To Be Young In Edmonton'... As Mrs. Harrison Recalls Settlement 72 Years Ago", by Ruth Bowen, Edmonton Journal, September 1, 1955.
