This fonds contains a bound typescript copy of Helen's memoirs, The Unforgotten Years. These memoirs document the Shirriff and Alexander families, and are particularly descriptive of life in Western Canada between the 1860s and 1932.

In terse, usually one line descriptions, the daily work of a male farmer on a mixed farm through the depression years are depicted. In addition to grain the couple raised both cattle and pigs; if there was also poultry this would presumably have been the purview of the woman and was not noted. Entries in a second hand are found at the back of the 1927 diary, primarily regarding quilting; and at the back of the 1939-1942 diary, noting household expenditures. At the end of 1929, the main author noted "Very poor year. Drought. Shortage of feed and water;" to which his partner appended, "All poor if you ask me???"

This collection consists primarily of correspondence, notes, clippings and photographs. It includes material of other Porter family members.