This collection consists of small bound volumes used as diaries by Patrick Joseph Sullivan (1874-1944). Sullivan, the son of Irish immigrants, worked as a fuel inspector for the New York City Department of Education in the early 20th century, and lived in Corona, Queens with his wife and their 9 children. Diary entries begin on February 24, 1905, and end on February 23, 1944, the date of his death. In brief daily entries, Sullivan records the bare facts of his activities at work and at home. At the beginning and end of many of the diaries are records of household accounts, as well as phone numbers of co-workers, relatives and friends.

Sullivan's notes about his work include details such as which schools he visited in various boroughs, and the amount and cost of coal or wood delivered:

September 2, 1908: "Rep[orted] at B[oard] of Ed. Worked inside until 2 p.m. Sent to Boyce and Barnes Co. yard in Astoria to make arrangements with wood contractor."

October 18, 1911: "Wednesday, Bklyn P.S. 146. Yard coal. Stove coal Tick 26529."

In the entries about his life with his family in Queens, Sullivan records special occasions, visits with relatives and friends, trips to the movies, and his children's weekend outings in the same matter-of-fact manner:

November 9, 1910: "Married in St. Monica's Church, Father Jordan officiating."

July 4 1913: "Holiday- Baby girl born at 8 a.m. on this glorious day."

May 6, 1928: "Nonie and Rosemary to the 9 o'clock Mass- Jim in bed sick- Madeleine and Francis to the 11:15 Mass- Mamie and myself to the 10 o'clock Mass...I was down to Insp. Dolan's house to the wake. Mrs Dolan died on Friday. All the inspectors except Ryan and Hanity at the wake- home by 1:30 p.m."