The collection consists of a scrapbook kept by Alexander J. Gardiner (1852-1921), and maintained by his widow, Hattie Gardiner, following his death. The scrapbook contains clippings, mostly about the Southern Pacific -- history, special events, personnel, retirements and wrecks, as well as extensive clippings regarding the opening of SP's Sacramento passenger depot in 1926. It also contains Gardiner's correspondence regarding establishment of Southern Pacific's pension system, drafts of the pension rules, and photographs of Gardiner, the Sacramento General Shops (emphasizing fire safety hazards) and shop employees.

An immigrant from England, Alexander J. Gardiner entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Company's Sacramento General Shops in 1876 and remained there until his retirement in 1915. During this period he worked with Andrew J. Stevens and Taylor W. Heintzelman. For most of his career Gardiner served as pipe gang foreman, although shortly before retiring he became a fire inspector.

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