Ornamental penman Perry Albert Westrope (circa 1858-1936) lived in Iowa for many years before moving to Denver, Colorado in 1907. Westrope was well known for his skilled penmanship. He often submitted samples to penmanship journals, and corresponded with others who had a similar interest. Westrope never took formal classes in penmanship, but primarily taught himself. This collection contains penmanship samples, drawings, prints, correspondence, and news clippings. Much of the correspondence is from penmanship specialists, artists, and publishers commenting on the penmanship specimens Westrope submitted.

Perry Albert Westrope was born in 1858 or early 1859 and died in 1936. He lived in Iowa for many years (including Grant and Red Oak), and moved to Denver, Colorado around 1907. In Colorado, Westrope worked as a bond salesman. Westrope was married to Hanna A. Westrope, and they were married in Iowa.

Westrope was well known for his skilled ornamental penmanship. He often submitted examples to penmanship journals, and corresponded with others who had a similar interest. Westrope never took formal classes in penmanship, primarily teaching himself. Westrope taught classes in penmanship. Westrope's brother, N. S. Westrope, also dedicated himself to the art of penmanship (he was left-handed).

This collection (circa 1864-1937, undated) contains penmanship samples, drawings, prints, correspondence, and news clippings. Much of the correspondence is from friends and penmanship specialists, artists, and publishers commenting on the penmanship specimens Westrope submitted. Many comment on his exceptional skill. The scrapbook includes many penmanship examples of other persons, including a few examples of the penmanship of Westrope's brother, N. S. Westrope. Notes stating the age of the penman are sometimes included.