The Beatrice Batchman Cooke collection on Fullerton History encompasses materials primarily focused on local history, with an emphasis on Orange County and California State University, Fullerton. Spanning from 1835 to 1984, the collection includes various record types such as notebooks, typescripts, manuscripts, files, postcards, clippings, brochures, photographs, receipts, maps, deeds, blueprints, surveys, and newspapers.

Key subjects covered in the collection include local history of Orange County and Fullerton, California State University, Fullerton (formerly Fullerton Junior College), the citrus industry in Southern California, early California literature and literary history, and historical societies and prominent local personalities. The collection is organized by subject and contains several series, including newspapers, university-related materials, and documents pertaining to Fullerton and Orange County history.

Local literary history is represented through materials on Southern California authors from 1865-1943. The collection also contains documents related to various local historical organizations. A series of maps, blueprints, and surveys dating from 1882-1961 includes Fullerton city maps. Materials on notable local figures such as Helena Modjeska and Leo Fender are also present.

Additionally, the collection includes items related to clubs, the Fullerton Public Library, local industries, and regional development. Photographs, postcards, and clippings provide visual documentation of the area's growth and changes over time. This collection offers valuable insights into the development of Fullerton, Orange County, and California State University, Fullerton, as well as the cultural and economic factors that shaped the region from the late 19th to the late 20th century.