The photocopied scrapbooks in this collection consist primarily of newspaper clippings and press material. However, there are also photographs, correspondence and campaign materials. The photographs in the scrapbooks were scanned (available for researchers visiting the Pennsylvania House of Representatives) and cover many facets of Mr. Bowley's campaigns and career in the House.

The scrapbooks span the years of Mr. Bowley's service in the House and the four years following, during which he was still actively campaigning for public office. Although the materials cover Mr. Bowley's entire term of service, the campaigns are the focus of all the the scrapbooks. It is during this time that Mr. Bowley received the most press coverage, as is typical for nearly all elected officials, and generated the most material. This is an outstanding resource for researchers interested in the methods and practices of campaigning as well as the media's role in campaigns. In order to direct the researcher to the appropriate scrapbook, topics have been identified per scrapbook. However, it is necessary to note that not every topic mentioned in scrapbooks is included in the finding aid.