The Harry and Sara Lepman Collection consists almost exclusively of American sheet music imprints. The music is organized in two subseries: piano-vocal and solo piano music. The music spans the years 1890-1945 with the bulk of the items dating from the World War I era (1914-1918) into the 1920s. The majority of the songs were composed to rally public support for military efforts in the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II, but themes of isolationism and pacifism are also represented. The piano music consists primarily of marches and two-steps, often making reference to American military divisions and their leaders. Songs that do not relate to war themes are notable for other reasons, such as "Smile and Show Your Dimple," which was an early version of "Easter Parade." The collection also illustrates early uses of jazz and refers to topical subjects, such as Charles Lindbergh. The patriotic titles are enhanced by colorful cover art depicting American patriotic images. Pictorial images of Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, and the American flag played a significant role in the marketing of the songs. Some of the cover pages feature well-known performers, such as Al Jolson, as a means to boost sales of the music. Many notable songwriters of the day are represented, including Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, and Albert and Harry von Tilzer.