Fonds consists of correspondence, documents, journals, and a photograph relating to Colin Rankin's activity as a Fur Trader for the Hudson's Bay Company. Included are three journals kept by Donald McKay, Fur Trader, between 1799 and 1806, which were acquired by Rankin probably during his stay in the Temiskaming district.

Correspondence from Daniel Claus to Captain Matthews. The letter is regarding the capture of Peter Hansen and his servant as members of the rebellion by the Mohawk nation to be used to gather intelligence. The letter also mentions a contract for fresh meat, and that members of the village had been unwell. At this time Claus had been appointed deputy agent of the Six Nations in Canada under Frederick Haldimand.

Typescript letter regarding lumbering on Lake Huron, Ontario written by David M. Netterfield. The letter describes the history of the Spanish River Lumber Company that operated near the Sauble River, between 1882 and the 1940's, focusing on the 20th century history of the company. Account makes reference to the Spanish River Indian Reserve, Wahnapitae, Ontario, the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 and the Mississauga Timber Reserve. Also included is a business card dated July 14, 1958, for Noranda Mines Limited located in Toronto, Ontario with a handwritten note that reads: Thought this might interest you. Hope you had a good trip. Hank. 14 July/58."

Consists of a deed of bargain and sale on vellum. The deed, dated December 12, 1834, details a transaction between Vincent Dewell, and his wife Harriet, with Henry Smith regarding a plot of land in exchange for 50 pounds. The plot of land is identified as the west part of lot 29 on the 8th concession of Hope Township in Durham County, Upper Canada. Two red wax seals appear on the bottom right corner of the deed.

Five land grants from the Department of Indian Affairs granting promised Indigenous lands. The grants are made out to Benjamin Franklin Mutchmor (200 acres), Elizabeth Mutchmor (175 acres), Charles Woodward (100 acres), and Mary Rowe (100 acres). The lands granted were to be for the use of the Ojibwe and Odawa of Manitoulin Island.

One photograph album of 91 photos from Newfoundland and Labrador, ca. 1890. The images show men and women hunting, fishing, exploring nature and visiting with Inuit communities. The photographs were taken in St. John's (showing Signal Hill, the harbour, and the city skyline), along the Humber River (at Big Falls, Steady Brook, and Bay of Islands), and in Labrador (at Nain, Cape Harrison and Hawke Harbour).