The photographs are arranged by subject matter and cover activities in and around the town of Deseronto, Ontario. The majority date from the late nineteenth century and many depict the lumber-related industries of the Rathbun Company in Deseronto. There are also photographs of school groups, churches, railways, First World War airfields and portraits of Deseronto citizens.
Three photographs, formerly in the possession of Thelma Joyce: 1) Students and staff of Deseronto High School, 1927-1928, taken by E. J. Powell of Hamilton [photograph has names on reverse] 2) Members of the United Empire Loyalist Pageant in Deseronto, 1929, taken by Marrison of Kingston 3) Students and staff of Napanee Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, 1930-1931, taken by E. J. Powell of Hamilton
Collection includes published annual reports of Deseronto Methodist Church for 1902, 1912, 1923 and 1924; souvenir booklet of the Methodist Church, 1911-1912; typewritten history of the Deseronto United Church from the 1860s up to 1976 (apparently extracted from minutes of the Board); newspaper clippings relating to church members and ministers, 1960s; a few photographs of church members, 1960s; printed orders of service 1970s-1980. Also includes a blank contract agreement between public school trustees and a teacher from the 1890s.