This collection documents the business and personal activities of members of the Dunham and McDougall families, particularly David E. Dunham. It includes Samuel Dunham's book of timber surveys (1846-1849) in the parish of Hampstead and shoemaker Jonathan McDougall's cash book (1850-1853) and ledger (1851-1859) reflecting the trade conducted in his shops at Port Hope and Wickham.
There are also architect David E. Dunham's account books, order books, and cash accounts (1872-1883); an office diary kept by one of his draftsmen, possibly Arthur Anderson; advertisements for Dunham's firm, giving qualifications and a partial list of buildings designed by him; several architectural plans for and photographs of his buildings; and accounts for private buildings.
Lastly, the fonds contains 7 school exercise or copybooks (1844-1861) belonging to David Elson Dunham, Mary Ann McDougall, James Norman McDougall, or Jessie McDougall; a story by Mary Ann McDougall (1860); family photographs of the Dunhams and McDougalls; family history notes compiled by Mrs. J. S. Vanderploeg; and a typed transcript of a letter from schoolmaster John C. Thompson of Stanley to Jonathan McDougall of Gagetown (1838).