Approximately half of the fonds is taken up with general research notes accumulated by Dawson during his working life, consisting of newspaper clipping, hand-written notes and assorted print materials (1917-1958). As well, there is a considerable but not comprehensive body of material relating to his publications, including research notes and correspondence, handwritten and typed drafts, proofs and copies of the finished publications (ca. 1920-1961).
The fonds has a small amount of personal and family papers (ca. 1900-1927), professional correspondence (ca. 1921-1951) and personal correspondence (1899-1950). Finally there are over 160 photographs of Dawson’s family and homes (1895-195-), of acquaintances from his student days at Dalhousie (1915-1920), and 4 photograph albums (undated). MS-2-256, Box 1-33