Fonds consists of manuscript chapters for a book on Ottawa written by McLeod Stewart. The manuscript was probably published as, "The first half century of Ottawa" by Esdale Press in 1910. The manuscript is organized by chapters, and there is sometimes more than one version of a particular chapter. Topics covered include: water power, the Morrisburg & Ottawa Electric Railway, the police and fire departments, the G.T.R. central station, the Y.W.C.A., the Chateau Laurier, the fire alarm telegraph system, journalism in Bytown and Ottawa, and the Lady Grey Hospital, amongst others.

Fonds also includes two letters received by Stewart. The letters are dated 27 April 1911 and 17 May 1911 and refer to Stewart's recently published book, "The first half century of Ottawa."

Fonds also includes approximately fifty pictures showing scenes and buildings in Ottawa and vicinity, which were clipped out of magazines or other publications. There are photogaphs and some drawings and most of the images are photo engravings. Some of the images have cut-lines describing the scene, and others do not.

For a more detailed description, use this link to the Archives of Ontario's descriptive database: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/PROV/PROV/REFD+F+346?SESSIONSEARCH