The fonds contains architectural drawings and textual records documenting Montreal projects by the architect John Smith Archibald as well as the various firms with which he was associated, including Saxe & Archibald, Archibald & Illsley, and Archibald, Illsley & Templeton. The architectural projects documented in the fonds include hotels, clubs, office and commercial buildings, homes, railway stations, churches, and schools.

Bacon's papers are grouped in two series. Materials from his student days include notes on geology, chemistry, hydrographic surveying, magnetism, electric motors and economics. Files stemming from his work for the National Fire Proofing Co. comprise contracts, architectural specifications, cost notes, and memoranda concerning construction of various buildings in Montréal (e.g. Windsor Station, the Sun Life Building) and elsewhere.