The papers consist of photographs, photograph albums, a scrapbook, correspondence, professional and financial records, genealogical records, and recorded interviews. The material was created or collected by Dr. Charles Eugene Swift of Goshen and Elkins, Arkansas, and by members of his immediate family, especially his son Joseph Maxwell Swift, and by other descendants.

The papers include photographs of individuals (ca. 1870-1977), their homes, schools, and activities. Of special note are two albums that portray in photographs the life of Joe Swift, his rural boyhood, pictures of his military experiences, and his homecoming to Elkins. A scrapbook kept by Joe Swift complements the albums with programs, clippings, and other documents. In addition there is correspondence that describes the activities of the Swift family, which came to include Anna Swift's brother, Dr. George Risley and her nurse/companion, Milly West. There are, in addition, financial records, writings by family members and friends (poems, essays), obituaries, death notices, certificates, membership cards, and clippings. Some of the documents are connected to the Benjamin F. Little family.

Twelve cassette tapes record extensive interviews with six of Dr. Swift's children and family friends. The tapes were made in 1976-1977 and in 1988. Subjects covered are: life in Goshen and Elkins, Dr. Swift's practice and character, and biographical information. Two interviews are with Mildred Counts West (Milly), companion of Dr. Swift's mother, Anna. Milly describes family life in Drake's Creek, Madison County in the early twentieth century. Brief biographies of members of the family, as well as Milly West, accompany the tapes.