The papers consist mostly of banding returns and Purple Finch studies. They also include several photographs and an extensive card file documenting bird sightings from 1948 to 1972. Photographs 1-4 are of Ruth Thomas, c. 1920-1960. Photograph 5 is of a Ruth Thomas book signing. Photographs 6-15 are of Ruth Thomas and various birds taken at her home in Morrilton, Arkansas, in 1970. The card file has been preserved in its original arrangement.