This fonds consists of two journals (interspersed with clippings and notes), covering the period 1867-1901, a notebook for the years1893-1901, 3 pieces of correspondence from 1900, and several curio items, a hotel blotter and a hotel traveller's guide from 1874.
Journal 1867-1889: This journal is an amalgam of many things. There are diary like notations concerning Bain (financial transactions, weather, election events, economic undertakings, occasional family event, agricultural activities such as new seed or breeding animals acquired, drawing logs, etc). Many entries are under names of other individuals, and seem to be a record of financial transactions which Bain may have had with them as rentiers or borrowers. There are occasional clippings fixed to pages, almost always general election results through the years.
Journal 1889-1912: This journal continues in the same vein as the preceding book, but seems to be much more given to financial entries (which, at the same time, comment on Mr. Bain's life and various activities). Again, clippings are scattered throughout the journal, many dealing with elections, but also a fair number of obituaries, Bible Society activities, municipal events and so on.
Notebook 1893-1900: This notebook is also more-or-less an account book. Although there are notations for several other individuals, the majority of the book records transaction for Helen Bain probably his wife (nee Weir).
Correspondence 1881, 1900: Two pieces are addressed to Mrs Helen Bain, one from her Husband Thomas, the other from her niece Mary Bain. The former, sent from Ottawa, has interesting commentary on MPs and the railway committee (including Sir John getting "sobered up"), as well as Bain's wishes for his sons and regrets that he is not around at home, and his visits to the Ladies College and excursion to Aylmer. The latter is an interesting letter dealing with the visit of Lord Minto, social etiquette and protocol, living conditions and the like. The last letter is a farewell piece to Bain from a retiring MP.
Blotter and Hotel Traveller's Guide: Interesting period pieces.
