The fonds consists of approximately 98988 ca 35 mm. colour slides (as well as a few b&w negatives) depicting architecture and street views across Canada, between the 1970s and the 1990s. All provinces are covered, but there are no images from the territories or from the city of Ottawa.
The photographs depict architecture and urban views in a variety of cities and towns in the provinces, including churches, civic buildings, train stations, commercial buildings and some private residences. Although the majority of the images were taken in large cities, Schade did photograph in smaller, and occasionally rural centres if he found interesting architecture or street views there. Most frequently, his images from the smaller centres consist of churches, town halls, fire stations and post offices, as well as main street views. The photographs include a diverse range of historical and contemporary architecture. As Schade began photographing across the country in the 1970s, many of the historic structures have disappeared or been significantly changed, adding to the historical value of these images.
In larger centres, the subject matter was more diverse, covering a wider range of religious structures as well as theatres, arenas, bridges, etc.
The photographs are primarily exterior images of buildings. These are mostly public buildings, mainly from the 19th century, although there are some shots of unusual or architecturally noteworthy residences, and some shots of vernacular architecture. Twentieth century buildings are primarily represented by city halls, and office buildings; there are few if any industrial buildings, and no 20th century residences (with the possible exception of some vernacular buildings). The images also include churches, churchyards, some graveyards, streetscapes, highway vistas, the homes of historically important individuals such as Samuel Tilley. There are few interiors; with the exception of stores and markets these are all of public buildings such as courthouses.
Information on the slides may include the name of the structure, its location, the architect, the date of construction, the date the photograph was made, and Mr. Schade's own classification numbers.
The slides are arranged alphabetically by location. A finding aid, based on Mr. Schade's database is available. Not all slides appear to have been documented in this system.
