Previously known as the "Ethel Johns Research Collection", the fonds consists of records generated during Street's writing of the biography of Ethel Johns. It includes correspondence (1969-1974) with publishers and the Canada Council which funded the project; transcripts of interviews with students, friends and associates (1969-1970); copies of Johns' addresses and publications (including portions of an unfinished autobiography); and draft manuscripts for the book "Watch-Fires on the Mountains".

The collection consists of records documenting John MacDermot’s proposed History of Medicine in British Columbia, and includes correspondence, written notes, minutes, clippings, completed survey forms, and written and typed manuscripts.