Handwritten letters in poetic format, along with clippings and other memorabilia, with transcript of the letters at the end.

The annual New Years letters from Thomas J. Shields to his wife Adalaide G. Shields talk about his love and affection for his wife and family, and detail what's going on in their lives as well as world events, such as the Great Depression and World War II. Memorabilia includes newspaper clippings from Sydney Justin Harris and others, inspirational quotations, and a photograph and business card of Thomas J. Shields. There is also a letter from and clippings about Monsignor Patrick T. Brennan, who was killed in North Korea in 1959 while acting as a missionary there.

The transcript, entitled "New Year's Letters to Adalaide," includes a biographical introduction, annotations to some of the poems giving explanatory context, a transcription of William Cullen Bryant's "Thanatopsis" (one of Thomas J. Shields's favorite poems), and a biography of Thomas C. Shields.