The collection consists of a typescript inventory of property in the offices of the mayor and commissioners of the City of Dallas from 1909.

The City of Dallas has existed under three different systems of governance.  The Mayor-Alderman system existed from 1856 to 1906 and included a Mayor and five elected Aldermen.  The Mayor-Commissioner system, which included a Mayor and four elected Commissioners, existed from 1907 to 1930.  And finally the current Mayor-Council system which has been in place since 1931.  

The inventory of property was conducted on May 5, 1909 when the city was governed under the Mayor-Commissioner system. The elected officials during the inventory include Mayor Stephen J. Hay and Commissioners William Doran, Harry L. Seay, Dan F. Sullivan, and C.B. Gillespie.