The collection documents the American Red Cross Military Hospital Unit Q from its formation to its work in France and also a portion of Dr. S.M. Wells' personal papers and photos. The bulk of the collection dates from 1917 to 1932, covering Dr. Wells' involvement in World war I, an extensive history of Unit Q which includes excerpts written by other members of the unit, correspondence from the period in which he was medical director at Blodgett Hospital, and documentation of his work as executor of his father's estate. Outside these dates appear nineteenth century photos of both his and his wife's ancestors and also more recent photos of vacations and family friends.

The photos include all aspects of life for Unit Q from daily scenes to extraordinary events. A few photos show African-American soldiers--wounded, a barber, and a military band as well. There are also a series of photos of various wounds that seem to document some sort of experimental treatment. One final word of note, many of the loose photos which have no original documentation also appear in the albums with detailed identification.