The mounts mostly with Hartford, Connecticut backmarks. All but three of the portraits are identified by slips of paper inscribed in a small, neat hand giving the sitter's name and hometown (if a student). Almost to a man those pictured are from the Northeast, however one student is from Maryland's Eastern Shore while another is from exotic Honolulu, Hawaii. The latter, Joseph Platte Cooke, Jr., came from an enterprising family that maintained its deep Connecticut roots while engaged with missionary and business pursuits in the islands. A unique grouping with many research opportunities.

The photographs are generally clean with good margins and little wear.