The collection includes reports and correspondence concerning the Wide Awake Quicksilver Mine, and its owner A. A. Gibson, as well as photographs depicting mine operations. Included is a report, titled “Importance of Research of Historic Information on Mines in California that Used or Produced Mercury”, by Chris T. Higgins and Ronald K. Churchill of the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology.

There are two copies of a descriptive report examining the condition of the Wide Awake Quicksilver Mine and the surrounding area conducted by R. B. Symington. One of the copies is of the original report with notes written in the margins, and the other is a typed representative of the original without the notes. Also included in the collection is a photocopy of a report on the production and uses of quicksilver. There is also a diagram illustrating the Wide Awake Quicksilver Mine and Lands, which is meant to accompany the report by R. B. Symington.

The collection also includes a copy of the State of California, Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, Service Agreement dated July 21, 1932 that recognizes A. A. Gibson, Ruth B. Gibson, and Emma G. Trebilcot, formerly Emma G. Gibson as owners of the property containing the Wide Awake Quicksilver Mine, as well as a photocopy of correspondence from an inmate at San Quentin, acquiring about employment at the mine.

Nineteen photographs accompany this collection. Identification and captions have been provided by Chris T. Higgins, California Division of Mines and Geology. All of the photographs from the Quicksilver Mine are believed to be taken around 1900, except for sc21054, which is most likely taken in the 1930’s. Nearly all of the structures visible in these photographs are no longer in existence.