Papers consist primarily of Smith's files relating to his architectural work containing correspondence with clients, colleagues, contractors, suppliers, and others, with related bills, notes, receipts, accounts, estimates, specifications, time sheets, progress reports, and architectural drawings. Also, portrait photographs of young people (possibly classmates?) in Rochester, N.Y. and Evanston, Ill., circa late 19th century; a class roll card, 1901, for a class taught by Smith at the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, New York; a memo book, undated, containing miscellaneous accounts, sketches, memoranda; correspondence, 1890s, between Ella Smith (Smith's mother) and Lucien Smith and other family members, Rochester, N.Y., and Elmhurst, Ill.; account book, 1891-1902, of Mrs. H. V. (Ella) Smith, Rochester, N.Y.; calling cards, invitations, photographs, letters, bills, receipts, and other, miscellaneous personal documents; student drawings made by Smith when at Columbia University's School of Architecture; drawings for a proposed "academy of art and archaeology" in Rome, 1905-1906; and drawings for Malvina Hoffman's house and studio in New York City.