The record consists of a typed transcript of a series of oral history interviews of J. Edgar Rhoads (1883-1981) held at the Hagley Museum and Library between January 31 and April 14, 1969. The interviewers were Dr. Norman B. Wilkinson, Lucius F. Ellsworth, and Faith K. Pizor, or the Hagley staff. The interviews follow a question and answer format and seem to follow a missing list of questions submitted in advance. The person transcribing the tapes made many mistakes in the spelling of proper nouns.

In the interviews, Rhoads reminiscences about the major episodes in his life to about 1950 with considerable background material on his family from the time of its conversion to the Quaker faith in seventeenth century England. Rhoads also offers many asides on the workings and processes associated with the leather and tanning business, the company's products, sales, and labor practices. He describes his rural childhood, prep school life, and his civic and charitable activities, particularly his work with the American Friends Service Committee in Europe during and after both world wars and with the United China Relief. He also mentions his failed efforts to return the remains of pioneer inventor Oliver Evans (1755-1819) from New York to Wilmington.