The fonds consists of material created through Merrett’s work in compiling local histories of Edmonton. These include research and writings on the Edmonton City Market, the horticultural scene in Edmonton and the Cross Cancer Institute.
The majority of the records deal with research for a book on the Edmonton City Market (A History of the Edmonton City Market, 1900-200: Urban Values and Urban Culture) and political activism relating to a two-year fight to retain a City Market in the downtown. Research undertaken on Edmonton’s gardening history and publications based upon that research is also present. These records include transcripts of interviews conducted by Merrett with vendors and others associated with the Edmonton City Market, and a record of a two-year political process during which the Edmonton City Market building on 97th Street was closed and replaced by an outdoor market on 104th Street. The interviews, most of which are rendered in the voices of the interviewees, cover a variety of subjects relating to life in Edmonton from the 1930s through the 1960s and 1970s. The record of the 2002-2004 period in the City Market’s history includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, a photocopy of a petition presented to City Council, and meeting minutes. There are also photographs of some of the interviewees.
The records of the horticultural scene in Edmonton include Merrett's research on Edmonton's gardening history and articles written by Merrett for the Edmonton Horticultural Society's (EHS) newsletter, The Gardener's Gate. There is also a copy of Merrett's published work on gardening in Edmonton - Why We Grow Here: Essays on Edmonton's Gardening History.
The fonds also includes two publications from Merrett’s work with the Cross Cancer Institute. These items represent the commissioning of Merrett to write a history of the medical centre, as well as a history of the volunteer program there over the first 50 years of its existence.
