The Cecil C. Mahon Papers consist of a 146 page scrapbook, which was compiled by Mahon's mother. The scrapbook dates from 1915-1917, and contains newspaper articles from the Cavalier County Republican and the Langdon, North Dakota, Courier Democrat related to the early settlers of Cavalier County, North Dakota. The Langdon Women's Club asked the Courier Democrat to start a section called the "Old Settlers Department" where the early settlers of Cavalier County could have their stories recounted. These men and women were encouraged to write in or were interviewed by someone from the paper. The stories recounted how they came to settle in North Dakota, where they had come from, who their families were, and what life was like in the early days of the county. In some cases, obituaries of old settlers were extended to include stories of their lives and how they came to North Dakota. Several of these obituaries can be found in the scrapbook.

Also included in the scrapbook are programs from a five-day Chautauqua that took place in 1916, several articles about an August 1916 Arts and Crafts Exhibit of the Civic League at Pembina, and several articles focusing on the natural resources of, and facts regarding, the state of North Dakota. In addition, a pamphlet entitled "Reminiscences of the Sioux Indian and Civil Wars, by Veteran Newcombe Kinney– November 1916, Transcribed by Mrs. John Mahon" can be found attached to the back cover of the scrapbook.

An index of the names of persons who were the focus of articles was created. The index is arranged in alphabetical order by last name, and indicates the page number(s) on which each name can be found.