This collection was largely organized based on the types of documents it contained. The building contracts make up most of the records and were therefore all kept together and put in chronological order. Other records were then grouped together separately and put in chronological order as well. The records of James M. Bayles & Son are arranged by series as described below.

Series 1: Shipbuilding Contracts. 1856-1906

Series 2: Papers. 1858-1907, undated