Though the collection spans the period 1865-1910, the bulk of the documents covers the last decade of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th. The collection includes the papers of Andrew Helmer, the personal papers of William Helmer and the financial papers of William Helmer. The papers of Andrew Helmer comprise the smallest portion of the collection. The journals record various aspects and costs of raising sheep. One account ledger records household expenditures. The two volumes dealing with raising horses include pedigrees, foaling and stud records.

William Helmer's personal papers contain a diary, information on farm machinery, and bookkeeping exercises. The diary gives an account of a three-day wagon trip from Battle Creek to Greenville, Michigan. The bookkeeping exercises demonstrate work with cashbooks, balance sheets, ledgers and journals.

The largest segment of the collection is the financial records of William Helmer. These papers present a detailed account of Helmer's farm operation and financial condition. The cashbooks record daily expenses including labor used on the farm, particularly chopping wood during the winter. The journals also record the wood cut and sold. The milk records provide a complete account of Helmer's diary operation, from breeding, through production to distribution. The vegetable sales ledgers present a daily accounting while the fruit sales ledgers are not as extensive.