This collection consists of a handwritten speech entitled "A Story of the War, " written by the donor's father for Decoration Day services held in 1897 near Grant, Newaygo County,. Michigan. The speech, a highly patriotic tribute to the valor of the Union soldiers, also compares military strategy and technology before and after the Civil War and comments of the importance of patriotism in America.

This collection consists of tax receipts, deeds, ledgers, cash books, correspondence, and miscellaneous legal papers having to do with the Pere Marquette Lumber Company. There is also a journal and cash book of the company store, cash book of the Ludington Water Supply Company, and miscellaneous papers of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad.