The photos in this collection were compiled for the publication of the book The Catholic Church in the Grand River Valley written by Father John W. McGee; published by Franklin Dekleine Co., Lansing, Michigan, 1950. This finding aid includes the page number in the book where the image is shown. Further descriptions of the image can be found in the image captions, and within the book in general. Other images are included in the book that are not found in this collection, but may exist in other archival collections in the department.

Images related to Louis Campau include a photo of the tombstones for Louis and his wife, Sophie; the church he built in 1837 and the iron cross taken from this old church. Early views of Monroe Ave., a main street in Grand Rapids, are included. The images of buildings and streets may be actual photos or photos of renderings and drawings. In many cases, the source and creator of these graphics is not given, and may no longer be known.

Several of the images are photographs of documents, including maps and signed manuscript items related to the areas history. Images in this collection provide information on the Native American history of this region, as well.