This collection documents Grand Rapids, Michigan companies and some of the products they sold through the graphic trade cards gathered. Arrangement has been done alphabetically under the name of the local company, rather than the product company.

While most of the collection includes trade cards, some other forms of trade literature or advertising ephemera, such as pamphlets or a fan, are also included. Most of the cards are 5x8 or smaller, with an occasional larger sized item. Of most interest are those cards which are locally produced by area printers, as well as advertising local businesses or products.