The collection provides insight into trademark protection litigation of the 1920s, 30s and 40s; as well as federal anti-trust actions of the 1920s. In addition, the collection documents various economic conditions in the industry such as wage costs, production costs, market trends and shipping costs. Also included are records detailing efforts to recruit, train and keep furniture workers. The photographs show views of factory exteriors and interiors, as well as products of various firms though the views of products generally date to the 1960s and later. The Grand Rapids Airplane Company of World War I, which was composed of most of the area furniture manufacturers, is also depicted. That Company made the Handley-Page bombers, none of which ever flew in battle due to the late entry of the United States into the War.