The Seven family immigrated from the Netherlands to Grand Rapids, Michigan circa 1880. Family members operated several businesses, including the John Seven Paint & Wallpaper Co. (later Seven's Paint & Wallpaper). The collection includes 66 4x5 glass plate negatives depicting Grand Rapids, Michigan area views, Grand River flood views and images of Seven family members, homes and businesses, primarily on the West Side.

The Thomas glass plate negatives contain 269 historical glass negative images from the first decade of the twentieth century, plus one original photo. The plates seem to have been taken by Mr. Thomas and his daughter. The images depict Thomas family members, houses, house interiors and various Grand Rapids views such as the flood of 1904, the Grand River, John Ball Park and workers. Also included are views from Holland, Grand Haven and Muskegon, Michigan.