The collection consists of the papers of Herman Oliver, a rancher and banker from Grant County, Oregon. The bulk of the collection consists of Oliver's business and personal correspondence. Other correspondence in the collection is that of his wife, Eliza Oliver; and two letters sent to his daughter, Anna Wiseman. Other materials include financial papers in the form of invoices and receipts; photographs; Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) Extension bulletins about ranching; a speech that Oliver gave to the Oregon Cattle and Horse Raisers' Association; high school commencement programs; and ephemera.