Collection includes business documents and plans, circa 1902-1944. Willamette Iron Works began operating in Portland, Oregon, in 1865, and was known for producing the "Willamette Donkey" for logging operations. During World War II, it became a shipbuilding contractor for the United States government. It changed names several times and was variously known as Willamette Iron and Steel Works, Willamette Iron and Steel Corporation, Willamette Iron and Steel Company, and Wisco.

Manuscript specifications for a marine-fire-box boiler, a type of steam engine, August 1889, prepared for J. B. Montgomery.