This collection consists of two copybooks of outgoing correspondence written by Edwin J. Rich of Rochester, NY. In 1901 Rich was general manager and, from 1907, sole owner of the Ideal Novelty Co. of Rochester, distributor of a small spinning top and several other toys. He was half-owner of the top’s patent, as well as inventor and half-owner of a patent for a musical toy. The correspondence reflects the efforts involved in running a small business, dealing with manufacturers, and soliciting orders from stores and distributors for the novelty company’s toys.

Rich also worked during 1903–1904 as a general agent for the H.C. White Co., North Bennington, VT, which manufactured and sold stereographs. He obtained salesmen for various sales territories and served as their intermediary with the company. From 1910 until the copybooks’ conclusion in 1912, he worked in an unknown capacity for the Standard Plating Company.

The copybooks also contain personal correspondence regarding property lots owned by Rich and others in Denver, CO, along with Rich’s handling of a relative’s estate.