This collection includes correspondence between Chilhowie Milling Company and business partners over a two year period from 1916 and 1917, though there are limited papers in the year of 1916. Additionally, the collection includes business transaction papers that contain form orders, bills, receipts, and marketing aids.

At the beginning of 1917, between February-March 1917, Chilhowie Milling Company communicated with banks, Nordyke and Marmon (Flour Mill Engineers), Norfolk and Western Railway Company, and Millers National Insurance Company to try and move their company to a new building. In addition, the company communicates with Virginia Portland Cement Company about quotes per barrel of cement. At the beginning of March, cement costs 2.22 per barrel, but by March 17th the price raises 10 cents. By March 20th, cement is 2.42 per barrel in cloth sacks vs. 2.17 in paper sacks.

The primary negotiation between Chilhowie Milling Company, Nordyke and Marmon Engineering Company is concluded by the end of July. From April 1917 to June 1917, Chilhowie worked with Nordyke and Marmon Company to create a blueprint of the new mill building. At that Point Chilhowie Milling Company planned to transition from coal powered machinery to steam powered machinery. There were miscommunications between the companies with regards to machinery, build, and shipments primarily in the months of May and June. Though the companies still struggle with communication over shipment orders in July.

In late August and early September 1917, local businesses and livestock farmers contacted Chilhowie Milling Company about business transactions. Over the month of September, final machinery and siding were shipped to the company. Chilhowie Milling Company did not reopen until October first when all of the steam machinery was in place.

October, November, and December correspondence include price estimates and business proposals between Chilhowie, business clients, and colleagues.

Companies in the collection with whom Chilhowie Milling Company corresponded includes: Bank of Glade Springs B. D. Smith and Brothers Printers Bristol Door and Lumber Company C. A. King and Company C. A. Shultz Manufacturing Company Incorporated Crystal Springs Bleachery Company Douglas Land Company First National Bank of Roanoke Ferger Grain Company Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills Grayson Supply Company G. E. Little Gruendler Crusher and Pulverizing Company Gulf Bag Company H. F. Lewis and Company Hassinger Lumber Company Invincible Grain Cleaners Company Louisville Milling Company Millers National Insurance Company Mitchell Powers Hardware Company Morgan and Hamilton Company Mountain City Mill Company Nordyke and Marmon Flour Mill Engineers Norfolk and Western Railway Company North Western Railroad Owen and Barker Phillips and Dillard Portfield and Company Rector, Braham and Taylor Incorporated Rockwood Manufacturing Company Rosenbaum Brothers State of Virginia Dairy and Food Division Troutdale Supply Company Valley View Farm Corporation Virginia Iron, Coal, and Coke Company Virginia Leather Company Virginia Portland Cement Company Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company W. J. Savage Company