This collection contains papers of Jacob W. Lantz, proprietor of a general store in Cedar Springs (Smyth County), Virginia. The collection contains correspondence, financial documents, and account books.

The correspondence relates largely to Lantz's business affairs, particularly the management of his store and the local properties of the Lobdell Car Wheel Company. Together with correspondence between Lantz and various suppliers, the general store folder includes receipts and promotional material. The Lobdell Car Wheels Company file consists mostly of correspondence between Lantz and company secretary Howard L. Seaman but also includes correspondence with others, all relating to local property management issues. A folder devoted to Lantz's personal financial interests includes (among other things) letters from various relatives seeking loans. Among the correspondence also are personal letters, several relating to Lantz's church activities. A separate folder contains correspondence and notes relating to Lantz's interest in his family's history.

Most of the account books in the collection are unidentified. Among the volumes is an account book apparently kept by a shoe cobbler during the early 20th century. Other ledgers in the collection seem to detail the income and expenditures of mercantile and produce businesses. Also included are a set of ledgers providing a detailed general store inventory from 1938 to 1942.