The workbook that comprises this collection was used during the Amos Parrish Fashion Merchandising Clinic, held in New York City, January 6-10, 1930. The clinic was offered once and at times twice annually from the 1920s through 1955 to forecast the year's fashion industry trends. This workbook belonged to Howard Phillips, merchandise manager for Ernst Kern Department Store, Detroit, Michigan, and was annotated by Phillips.

James Henry Pickering, Jr. (1904-1969) was an American illustrator and retail merchandiser who served as the president of Amos Parrish & Company, Inc. The collection primarily comprises examples of his illustration work, yet it also contains information about his personal life and career. Records in the collection from Pickering’s career at Amos Parrish & Co. include promotional brochures, speeches from fashion clinics, and merchandising workbooks.