Sub-series 8. London Water Files, 1939
Scope and Content
The BetzDearborn, Incorporated Records contain the corporate records of BetzDearborn, Incorporated. The collection's contents mainly document the history of BetzDearborn's two corporate ancestors: Betz Laboratories, Incorporated and Dearborn Chemical Company. The collection is arranged into the following six series:
- Betz Laboratories, Incorporated Files
- Dearborn Chemical Company Files
- Audio-Visual Materials
- Oversized Materials
- Artifacts
- Photographic Materials
Dates
- Creation: 1939
Sub-series Description
In June 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain visited the United States to meet with President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. It was the first ever visit to the United States by a reigning British monarch. To help make the royal visit a success, W.H. & L.D. Betz prepared synthetic “London Water”, which was used in the tea served to the royal couple. The “London Water” was well received by the White House.
Arranged alphabetically by subject, the contents of this sub-series consist mainly of correspondence from the White House to W.H. & L.D. Betz officials regarding the “London Water”, which includes two letters from Eleanor Roosevelt, a telegram from Eleanor Roosevelt’s housekeeper Henrietta Nesbitt, and a letter from Eleanor Roosevelt’s secretary Malvina Thompson. A few newspaper clippings regarding the “London Water” are preserved in this sub-series as well.
Repository Details
Part of the Science History Institute Archives Repository
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19106 United States
215.873.8265
215.873.5265 (Fax)
reference@sciencehistory.org