The Bernard Polak and Polak's Fruital Works, Inc. collection
Scope and Contents
For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1054913~S6
This is far from being a comprehensive collection of business papers, but the Code Book and the notebooks offer excellent insights into the flavorings and fragrances industry. The later materials are of variable interest. The family tree chart of perfumes and the formulary calculators are of interest.
Dates
- Creation: 1935-2004
Language of Materials
Text in English and Dutch.
Biographical sketch
Polak's Fruital Works was founded in Amersfoort, Holland by Bernard Polak's father and an uncle. After the death of his brother Frits in 1954 Bernard became president of the company. Although a Dutch company, Polak's Fruital Works had a U.S. subsidiary from 1923 on. In 1937 the company's U.S. operations were expanded and they were developed further during WWII when Holland was under German occupation. During these years Bernard Polak and Jesse L. Weinberg pioneered the WONF (flavors with other natural flavors) concept. Polak's Fruital Works became known as a leading manufacturer of food flavors in the U.S. and in 1974 it was purchased by Hercules Inc.
Extent
.75 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Arrangement
Organized into two series. Series I: Bernard Polak's Student-Notebooks, 1935-1938 ; Series II: Polak's Fruital Works, Inc.
Ownership and Custodial History
Gift of Bernard Polak, former president and C.E.O. of Polak's Fruital Works, Inc.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Source of acquisition--Polak, Bernard. . Method of acquisition--Gift;; Date of acquisition--2008..
General Note
In addition to the notebooks and the Polak's Fruital Works, Inc. related materials, there are two corporate letter seals and some books relating to the perfume industry that have been separated from the paper collection.
Subject
- Polak, Bernard (Person)
- Polak's Fruital Works (Organization)
Genre / Form
Topical
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
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