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The Bernard Polak and Polak's Fruital Works, Inc. collection
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Held at: Science History Institute Archives [Contact Us]315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Science History Institute Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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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.
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.
Organized into two series. Series I: Bernard Polak's Student-Notebooks, 1935-1938 ; Series II: Polak's Fruital Works, Inc.
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.
Gift of Bernard Polak, former president and C.E.O. of Polak's Fruital Works, Inc.
Source of acquisition--Polak, Bernard. . Method of acquisition--Gift;; Date of acquisition--2008..
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