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Fergusson family scrapbook
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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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Alexander C. Fergusson arrived in Philadelphia from Scotland in 1855. Within ten years he had began his own business as a broker and chemicals merchant. In 1892 his son, Alexander C. Fergusson, Jr. joined the firm. During World War I they set up the Fergusson Laboratories on Orianna Street to produce potassium ferricyanide for the war effort. After the war the firm branched out into the manufacture of liquid soaps and shampoos. By 1927 it was decided to split the laboratories off from the manufacturing side of the business, which then became known as the Alex. C. Fergusson Co. (AFCO).
This scrapbook, through news clippings, correspondence and advertising materials, gives a comprehensive overview of the growth and diversification of a family owned business from the mid nineteenth century through to the closing decade of the twentieth.
This is a family scrapbook, but its emphasis is on the family business rather than individual people in the family.
On deposit at the Chemical Heritage Foundation by A. Carter Fergusson.
Source of acquisition--Carter Fergusson. Method of acquisition--deposit;; Date of acquisition--2000..
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