Hercules Powder Company records, 1963-1975
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Hercules Powder Company
- Title
- Hercules Powder Company records
- Dates
- 1963-1975 (inclusive)Date of CollectionDate of Collection
- Quantity
- .45 cubic ft. (1 box)
- Collection Number
- 01403
- Summary
- The Hercules Powder Company formed in 1912 after a federal court ordered its parent company, Du Pont, to break up its monopoly on the explosives industry in the U.S. Collection contains pamphlets, newsletters, periodicals, a prospectus, and an annual report.
- Repository
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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
-
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
The Hercules Powder Company formed in 1912 after a federal court ordered the Du Pont company to break up its monopoly on the explosives and gunpowder industry in the United States. As a manufacturer of chemicals for such products as pharmaceuticals, paints and adhesives, and construction materials, Hercules Powder began supplying Great Britain with acetone in 1916. It then began to manufacture cotton cellulose in 1920. During WWII, Hercules Powder became a major supplier of naval stores and explosives for the war effort, and the company grew exponentially. However, its sales would plummet after the war ended due to the sudden lack of demand. During the decade between the mid-1950s and 1960s, the company’s fortunes looked up once again as it secured various government contracts and began producing Agent Orange and napalm during the Vietnam War. In 1968, the company changed its name to Hercules Inc.
Content Description
Collection contains a pamphlet titled “Hercules Powder Company: A Brief History”; newsletter; periodical issues from “The Explosives Engineer” between 1969 and 1975; a prospectus from July 1964; and an annual report for the year 1963.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in CollectionsThe American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.
Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
This material was received from the Hercules Powder Company and Robert B. Hessler between August 1964 and June 1975.
Processing Note
Related Materials
Records of Hercules Incorporated, 1913-1997, 2012.017, The Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History, Science History Institute Museum and Library.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Inventories
The American Heritage Center is in the process of converting its older container lists to a more accessible format. This link is to an older version of a container list for 1 box.
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Description: Link to Container List (PDF)Container: Box 1
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Chemicals.
- Explosives.
- Pamphlets.
Corporate Names
- Hercules Incorporated.
Form or Genre Terms
- Annual reports.
- Newsletters.
- Periodicals.
