William Barnett and Sons Company Records - Accession 217

Authors

William Barnett and Sons Company

Files

Identifier

Accession 217

Inclusive Dates

1873-1975

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

5000 pieces, 66 vols, 3.0 linear feet

Language

English

Historical Note

The William Barnett and Sons Company was founded in 1780 in Philadelphia by Bartholomew Bussier and was reported to be the first starch factory in the United States. In 1817, the firm was sold by Bussier’s heirs to Thomas Barnett, who had been manager, and the company remained in the Barnett family until its dissolution in 1967. The growth of the laundry industry prompted the company to discontinue the manufacture of wheat starch in 1916, and to devote all effort to the sale of many products used by laundries, dry cleaners, hospitals, and various industries, including the distribution of starches.

Scope and Content Note

The William Barnett and Sons Company was founded in 1780 in Philadelphia by Bartholomew Bussier and was replaced to be the first starch factory in the United States. In 1817 the firm was sold by his heirs to Thomas Barnett, who had been manager, and the company remained in the Barnett family until its dissolution in 1967. The growth of the laundry industry prompted the company to discontinue the manufacture of wheat starch in 1916, and to devote all effort to the sale of many products used by laundries, dry cleaners, hospitals, and various industries, including the distribution of starches. The collection dates from 1873-1975 and includes a history, correspondence, minutes, reports, wills, deeds, financial ledgers, invoices, tax records, trust fund records, stock records, certificates, and photographs. Most of the photographs are from the late 1920s and early 1930s and depict vacations including Folly Beach, SC, Charleston, SC (John P. Grace Memorial Bridge), Providence, RI, Willoughby Beach, VA after the 1933 hurricane among other locations. About three fourths of the collection consists of financial records. The records also include much information on the Harmony Fire Company Stock Association and on the estates of Sellers Hoffman, Hannah R. Hoffman, and Grace Hoffman Barnett, wife of William Barnett, Jr.

Provenance

The records of William Barnett and Sons Company were Deposited via Mrs. William Barnett III and Mr. Benjamin H. Barnett on 30 October 1978

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Finding Aid Citation

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "William Barnett and Sons Company Records - Accession 217". Finding Aid 286.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/286