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Soil Science Foundation Records, 1926-1990

 

Summary

Extent:
1.67 Linear Feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Soil Science Foundation Records are arranged in two series. The Corporate Records series contains materials pertaining to the incorporation of the organization (1967-68), client information in the 1970s, correspondence in the mid-1950s and early 1960s, published meeting proceedings mainly from the 1960s, and research reports created by the Foundation. The Reference Materials series contains publications and soil surveys that presumably were used at the Foundation office.

Biographical / historical:

The Soil Science Foundation was founded in 1939 in Lakeland, Florida as a "non-profit corporation organized by farm people, and [was] chartered under the statutes of the state of Florida to aid in their soil and fertilizer problems." The Foundation was originally located on the Florida Southern College campus near the site of the current Jack M. Berry Citrus Building. Emil Karst served as the Foundation's first President, Stephen Chase served as the first Vice President, and Dr. O.C. Bryan served as the first Technical Director. In May 1949, the Foundation moved locations to East Main Street in Lakeland. In 1967, the Soil Science Foundation split into two organizations: Soil Science Foundation, Inc. and Soil Science Service, Inc., the latter of which focused more on research. After the death of Dr. O.C. Bryan in January 1970, Dr. James R. Iley took over the Technical Director position at Soil Science Service, Inc. On May 27, 1970, the Foundation changed its name to Agricultural Research Center, Inc., and the Soil Science Service became Applied Agricultural Research, Inc., as the Foundation wanted to reflect the broadening of the organization's mission. By 1993, both organizations had dissolved. Throughout its existence, the Foundation operated research groves including the Short Grove (established in 1939 in Clermont, Florida) and the Duette Grove (established in 1959 in Manatee County, Florida). The Foundation also worked with individual citrus growers and their groves, especially those in Polk County.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Lakeland
FL
33801
USA