Skip to Main Content

Georgia Archives Month 2024: Herty Building

Georgia Archives Month is an opportunity to recognize Georgia’s rich history and to highlight the many ways historical records enrich our lives. Join us as we celebrate Special Collections at Georgia Southern University Libraries as a caretaker of history

Herty Pines dedication

This 1935 photograph of Herty (far left) shows him with a newly unveiled historical maker on the Georgia Teachers College campus. Also present is president Dr. Marvin Pittman (second from right).

The Herty System

In 1901, Herty began experimenting in Statesboro, Georgia, with an innovative method for harvesting pine resin without damaging trees.

This method, known as the “Herty system”, used metal cups to collect resin, which was then processed to make turpentine and other products used in the naval stores industry. Herty's methods focused on conservation of native pine forests to increase productivity for local industry.

After the trees used for turpentine production reached maturity, they could be harvested for lumber before the forest was replanted, starting the cycle over again.

Photograph of Charles Holmes Herty, a pioneering American chemist whose work significantly impacted the forestry and paper industries.

One of Herty's personal notebooks, recording experimental data during his time in Statesboro. The page on the right shows amounts of resin collected from pine trees: the source of turpentine.

A graph showing thermometer and hydrometer readings over the summer of 1901.

The second page of a graph showing thermometer and hydrometer readings over the summer of 1901.

Later Career

Herty became known for much more than important work within the turpentine industry, serving as President of the American Chemical Association and served as an advisor for many political and academic organizations.

Focused on American industry and scientific advancements, Herty's research and advocacy also helped establish a new pulp industry in the Southern United States, using pine trees to produce newsprint.

"Suwanee Pine" turpentine industry documentary

A documentary on the turpentine industry, titled "Suwanee Pine," highlighting the Herty system. Produced by the Georgia Agricultural Extension Service and released by the University System of Georgia.
  • Last Updated: Dec 19, 2024 1:11 PM
  • URL: https://georgiasouthern.libguides.com/archivesmonth
  • Print Page