Louis F. and John A. Latzer Papers, ca. 1880-1924 | University of Illinois Archives

Description: Papers of Louis F. Latzer (1848-1924), founder of The Helvetica Company, now Pet, Inc., and his son, John A. Latzer (1876-1952), President of Pet Milk Co., 1924-52 (B.S. 1899, M.S., 1900), including correspondence and minutes of the Advisory Committee of Dairy Department of the Agricultural Experiment Station (1906), concerning improved methods for producing, marketing, and distributing milk and other dairy products, consumer education; creation of an experimental dairy farm; and site visits to Illinois farms and mild production plants. Louis Latzer served on the Advisory Committee (1906-07) along with Jane Addams (1860-1935). The papers also include Louis Latzer's memoranda to plant managers (1919, 1923-24) concerning sound business practices, plant management, quality control, and efficiency. The papers of John A. Latzer include handwritten drafts of articles for the 1899 issue of The Illinois Agriculturist, published by University of Illinois agricultural students, and 1896 and 1899 issues of The Illini.