American Chemical Society honors Discovery of Baking Powder

June 12, 2006 - The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, honored the discovery and development of baking powder in a ceremony at the former Rumford Chemical Works in East Providence, Rhode Island. The Rumford Chemical Works is now designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark.

In 1856 Eben Horsford, a chemist from Harvard University, devised a mixture of baking soda and calcium acid phosphate which, when mixed with moisture, produced carbon dioxide gas. This concoction was used in the leavening of baked goods. The mixture was produced under the name of Horsford’s Yeast Powder and eventually was called Rumford Baking Powder. The discovery of baking powder made baking easier, quicker and more reliable.

Eben Horsford and George Wilson joined forces in 1854 to manufacture chemicals used industries in New England. The Company, George F. Wilson & Co., eventually moved to Seekonk, Massachusetts and, in 1859, was called the Rumford Chemical Works, named after the scientific achievements of Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, as well as the Rumford Chair which Eben Horsford occupied at Harvard, founded by a grant from Count Rumford.

The business grew from a one-room chemistry lab and manufacturing facility into a huge complex that not only contained a manufacturing facility, but also housed and served the needs of the employees. Eventually Seekonk, Massachusetts was annexed to Rhode Island and the section that contained the Rumford Chemical Works was known as Rumford, Rhode Island.

E. Ann Nalley, Ph.D., President of the American Chemical Society, presented a commemorative bronze plaque to Nancy Moore, president of the East Providence Historical Society in Rhode Island. The ceremony took place in front of the building that housed the original Rumford Chemical Works.

Over one hundred people attended the ceremony and toured the old Chemical Works buildings which are going to be renovated to house an apartment complex and retail shops. The original Chemical Works building will be moved and serve as the community center for the new Rumford Center.

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