Statesboro in Bulloch County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pioneer Turpentining Experiment
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 2008
1. Pioneer Turpentining Experiment Marker
Dr. Charles Holmes Herty of the University of Georgia Chemistry Department conducted experiments in this forest that revolutionized the naval stores industry in America. Inspired by conservative gum resin gathering methods in Europe, Dr. Herty devised a method using metal gutters and a cup for gathering resin from pine trees. This system was designed to replace the centuries old method of "boxing" or cutting a collection box in the living tree. Boxing had proved disastrous to southern forests. The massive cuts caused insect, fire and wind damage and destroyed valuable timber.
On July 20, 1901, Dr. Herty and his able assistant, Frank Klarpp hung a metal cup and gutters on the first tree. Herty and Klarpp kept careful records on the quantity and quality of resin collected from the cupped tress and boxed control trees and proved the cups and gutters successful. The experiment also led to the development of the clay Herty cup because of problems with metal cups used here. Dr. Herty (1867-1938) also devised the first system for manufacturing newsprint from southern pines and gave the South a tremendously successful cash crop.
Erected 1978 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 016-8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education
this page online
Location. 32° 25.689′ N, 81° 47.018′ W. Marker is in Statesboro, Georgia, in Bulloch County. Marker is on Southern Drive near Lake Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is off of Sweetheart Circle at Georgia Southern University. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Statesboro GA 30458, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Integration of Georgia Southern (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); First District Agricultural and Mechanical School (about 800 feet away); Marvin Summers Pittman (about 800 feet away); W. Jones Lane Memorial Highway (approx. 0.2 miles away); United States vs. Darby Lumber Company (approx. 0.7 miles away); Savannah & Statesboro Railway (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Bulloch County Hospital, 1937-2000 (approx. 1.2 miles away); Donehoo-Brannen-NeSmith Mansion (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Statesboro.
Also see . . . Charles Herty. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry:
An internationally recognized chemist, revolutionized the southern forestry and naval stores industry. During his years at the University
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 3, 2008
2. Pioneer Turpentining Experiment Marker with Herty Pines Nature Preserve
Additional commentary.
1. History behind the Marker
I did the research and secured state funding to pay for the Herty historical marker at Georgia Southern University. There used to be a small museum in a science building that displayed the Herty cup, a pine tree trunk showing ceep cuts used prior to the Herty cup and, possibly, an article I wrote about Herty and his turpentine experiment. All items above were donated by me. I have an album full of photos and information about the marker and the ceremony held on campus for the marker's unveiling.
Editor's Note: Thank you for offering to share historical information and pictures about getting this marker placed. Please consider adding the photos (using the Add Photo link above) to this page for others to see. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted July 19, 2012, by Maxwell Taylor Courson of Valrico, Florida, Florida.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,922 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on March 22, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
