I am working on an article on former Montague Center, and later, Greenfield resident Benjamin Franklin Miner (often written as B. F. Miner), who wrote a book with formulas and a method he developed for extracting vanilla.
The book was promised through subscription only, and likely started selling in 1902. Miner lived in Montague Center from the late 1800's until early or mid-1900's.
He wrote a 16-page prospectus pamphlet containing endorsements from local banks and others who had worked with him and vouched for his upstanding reputation.
I am wondering if anyone from the area has that book in their family's library or keepsakes, which is likely a slim volume.
I spoke with Ed Gregory from the Montague Historical Society, and he found a chemist's letter describing the chemical break down of true vanilla, but it did not contain Miner's formula, nor was it written by Miner.
You can reply here, or care of editor@montaguereporter.org
Thank you so much for any information,
Jerri Higgins