Bear Hybrid Collection

Collection

Identifier: 2-001

Scope and Contents

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This collection contains documents, records, photographs, research, and publication materials from the Bear Hybrid Company. The collection is 2 linear feet and includes historical information on the formation and business practices of Bear Hybrid Company. The collection was donated by Janice Mandernach on March 20, 2017. Two envelopes containing an assortment of materials originally marked “Records and Promotionals” were sorted into the Printed Material Series and Conferences Series. A folder originally labeled “Historical” was sorted and materials placed into the appropriate series. Financial: 1953-1959 Amylose Contract Development and Research: Data on BN Lines, 1985 were removed from their original binders. Research: Waxy Maize 1943-1958 Part I and II were originally together in one binder. Research: Waxy Maize 1959-1980/Amicorn 1958-1992 Part I and II were originally in one binder. Research: Starch Chart Analysis, 1970 remains in the order as donated. The remainder of the collection was organized with the researcher in mind.

Dates

Creation: 1917 - 1992

Creator

Horve, Tina , Graduate Intern (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Bear Hybrid Company was founded by A. Linn Bear in 1925 to produce hybrid seed corn. The first hybrid seed sale to farmers was in 1936 and totaled only 10 acres. The company operated as a sole proprietorship until 1941, when Linn and his son, Robert P. Bear, formed a partnership. This partnership continued until 1952, when Bear Hybrid was incorporated. Three major specialty products were developed by the company between 1942 and 1966: waxy-maize, amylomaize, and foundation single crosses. Between 1953 and 1966 Bear Hybrid was the only major source for waxy-seed maize in the world, which was trademarked as Tapicorn. The first amylmaize seed was sold in 1959. In 1982, Robert Bear sold the company to a group of investors. In 1985, Bear Hybrid Corn Company merged with Noble Brothers Inc. of Gibson City in order to enhance the breeding and marketing programs of both companies. The new firm, Noble Bear, Inc., functioned as a holding company for both seed companies.