A Chemical Empire Thriving from an Ancient Ocean

Patrick Shea

An Unidentified Man Handles Calcium Chloride Flakes on Seven-Mile Road, 2 June 1922

Calcium chloride is a versatile chemical that is still widely used today for a variety of industrial purposes. In this image the contents of a 100-pound bag of Dow Calcium Chloride Flakes are being used to control dust on Seven-Mile Road in Michigan. Unpaved surfaces treated with calcium chloride remain compacted, and as the chemical penetrates the surface, it stabilizes the entire road base by minimizing frost damage, erosion, and overall wear.

Herbert H. Dow, 1897

A portrait of Dow taken the year he founded the Dow Chemical Company. Believing that his youthful appearance would not be welcomed by potential investors and customers, he wore a large handlebar mustache to appear older.