Biography
Scope and Content
Related collection
Indexing Terms
Access
Acquisition Information
Processing Information
Preferred Citation
Publication Rights
Creator:
Cruess, W. V. (William Vere), 1886-1968
Title: William Vere Cruess Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1915-1965
Extent:
13.4 linear feet
Abstract: William Vere Cruess, a pioneer in food science and technology, spent his entire
career as a University of California, Berkeley faculty member. His research was instrumental in the
development of many practices in the field of food science including: mechanical fruit dehydration, the
use of fruits in the production of fruit juices and fruit beverages, and the use of freezing storage for
preservation of fruits and fruit products. Cruess also conducted important research on the principles of
wine making and olive processing. The William Vere Cruess Papers, which span the years 1915-1965,
contain writings, correspondence, memorabilia, and photographic materials related to his research in the
areas of food processing, food preservation, and wine making.
Physical location: Researchers should contact Special Collections to request collections, as
many are stored offsite.
Repository:
University of California, Davis. General Library. Department of
Special Collections.
Davis, California 95616-5292
Collection number: D-053
Language of Material: Collection materials in English.
Biography
William Vere Cruess was born on August 9, 1886 in San Miguel, California to William V. and Lucy M.
Withrow Cruess. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of California in 1911.
In 1931 he received a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Stanford University.
Cruess spent his entire career working at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as an Assistant
in Zymology (1911-1914), as Professor of Fruit Products (1914-1934), and as Professor of Food Technology (1934-1954).
He began his work in food technology, under the direction of Professor Bioletti at the University of
California, Berkeley, through the investigation of several principles of wine-making. His research on
wine was halted in 1918 when the Prohibition Amendment was passed, but resumed when the 18th amendment
was repealed.
During the Prohibition years, Cruess turned his research efforts to the development of fruit products.
Cruess and his colleagues established the principles and specifications which led to mechanical fruit
dehydration as a method of overcoming the losses suffered by farmers from rain damage during sun drying.
Cruess was a pioneer in the development of the use of fruits in production of fruit juices and fruit
beverages and their bases (concentrates and syrups). He was one of the first investigators in the United
States to use freezing storage for preservation of fruits and fruit products.
Cruess also conducted a great deal of research on the bacteriological and chemical aspects of olive
processing. He introduced the successful production of fermented green olives in California and
investigated production problems and the development of new and improved olive products.
William Vere Cruess passed away on March 13, 1968.
Source:
Joslyn, M.A., Mackinney, G., and Morgan, A.F. "William Vere Cruess."
In Memoriam.
[Berkeley, Calif. : Academic Senate], 1969.
Scope and Content
The William Vere Cruess Papers, which span the years 1915-1965, contain correspondence, writings, and
memorabilia, and photographic materials related to his research in the areas of food processing, food
preservation, and wine making.
Letters in the Correspondence series pertain mostly to two subjects: the publication of Cruess's book
Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Products and his 1923-1924 trip to Europe during which
he studied the olive industry in France, Spain, and Italy. The Works by Cruess series contains his
lecture notes as well as manuscripts and published versions of his writings. Manuscripts of his books:
Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Products and
The Principles and Practice of
Wine Making
are found in this series.
More than half of the collection is made up of photographic materials which focus on aspects of food
processing. Images of wine production and wineries as well as images of William Vere Cruess are also included.
Arrangement of the Collection
Arranged into seven series: 1. Correspondence 2. Works by Cruess 3. About Cruess 4. Others Works 5.
Printed Material 6. Memorabilia and 7. Photographic Materials.
Related collection
The Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley also holds the W.V. Cruess Papers (3
linear feet).
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online
public access catalog.
Cruess, W. V. (William Vere), 1886-1968--Archives.
University of California, Berkeley--Faculty--Archives
Canning and preserving
Olive--Preservation
Wine and wine making
Food--Preservation
Access
Collection is open for research.
Acquisition Information
Donated by Mrs. Marie Cruess in 1968.
Processing Information
Sara Gunasekara was assisted by Jenny Hodge in the processing of this collection.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], William Vere Cruess Papers, D-053, Department of Special Collections, General
Library, University of California, Davis.
Publication Rights
Copyright is protected by the copyright law, chapter 17, of the U.S. Code. All requests for permission to
publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections, General Library,
University of California, Davis as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or
imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.