Cod Liver Oil….and Other Products

Cod Liver Oil….and Other Products

November 4, 2024

2–3 minutes

*Post written by Mona Meyer, Archives and Special Collections Metadata Librarian.

When their mothers brought the bottle of cod liver oil and spoon out, many children probably tried to find anywhere to hide! The very concept of having one’s mother give you cod liver oil struck horror in many children in the past and indeed, might still do so today. There’s that fear of a fishy taste and possibly bad smell, plus that’s just nothing appealing about anything made from a fish’s liver. That said, we also know cod liver oil is good for us. According to WebMD, “Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for immune system function, cellular growth, eye health, and reproduction. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease blood clot formation and reduce inflammation in the body….Vitamin D deficiency is linked to bone fractures in the elderly and abnormal brain development in offspring. It may also lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, which involves the combination of high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and high cholesterol. This can contribute to coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.”

I’m certainly NOT advertising for cod liver oil here, but rather using this as a means of informing you about MSS 041, the Mead Johnson Company Collection. Mead Johnson is a pharmaceutical company that opened a plant in Evansville in 1915 and is still in business today, although its main focus is on infant nutritional products. It’s located at 2404 W. Lloyd Expressway.

**Undated aerial view of Mead Johnson. The overall footprint is a bit different in 2023, but this gives you an idea of the size and location of the plant**. MSS 041-1001, the Mead Johnson Collection

**Mead Johnson factory number one in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, Canada.** MSS 041-1013, the Mead Johnson Collection.

**Hauling in codfish traps in Newfoundland, Canada**. MSS 041-1036, the Mead Johnson Collection.

**Boat heavily laden with codfish in Newfoundland, Canada**. MSS 041-1033, the Mead Johnson Collection.

**Fat codfish in Newfoundland, Canada**. MSS 041-1031, the Mead Johnson Collection.

**Boiler used in making codfish oil in Newfoundland, Canada**. MSS 041-1011, the Mead Johnson Collection.

Mead Johnson is better known for its nutritional products, particularly for infants, so enjoy these photographs of other items within the collection and photographs of other products.