1967 : 1980-1981 : 1982 : 1984 : 1990 : 1992 : 1993 : 1996 : 1997 : 1998

Select a year on the timeline to learn more about the growth of Shank's Extracts.

Shank's Extracts, Inc. was founded in 1899 by Mr. Jacob H. Shank, a pioneer pharmacist, who created flavorings to improve the taste of his medicines.

Shank's Extracts, Inc. primary product in the marketplace was, and is today, Shank's Compound Flavoring of Vanilla Bean.

Mr. Paris "Peppy" Rohrer, who sold mops, brushes and vanilla door-to-door throughout Lancaster for a number of years, purchased the company from Mr. Shank in 1959. One of Peppy's good customers, Mrs. Lillian Lehman, who expressed interest in the business over the years, purchased the thriving little company from Mr. Rohrer in 1967.